It can be confusing to know what treatment is best though. Does your child need an antibiotic? Does she need more than one medicine? Which medicine is best? With all of the new ane medications available, deciding what is best for your child can be difficult.
The first step is getting your child's acne classified. Is it mild, moderate, or severe? And what type of acne does your child have? Is it comedonal acne, with just blackheads and whiteheads? Or does your child have inflammatory acne, with red papules and pustules, either with or without comedones? Or does your child have nodulocystic acne, with deeper nodules and cysts.
You may think that a zit is a zit, but each type of acne is actually treated differently.
Comedonal Acne Treatments
If your child has simple comedonal acne, with whiteheads and blackheads, and no signs of inflammation, then she might be treated with just benzoyl peroxide and/or a topical retinoid. Various formulations include:- Benzoyl Peroxide
- available as various OTC brands, including Clean & Clear Persa-Gel, Clearasil, Neutrogena, Oxy, Stridex, etc.
- and prescription brands, such as Benzac, Brevoxyl Gel and Creamy Wash, Triaz Gel, Cleanser, and Pads
- CLENZIderm M.D. gel - a solubilized form of 5% benzoyl peroxide, which is supposed to help it penetrate the skin better than other forms of benzoyl peroxide.
- Topical Retinoids
- Retin A (Tretinoin)
- Retin A Micro - may be less irritating than other medications
- Differin (Adapalene) - may be less irritating than other medications
- Tazorac (Tazarotene) - may be stronger, but also more irritating, than other medications
- Azelex(Azelaic Acid)
Inflammatory Acne Treatments
For inflammatory acne, with red papules and pustules, in addition to the above comedonal acne treatments, your child might be treated with topical and/or oral antibiotics.Various treatments for inflammatory acne include:
- Topical Antibiotics
- Clindamycin
- Erythromycin
- Benzamycin (a combination of Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin)
- Benzaclin (a combination of Benzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin)
- Duac (a combination of Benzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin)
- Epiduo gel - a combination of Differin (Adapalene) and Benzoyl Peroxide. Acanya gel - a combination of Clindamycin Phospate 1.2% and Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
- Oral Antibiotics
- Oral Contraceptives
Nodulocystic Acne Treatments
In addition to the above treatments, children with severe nodulocystic acne may require treatment with Accutane. While very effective, Accutane can cause some serious side effects, so it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your dermatologist before starting it.Other Acne Treatments
Under the care of a dermatologist, these other treatments may be available to you:- Chemical Peels
- Comedo Extraction
- Drainage and Surgical Extraction (Acne Surgery)
- Phototherapy (Laser and Light Treatments)
Acne Treatment Tips
- Don't give up on your acne medicines too soon. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to see any real improvement after starting a new acne medication and you can usually expect your child's acne to get worse before it gets better.
- If your child's acne medicines aren't working, ask your pediatrician about stepping up treatment by using a stronger form of the medicine, adding a new medication, or consider changing to something else.
- Consider asking for a gel formula of his medicine if your child has oily skin, instead of a cream or lotion, which often work better for those with dry or sensitive skin.
- Ask for a referral to a dermatologist if your child's acne isn't eventually getting under control.
Sources:
Del Rosso J.Q. Optimizing Use of Oral Antibiotics in Acne Vulgaris. Dermatologic Clinics - Volume 27, Issue 1 (January 2009).
McNamara, Damian. Acne Toolbox is so full 'The Top Won't Close.' Pediatric News. April 2009.
