Self-Care Guidelines
If your child has a hormonal imbalance, treating it will help the acne lesions resolve.
Traditional treatments can help prevent acne. Cleanse the acne-prone areas with gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid irritants, such as rubbing and other alcohols, and abrasive scrubs and greasy products on the skin and the scalp. Products labeled "water-based" or "noncomedogenic" will help reduce clogged pores.
There are also a variety of over-the-counter medications that may help. These are meant to be preventative therapies and should be applied in a thin layer to the entire area on a regular basis. If applied consistently, you may see small improvements quickly, but results are generally seen after a few months. Children have sensitive skin and may experience very drying side effects from these medications. Use a weaker concentration of benzoyl peroxide (most effective); for oily skin, consider higher strengths. (Be careful, as it can bleach your clothing and towels.) Peeling agents (exfoliants) such as salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol, and alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and citric acid) can also help but are not recommended because of their effects on more sensitive skin.
When to Seek Medical Care
Children younger than 8 years old with moderate to severe acne should be seen by their doctor to investigate its causes, such as a hormone imbalance or a medication side effect.
If your child is aged 8 years or older and has moderate or severe acne that has not improved effectively with self-care, seek medical help.
Signs and Symptoms
