My Child Seems Too Young to Have Acne: Can You Help?

Most parents are prepared for acne once their child nears or enters the teen years. But what if your child starts breaking out before they are a teen — or even preteen? Should you be worried? In most cases, the answer is no.

As a leading pediatric practice, One World Pediatrics helps kids and teens of all ages manage their acne, reducing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional impact. Here, our team reviews some reasons why very young kids break out and what to do when it happens.

Early acne: Why it happens

Acne breakouts typically coincide with the hormonal shifts associated with puberty. For some kids, those shifts can begin early — even as young as eight or nine. 

In fact, the very early stages of puberty actually begin during childhood when the adrenal glands start producing DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a “prohormone” that acts like a “building block” for male and female sex hormones, primarily estrogen and testosterone. This shift is called adrenarche, and it’s when you might notice early signs of puberty, like pubic hair growth, underarm hair growth, or body odor.

These hormonal shifts also cause changes in your child’s skin, most notably an increase in oil production. Excess oil is a key factor in acne, clogging pores and creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria can thrive.

Also called preadolescent acne or prepubertal acne, early childhood acne tends to be more common in kids with a family history of the disease. Like acne that happens during the teen years, it benefits from early, active treatment.

Prompt and consistent treatment: The key to results

Acne at any time of life responds best to a custom treatment plan initiated as early as possible and maintained as long as breakouts — or the risk of breakouts — continue. For young kids whose skin is especially sensitive, it’s imperative to seek treatment right away.

Early treatment can help reduce active breakouts while lowering the risk of acne scars and skin discoloration. Just as importantly, active care tuned to your child’s needs can lessen the emotional impact of acne, a major concern for anyone dealing with breakouts and the scars they can leave behind. 

Like teen acne, early acne treatment usually includes medical therapies, like topical or oral medications, combined with at-home care using gentle cleansers and good hygiene habits. Because acne affects every child differently, our team develops each treatment plan on a case-by-case basis for the best results. Regular checkups ensure your child’s plans remain as effective as possible as they approach and enter the teen years.

Other causes

While prepubertal acne is usually linked with normal hormonal changes, other factors can cause it. Some early acne is triggered by reactions to certain body or haircare products, certain medications, or even hormonal disorders. Scheduling an evaluation is essential for ruling out these and similar issues and making sure your child receives the most appropriate care.

Custom care for your child’s skin

Acne in a young child can be unexpected, but in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. The key is scheduling an evaluation right away so we can prescribe treatment before the problem gets worse. 

To schedule a skin checkup for your child, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood and Apopka, Florida, today.