A recent study published inthe International Journal of Women’s Dermatology aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of prepubertal acne and to identify factors influencing acne severity and poor response to treatment.

This was a retrospective study that was carried out on 683 patients with acne who visited the dermatology department of Nantes University hospital from 2014 to 2018. The study included cases of prepubertal acne (in 7-12-year-olds).

The findings showed that 3.5% of the participants had prepubertal acne—which was more common in females. Severe acne was the commonest form while mild and moderate forms accounted for 25% of the cases. The phylotype IA1 of Cutibacterium acnes – belonging to CC18 subgroup, showed high predominance. Overall, three lifestyle and acne features were identified as contributing factors to an increased risk of poor response or resistance to acne treatment. The most strongly associated parameter was severe acne grading (grade 4), followed by regular milk consumption and taking other medications along with acne treatment.

It was concluded that adequate and prompt treatment is needed in patients at high risk of treatment failure or relapse to minimize the disease burden and prevent subsequent disease worsening.

Source: International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021 Sep; 7(4): 482-485.doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.03.010