Acne in Children

[debra]

My daughter is 9 years old, she was dx. with premature ardenache.  Which means she is not in premature puberty, however her glands are.  She gets oily hair, her sweat glands are active, she was dx. with this 2 years ago.  She has recently developed acne.  This is becoming a self esteem problem as she is only in the 3rd grade.  I myself have been treated for cystic acne a few years ago, with accutane for 6 months.  Her father also had a skin problem in his teen years.  Do you recommend accutane for females who are this young, or antibiotics or what is the recommendation.  We have tried topical Erythromycin 2% gel, with no results.  I would appreciate any advise.

[LoriAnn38]

My 7 year old daughter has had what seems like small white pimples on the cheeks of her face ever since she was a baby.  It seems to be getting worse.  I have tried baby oil with aloe vera, but this is messy and gets into the hair!  I am now trying Neutrogina facial cleanser for sensitive skin and yet I don't see any improvement.  Could you tell me why she has this skin condition, I've never seen this condition longterm on a small child or baby before her.  Is there help?

[hiscaregiver]

A related discussion, Have you research the complictions - Accutane?! was started.

[shannon]

I have a 9 month old baby. He has some kind of rash on his cheeks,this is the only place he has it. It's red and bumpy like, and doesn't seem to hurt him but it will not go away. I've tried different creams but still nothing. What can I do?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Debra:

Acne in a 9-year old (not that rare, by the way), van be treated the same as any other acne.  We start with topical therapy, such as benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics like erythromycin and clindamycin.  To these can be added Retin-A and similar medications.  Then if needed, one can move on to oral antibiotics.  I have used Accutae in young teenagers, but never in a child as young as your daughter.

I would see a dermatologist and follow through with treatment tailored to her skin type and condition.  She should do fine, and may well never need Accutane.

Best.

Dr. R