Clinical and Therapeutic Approach to Childhood Acne: An Update
C. Antoniou M.D., Ph.D.,
Clio Dessinioti M.D., M.Sc.,
A. J. Stratigos M.D., Ph.D.,
A. D. Katsambas M.D., Ph.D.,
C. Antoniou M.D., Ph.D.
These authors contributed equally to the work.
Search for more papers by this authorClio Dessinioti M.D., M.Sc.
These authors contributed equally to the work.
Search for more papers by this authorA. J. Stratigos M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Dermatology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Search for more papers by this authorA. D. Katsambas M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Dermatology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Search for more papers by this authorC. Antoniou M.D., Ph.D.,
Clio Dessinioti M.D., M.Sc.,
A. J. Stratigos M.D., Ph.D.,
A. D. Katsambas M.D., Ph.D.,
C. Antoniou M.D., Ph.D.
These authors contributed equally to the work.
Search for more papers by this authorClio Dessinioti M.D., M.Sc.
These authors contributed equally to the work.
Search for more papers by this authorA. J. Stratigos M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Dermatology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Search for more papers by this authorA. D. Katsambas M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Dermatology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Search for more papers by this authorAddress correspondence to Clio Dessinioti, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Dermatology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece, or e-mail: [email protected].
Abstract
Abstract: There is a limited literature reporting on acne in childhood. Childhood acne can be classified in neonatal, infantile, mid-childhood, and prepubertal acne, depending on the age of onset. In this review we will present an update on the clinical approach and therapeutic options when facing prepubertal acne in a child. The use of tetracyclines is contraindicated in children younger than 8 years, and oral isotretinoin is not recommended in children younger than 12 years of age according to the FDA and the European Commission. Nevertheless, there are case reports of 10 patients successfully treated with oral isotretinoin for recalcitrant infantile acne with scarring. Further studies are needed to investigate whether isotretinoin may improve the long-term prognosis of infantile acne, which may be associated with more severe acne in adolescence.
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