Child's Acne

My eight year old son has had about the same six or so pus filled pimples on his face for about six months.  His pediatrician (not dermatologist) informed me that it was something irritated his skin and prescribed a medicine that appears as petroleum jelly called Triamcinolone Acetonide. It seems to only temporarily shrink the pimples, and about a week later the pimples come back.  Please let me know if it's something serious. Thanks!:)

[loiloi]

Childhood acne should never be ignored. Whilst irritants could cause dermatitis or eczema, acne is caused by high levels of, or a particular sensitivity to, androgens. Androgens are male hormones which stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin. My son (age 9) has acne and we were refered to an endocrinologist for tests to rule out a premature puberty (since androgens don't normally kick in until puberty).
A dermatologist also prescribed him Differin (Adapalene 0.1% gel). This should not be used on children under 12, unless directed by a doctor.
Eloise.