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Types of Pediatric Acne

Pediatric acne, or prepubertal acne, is acne that affects children at different stages of life. The American Acne and Rosacea Society categorize acne in children into four different groups.

Neonatal Acne

Neonatal acne affects children up to 6 weeks of age – it also affects about 20% of newborns. It’s more likely to affect boys and presents as whiteheads and blackheads in areas like the scalp, upper chest, back, and face.

Infantile Acne

Infantile acne occurs in children up to 16 months old. It typically occurs in the cheeks and can result in scarring with lesions such as comedones, nodules, papules, and pustules. It affects boys more than girls and can even persist until puberty.

Mid-Childhood Acne

This occurs in children from 1-6 years of age but is extremely rare. In many cases, it can have causes tied to hormones and can require the expertise of an endocrinologist.

Preadolescent Acne

Preadolescent acne occurs in children aged 7-12 years and usually signifies a transition into puberty. It most often presents in the “T” zone, or the areas in the center of the face where pores are most active.

How is Pediatric Acne Treated?

Pediatric acne is generally treated the same as an adult or teenage acne, although your board-certified dermatologist will take into account your child’s age and skincare needs. Medications like benzoyl peroxide can be effective when paired with good skincare habits like washing regularly and moisturizing. Stronger medications like topical retinoids can sometimes be prescribed depending on the severity.

Schedule an Appointment

Helping your child achieve clear, healthy skin requires the expertise of a board-certified dermatologist. To meet with our team, we invite you to contact Trillium Creek Dermatology at our Ohio-area locations by calling or filling out our online form. We are serving the following communities and those surrounding: Wooster, Wadsworth, Medina, Brunswick, Strongsville, and Hinkley.