My daughter in only 10 and has acne. What can we do?

Question

She started at age 9 soon to be 11 and it is quite bad. She is the only one in 5th grade with a skin problem, it is so hard on her.

Kristin M. Baird, MD · Answer

Acne can affect children in this younger age group. In fact, I am treating more and more younger patients for acne. Acne is usually the blackhead/whitehead pre teen type acne in this age group, however some children can develop more severe acne which warrants more aggressive treatment. There are many treatment options available for acne in this age group. Oral therapy may be required if the acne is the inflammatory, severe type. Acne treatment is appropriate in this age group to prevent the possibility of future scarring. I would recommend consultation with a board certified dermatologist. Best wishes.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

Acne in children before the teen years does occur.  In fact, a popular topical medication used most commonly on teenagers, Epiduo, is FDA approved for children as young as 9 years old.  If your child already has acne, you should consult with a board-certified dermatologist especially if it is severe.  Acne can cause scarring.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

If your daughter has severe acne at this young of an age, it is very important she see a dermatologist asap. This needs treatment so she doesn't have severe scarring later in life. The youngest person I have ever put on Accutane was 12. But there are many options that your dermatologist can discuss with you. It's key to start treating this as soon as possible. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

My daughter in only 10 and has acne. What can we do?

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My daughter in only 10 and has acne. What can we do?

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.