Tailoring Acne Care in Pediatrics

Pediatric acne is a widespread, multifactorial inflammatory skin disorder with diverse presentations depending on age, severity, and pubertal status. The Faces of Pediatric Acne Project (FoPAP) developed a practical algorithm designed to enhance treatment outcomes by categorizing acne into five age groups: neonatal, infantile, mid-childhood, preadolescent, and adolescent.

The algorithm emphasizes:

• Initial steps: Education, prevention measures, treatment initiation, maintenance therapy, and proper skincare.
• Assessment: Directed medical history, physical examination, and—for mid-childhood cases—potential endocrine evaluation with referral when necessary.
• Treatment approach: Tailored prescription and nonprescription therapies based on acne type and severity, supplemented with skincare using gentle cleansers and ceramide-based moisturizers.
• Maintenance: Essential to prevent relapses and manage post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and scarring.

While pediatric and adult acne share similar pathophysiological mechanisms, management strategies must be adapted to the child’s developmental stage and therapy safety profiles.

This comprehensive algorithm aims to support clinicians in early intervention and maintenance care, ultimately improving the physical and psychosocial outcomes for pediatric acne patients.

Source:   J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(6):539-545. doi:10.36849/JDD.7440