How Can I Help My Child With Pre-Puberty Acne? Tips for Parents

What Is Preadolescent Acne?

Acne is usually associated with puberty. Because of this, its occurrence may be neglected by parents who believe it is just normal to have acne during puberty. However, parental support is necessary during this potentially difficult period for the preadolescent. Furthermore, statistics show that the prevalence of acne in younger children is increasing¹. How to get rid of teenage pimples or pre-puberty acne can be difficult, but it is possible with the right support and treatment.

Preadolescent acne occurs in children aged 7-12 years old. It is caused by androgen production due to increased adrenal gland activity just before puberty³.  

Pre-puberty acne may manifest through different kinds of lesions². This includes comedones, which form when a pore becomes plugged up. These lesions do not have infection or inflammation. Whiteheads are closed comedones, while blackheads are open comedones. These are commonly seen in the T-zones of the face: including the forehead, eyebrows, nose, and lips area.

On the other hand, acne may become inflamed, producing red, painful sores. Bacteria may infect these sores. These kinds of acne include pustules, papules, nodules, and cysts². 

Pustules are closer to the surface of the skin. They occur when the hair follicle becomes inflamed. Papules form when the wall of the hair follicle becomes irritated. These are set more deeply in the skin. Nodules are larger and more solid bumps set deep in the skin. Cysts are nodules which become filled with pus.

Acne can be found in parts of the body where there are more sebaceous glands, including²:

• Face
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Upper back

Effects of Puberty Acne on Self-Esteem

Adolescence is when a child starts to develop their own self-image. At this age, how to get rid of teenage pimples can be a problem. Kids with acne are more prone to humiliation, which can negatively affect them emotionally and psychologically⁴. Research has found that individuals with puberty acne have said that their skin makes them feel ugly, humiliated, or self-conscious. These sentiments can cause them to dodge attempting out for sports, getting part-time work, or taking part in a lesson⁴.

Puberty acne is related to an expanded frequency of anxiety, misery, and suicidal ideation³. Furthermore, teenagers with acne are generally less socially active, shy, and bullied. These can lead to a negative effect on the way others perceive kids with an acne condition⁴.

Treatment of Acne in Preadolescents

The treatment of preadolescent acne depends on the severity of acne and the child’s general health. Treatment for children with acne may be generally similar with the adults, with the exception of certain antibiotics³. It is important to treat acne early to prevent it from becoming more severe and develop sequeale of acne scarring that may affect their self esteem.

The following treatments may be considered²:

• Using over-the-counter facial or body cleansers, creams, and gels
• Therapies such as injections for cysts or cyst draining
• Light, laser, light, or chemical peels²
• Topical or oral prescriptions by a dermatologist

Prescribed topical medicines for acne include adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, tretinoin¹ or a combination of these. They can be in a cream, gel, lotion, or liquid form. 

Tips To Help Manage Acne in Preadolescents

Tip# 1: Maintain a clean face²

It is important to keep the face clean. Teach your child to wash their face at least twice a day to prevent oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from accumulating on the skin surface.

You may also tell them to avoid touching their face as this may transfer bacteria from their hands to their face. This may result in irritation and inflammation of skin, leading to pre-puberty acne.

Tip# 2: Choose non-comedogenic products²

Make sure that the products your child uses on their skin do not cause  more clogging of the pores. Make it a habit to read the label on the back of the product. Look for the term “non-comedogenic,” which means that a product contains ingredients that won’t clog or block the pores on the skin⁵.

Tip# 3: Eat a healthy diet

Feed your child a healthy diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. The nutrition from that food will nourish the body, reflecting on the skin. Food that is rich in vitamin C and beta carotene, or a similar teenage acne diet, also helps reduce inflammation⁶.

Importance of Parental Support During Treatment

Pre-puberty acne is a skin condition that requires the support and care of parents. If you have a child suffering preadolescent acne, you can help them by doing the following²:

• Be aware of the emotional impact having preadolescent acne may have on your child. Talk to them about how they feel about having acne and the treatment they might undergo, and express that you will support them through this. How to get rid of teenage pimples can be difficult, but the right habits and treatment can help solve the problem.
• Remind your child not to pop or prick pimples because this might bring about further irritation and scarring.
• Take the child to the dermatologist so they can receive the right medication for pre-puberty acne.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Suffering from acne? Try our acne severity screener and our acne scarring risk screener, and get connected to a dermatologist.

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Learn more about Acne here.