Acne in children and preteens

Childhood acne

Childhood acne is uncommon and is not considered a usual finding. It should be distinguished from preteen acne in children aged 8–12, which is common, resembles ordinary adolescent acne and is considered part of normal development.

Definitions

Childhood is the period between infancy and adolescence, during which acne is very uncommon. Infancy is commonly described as the first 12, 18 or 24 months of life. Adolescence is the transition from childhood to adulthood, involving physical, intellectual and emotional changes. Its starting age and duration vary among individuals, cultures and historical periods, and the starting age has tended to decrease. For acne, the category of preteen acne refers here to ages 8–12. Childhood acne therefore refers here to acne between ages 1 and 8.

Causes and assessment

Acne is rare during childhood because sebaceous glands are not yet fully active. Sex hormones stimulate these glands as puberty approaches, and acne begins to appear. Childhood acne looks clinically similar to adolescent acne, but its appearance at this age warrants investigation. It may be associated with abnormally early puberty caused by another condition, such as an endocrine disorder or a hormone-producing tumor.

Other acne triggers may also contribute. Medication-related acne is a relevant possibility, so the physician should ask parents about medicines the child has received. Childhood acne needs assessment of the cause and may require referral to an appropriate specialist.