Summary: Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting about 80% of all teens. While some teens will only experience mild symptoms, others may develop scarring, hyperpigmentation and negative psychosocial effects. Amanda Shepard-Hayes, MD, an Attending Pediatrician specializing in dermatology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, discusses the importance of recognizing and treating this condition; the combination of factors that cause acne including hormone level changes during puberty or when certain drugs (i.e., corticosteroids, oral birth control) are started or stopped; the different types of acne lesions, and when distribution patterns may indicate a more serious health issue; treatment goals and therapies including topical and systemic medications. In many cases, combination therapy is appropriate, which includes low-dose benzoyl peroxide to kill the bacteria and tretinoin to halt the development of new acne lesions. Recurrent acne that occurs in young children (aged 1 to 7), or in unusual places (like the groin area), should be sent for further evaluation.
