A new article published in Stat Pearls discussed thatacne vulgaris is a common dermatologic condition that is defined by the presence of comedones. Essentially benign in nature, acne vulgaris can result in permanent disfigurement and significant psychosocial sequelae. Although the condition is most prevalent among the adolescent patient population, it can and does occur at any age, including infancy.

The authors stated that outpatient management of pediatric acne can be challenging to even the most experienced clinicians, which stems from several issues. Firstly, one must actively consider an extensive list of differential diagnoses. Secondly, establishing a diagnosis of acne vulgaris in a pediatric patient can simply represent the initial step in the ultimate diagnosis of a more serious underlying condition. In addition, even a confirmed case of uncomplicated pediatric acne requires thoughtful management involving awareness of potential treatment side effects and effective engagement of the patient, as well as the caregiver.

The article further explained that pediatric acne can be subdivided into four subgroups based on the age of onset – neonatal acne, infantile acne, mid-childhood acne and preadolescent acne. Infantile acne presents anytime between 6 weeks and 12 months of age and displays a male predominance. Morphological findings often include closed and open comedones, inflamed papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. While lesions are usually distributed to the skin of the facial region, but may involve the chest and back.

In general, most patients diagnosed with infantile acne have a moderate course requiring no treatment – which resolves within 6-12 months of the initial onset. Some cases can cause scarring that could be severe enough to warrant the initiation of medication. However, children with infantile acne are at higher risk of developing severe acne during adolescence.

Source: In: StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 Jul 15. PMID: 31082168.