Patient and parent education
All patients and parents are to receive education on their child’s condition, prevention, treatment, and acne maintenance. In addition, hand out a treatment and skincare plan during the visit and provide information about trusted websites for additional information (2). Children with acne and their parents may hold common misconceptions about acne that need tackling before treatment begins, such as poor hygiene. Moreover, vigorous washing may irritate the skin, enhancing inflammation exacerbating acne.5,6 Education of patients and parents on realistic treatment outcomes may support treatment adherence. They may expect a slight improvement in the first month, but about 20% improvement per month after that. After successfully controlling the disease, maintenance treatment with topical agents is essential.5,6
Pediatric acne treatment
Treatment of uncomplicated preadolescent acne is similar to acne in older age groups.5,6 Treatment recommendations for mild pediatric acne may start with topical BPO or a low strength topical retinoid.5,6 Moderate acne treatment comprises topical fixed combination therapy such as BPO plus antibiotic or a retinoid plus BPO.5,6 A further option may be an oral antibiotic combined with topical retinoid plus BPO, which may also be suitable for severe cases.5,6 The advisors noted that most of the acne prescription treatments in children younger than 12 years of age are considered off-label.5,6,14 Prescription acne treatment options were summarized (Table 1).
Available nonprescription products for monotherapy of mild pediatric acne or as an adjunct to prescription treatment are
