Overview
Acne in children
Classification of Acne in Children
Acne in children has been classified into different age groups by the American Acne and Rosacea Society. These classifications include neonatal acne, infantile acne, mid-childhood acne, and preadolescent acne.
- Neonatal Acne: Occurs from birth to 6 weeks of age, affecting about 20% of newborns. It presents as comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) on the scalp, upper chest, and back, along with inflammatory lesions (erythematous papules and pustules) on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. Neonatal acne rarely results in scarring and affects boys more than girls at a ratio of 5:1.
- Infantile Acne: Appears between 6 weeks to 1 year of age and is less common. It presents with comedones, papules, pustules, and occasional nodules, primarily affecting the cheeks. In rare cases, it may persist until puberty but is not linked to endocrine abnormalities. It affects boys more than girls at a ratio of 3:1.
- Mid-childhood Acne: Very rare, occurring in children aged 1–6 years. An endocrinologist should be consulted to exclude possible hyperandrogenism if acne appears in this age group.
- Preadolescent Acne: Commonly seen in children aged 7–12 years (or up to menarche in females). Acne can be the first sign of puberty and typically presents as comedones in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
What is Acne?
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the structures around the base of each hair, while sebaceous glands release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles, which helps to moisten the skin and hair. Acne occurs when these pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil, often involving bacteria that normally live on the skin.
