Tips For Preteen Acne

Most of us remember the problem caused by acne when we were teenagers, which can be anywhere from a minor annoyance to (more rarely) a major medical problem. Many parents, however, are surprised at how young acne starts now in their children. Make no mistake: Preteen acne is occurring earlier and no one is absolutely sure why.

Acne is a hormonal disease. It occurs in response to changes in the oil glands of the face and body that occur before and during puberty. Many parents are surprised to know that puberty is occurring earlier to children these days, especially for girls who often develop acne early as young as 8 or 9 years old.

There are many theories on why children are entering puberty (and getting acne) before. Antibiotics and hormones used in cows that produce meat and milk are a common concern. Organic meat and non-hormone-grown milk may or may not reduce exposure to these growth hormones. Pesticides used in vegetables and fruits are also a potential source, as are certain plastics that can mimic estrogen in the body. None of these theories is confirmed as the cause of previous puberty and may be some other environmental factor that we have not discovered.

The reaction of a child (and parents) to this early acne can vary considerably. Sometimes the child does not even notice it and is more annoying to their parents than to the child. Some children are very annoyed by it and, like all acne, can make their social and school life more difficult. Helping your child understand what is happening can help lessen the stress associated with early puberty and acne, as can a successful treatment. It can also be emotionally difficult for parents, who see it as a sign their child is growing in the early stages of adulthood.

Most children first experience comedonal acne, which is pimples and whiteheads on the nose and central cheeks. They often do not bother them at first. Aggressive washing and scrubbing does not help much and can lead to irritation and more redness. Over the counter salicylic acid wash can be useful if used with care, otherwise consult your dermatologist for one of several modern versions of Retin-A, which are particularly good for this type of acne. These medications can dry the skin if it is overused, so be sure to ask your doctor the correct amount and schedule to apply.

As children reach full puberty, acne often worsens around the age of 14-18 with more red shins and sometimes deep and painful nodules. This type of acne can be more serious and leave permanent scars, so see our skin specialist in Pune immediately if it develops for a more aggressive treatment.