Treating Childhood Acne

No longer a condition exclusive to teenagers and adults, acne now starts as early as the age of six for some children. Even more troubling is that parents are hauling children off to a dermatologist to find an advanced treatment for this very manageable condition.

Though doctors have not reached consensus on why younger and younger children are experiencing outbreaks, they are suggesting that the early production of sex hormones may be to blame. Children as young as nine and ten are beginning puberty in the Western world. Even a couple of years before puberty starts, the body begins to generate hormones, which can lead to acne.

Is a Dermatologist the Right Choice? 

While most doctors are going to make good decisions and recommendations for children, some will resort to treatments typically reserved for older adolescents and adults. The results can be disastrous for children.

In addition, office visits are expensive. For less than the price of one visit to a doctor, parents could actually buy 3-6 months worth of acne and acne scar removal treatments for their child. In addition, most cases of childhood acne are not severe enough to warrant prescription treatments.

Some doctors may also be overzealous in their treatments and prescribe things like antibiotics, overly powerful topicals, or even prescriptions that contain the compound Isotretinoin – aka Accutane. Antibiotics are detrimental to tooth development, while isotretinoin has been shown to close off growth plates in the bones. When you are talking about a growing child, both of these treatments are frightening prospects.

What About Scarring?

Because children are growing and rapidly regenerating skin cells, most acne scars fade at a rate that adults find enviable. However, a gentle acne scar removal treatment that includes alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy compounds can help speed healing, especially when the child causes scarring by picking pimples.

Non-prescription Options for Children

Unless the acne is incredibly severe, there is little reason for a child to visit a dermatologist. What may be a better idea is to teach the child how to take care of his or her skin. This can include a regular face washing routine and regular application of topical treatments such as the Zenmed Derma Cleanse System.

For acne scar removal treatments, look for treatments that are gentle and work to enhance the body’s natural process of healing scars. Zenmed also makes a wonderful acne scar removal treatment that works for sensitive skin, regardless of age.