Acne in Children
According to "Acne Talks," infants and children under age 6 can get a form of acne called infantile acne. New parents are often shocked to see red bumps that look like acne on the newborn called baby acne. Children in the pre-teen years (ages 9 to 12) can start to experience acne as the body prepares for puberty.
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Types
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Acne present in the newborn baby looks like little red bumps and usually disappear during the first months of life. Infantile acne appears on the chin, cheeks and forehead and is more common in boys. Preteen acne is caused by hormones and over-production of oil on the skin and can continue through the teen and adult years.
Features
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Acne in children can occur as a result of exposure to sun, or friction from hats, caps or school bag straps according to "Acne Talks." Acne can also be caused in newborns and pre-teens by hormonal fluctuations. Older children can experience acne as a result of dirt and excessive oil on the skin.
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Treatments
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Baby acne does not require treatment other than normal skin care. Should the baby acne worsen, a dermatologist can recommend over the counter products or give a prescription according to babyfirstyear.org "How to Cure Baby Acne." Acne in children and preteens can be reduced by following proper skincare. Over the counter medications should be used sparingly and only with a dermatologist recommendation. Treatments according to AcneNet vary depending on whether the acne is mild, moderate or severe. Prescriptions are available for hard to clear acne.
Significance
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Acne for infants, pre-teens, teens and adults is common due to hormones but acne in children is uncommon and requires investigation by medical professionals. Acne at this stage of life may be caused by endocrine disorder, hormone-producing tumor or a result of drug-induced acne according to Acne-Control.Org.UK website.
Warning
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Age does matter when it comes to acne. Infants and anyone pre-teen or older can experience acne as a result of common situations but children younger than 8 and out of infancy may be experiencing serious causes for acne that require medical investigation and treatment. Ignoring acne in children can worsen any underlying medical condition.
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