From the Guidelines
Treatment for acne in teenagers should start with topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids, and oral antibiotics like doxycycline may be prescribed for moderate acne, while oral isotretinoin is recommended for severe or scarring acne. For mild acne, topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%) or salicylic acid (0.5-2%) can be effective, applied once or twice daily to affected areas 1. Some key points to consider when treating acne in teenagers include:
- A gentle skincare routine is essential: wash the face twice daily with a mild cleanser, avoid harsh scrubbing, and use oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers.
- For moderate acne, topical retinoids like adapalene (0.1% gel) can be effective, applied thinly at night.
- If these treatments don't work after 6-8 weeks, see a dermatologist who may prescribe stronger topical medications like tretinoin or clindamycin, or oral antibiotics such as doxycycline (50-100mg daily) for 3-6 months 1.
- For severe or cystic acne, oral isotretinoin (0.5-1mg/kg/day for 4-6 months) may be recommended under close medical supervision, as it has been shown to be effective in reducing the size and secretion of sebaceous glands, decreasing surface and ductal level of sebum-dependent C. acnes, and possessing anti-inflammatory properties 1. Some additional considerations for treating acne in teenagers include:
- Hormonal treatments like birth control pills can help female teenagers with hormonally-driven acne.
- Consistency is key to success, and improvement typically takes 4-8 weeks to become noticeable.
- Teenagers should avoid picking at acne, which can cause scarring, and maintain a healthy diet and adequate sleep to support skin health.
From the FDA Drug Label
The use of isotretinoin for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne in pediatric patients ages 12 to 17 years should be given careful consideration, especially for those patients where a known metabolic or structural bone disease exists Use of isotretinoin in this age group for severe recalcitrant nodular acne is supported by evidence from a clinical study comparing 103 pediatric patients (13 to 17 years) to 197 adult patients (≥18 years) Results from this study demonstrated that isotretinoin, at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses, was equally effective in treating severe recalcitrant nodular acne in both pediatric and adult patients
Treatment options for acne in teenagers include:
Key considerations:
- Isotretinoin should be used with caution in pediatric patients due to potential effects on bone density and other adverse reactions
- Benzoyl peroxide may cause skin irritation and dryness, especially when used with other topical acne medications
From the Research
Treatment Options for Acne in Teenagers
The treatment of acne in teenagers can be approached in several ways, depending on the severity and type of acne.
- For mild acne, topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and antibacterials are generally used for inflammatory lesions, while topical retinoids are effective for noninflamed lesions 4.
- Combination therapies are useful for mixed lesions, and oral antibacterials such as tetracyclines and erythromycin may be prescribed for moderately severe acne 4, 5.
- For severe nodular acne, isotretinoin is the treatment of choice, and it has also been used to treat patients with moderate acne that has not responded to other systemic therapies 4, 6.
Considerations for Treatment
When treating acne in teenagers, it is essential to consider the potential for scarring and psychological disability, as well as the presence of other conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 5, 6.
- The choice of therapy should be based on the type of lesion and the severity of the acne, as well as the individual patient's needs and circumstances 4.
- Physical therapies, such as extractions and blue light therapy, may also be used as adjuncts to drug therapies 4.
Special Considerations for Younger Patients
While there is limited literature on acne treatment in children, it is reasonable to extrapolate findings from studies on adolescents and adults, with the exception of the use of tetracycline derivatives 7.