Acne affecting younger kids due to early onset of puberty

A group of leading US dermatologists have released new guidelines on treating acne following a rise in cases among children as a result of early puberty.

The earlier onset of puberty is often linked to childhood obesity and could mean salons will be approached by the parents of ever younger teens and children seeking help to treat their acne.

A group of US dermatologists , led by Dr Andrea L. Zaenglein, have developed new recommendations for treating acne in children of all age groups, which have been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The dermatologists advise that acne in pre-adolescents (defined as 7- to 12-year-olds) is not typically severe and usually includes comedones on the forehead, nose and chin and that larger, inflammatory lesions are uncommon in this age group. 

Zaenglein said that dermatologists may offer topical therapy consisting of a combination of benzoyl peroxide, an antibiotic and/or a retinoid and added that more frequent monitoring by the dermatologist is needed throughout puberty for signs that acne may be worsening, because early onset of comedonal acne can be a predictor of more severe acne in teens or adults.