“Kids are having longer pathways through puberty,” said Andrea Zaenglein, MD, a professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the Penn State/Hershey Medical Center and co-author of the guidelines. “It used to be predictable when kids got acne, but now it tends to wax and wane because their hormones still aren’t set.” According to the guidelines, which were published in the May issue of Pediatrics, 12 years of age is no longer seen as the lower end of the age range for developing acne. “It’s not uncommon for 8- to 12-year-olds to be walking around with it,” said Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, a pediatric and adolescent dermatologist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, who also co-authored the new recommendations. “Parents should recognize that most of the time it can be wiped out, [but] with kids we try to figure out the least amount of medication needed to do it,” said Dr. Eichenfield. RELATED: Best Acne Treatments for Teens Acne in grade-school kids will typically show up in the “T-zone” of the face: the nose, chin, and forehead. Comedones, clogged pores known as blackheads and whiteheads, are the most common type of acne and often easily treated with over-the-counter skincare products or prescription medications. More serious cases of acne may present bright red pustules that can cause scarring. “When it’s severe, it’s likely to have an impact on self-perception and can lead to stress and even depression,” said Dr. Eichenfield. Studies suggest that adolescents with severe acne are more likely to have mental health problems. Dermatologists typically recommend first treating acne with over-the-counter washes and creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Zaenglein advises patients use these products for at least three weeks. For stubborn or more serious cases, doctors often prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. These medications can be very effective and sometimes prescribed along with topical retinoids or vitamin A derivatives to help unclog pores. These medications are often prescribed “off-label,” since most acne drugs have only been tested on patients 12 and older. Some antibiotics such as tetracycline should not be prescribed to younger kids because they can stain developing teeth. As Zaenglein points out, children who develop acne very young may have to deal with the condition for some time. “If you start getting moderate to severe acne when you’re 8 or 10, you’re likely in it for the long haul,” she said. RELATED: Best Face Washes For Acne If your child shows signs of early acne, here are some tips to help them cope:
Teach your kids to wash their face every day, to keep pores clear and less likely to get clogged. “Establishing good habits early and getting them to wash their face regularly is key,” said Zaenglein. “Hygiene is typically not at the top of an 8-year-old’s priority list, so you’ll need to help them with that.”Don’t ignore acne. “There’s no reason for someone to be walking around with significant acne these days, especially if it’s distressing for the child,” said Eichenfield.Tell your kids not to pick or pop pimples. It can lead to scarring and delay the skin’s healing. Applying a warm compress can help release the oils from clogged pores.
“It can be tough for kids to be the first one in the crowd to get acne,” said Zaenglein. “At that age they usually try and ignore it and hope it’ll go away on its own, but it’s important to address it.” RELATED: Best Natural Remedies to Add to Your Anti-Acne Skincare Routine
