Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions in children and adolescents. The presentation, differential diagnosis, and association of acne with systemic pathology differs by age of presentation. Current acknowledged guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric acne are lacking, and there are variations in management across the spectrum of primary and specialty care. The American Acne and Rosacea Society convened a panel of pediatric dermatologists, pediatricians, and dermatologists with expertise in acne to develop recommendations for the management of pediatric acne and evidence-based treatment algorithms.
METHODS: Ten major topic areas in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne were identified. A thorough literature search was performed and articles identified, reviewed, and assessed for evidence grading. Each topic area was assigned to 2 expert reviewers who developed and presented summaries and recommendations for critique and editing. Furthermore, the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy, including ratings for the strength of recommendation for a body of evidence, was used throughout for the consensus recommendations for the evaluation and management of pediatric acne. Practical evidence-based treatment algorithms also were developed.
RESULTS: Recommendations were put forth regarding the classification, diagnosis, evaluation, and management of pediatric acne, based on age and pubertal status. Treatment considerations include the use of over-the-counter products, topical benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, and isotretinoin. Simplified treatment algorithms and recommendations are presented in detail for adolescent, preadolescent, infantile, and neonatal acne. Other considerations, including psychosocial effects of acne, adherence to treatment regimens, and the role of diet and acne, also are discussed.
CONCLUSIONS: These expert recommendations by the American Acne and Rosacea Society as reviewed and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics constitute the first detailed, evidence-based clinical guidelines for the management of pediatric acne including issues of special concern when treating pediatric patients.
- pediatric acne
- acne treatment
- combination acne therapy
- retinoids
- benzoyl peroxide
- bacterial resistance
- isotretinoin
- hormonal therapy
- acne guidelines
- acne algorithm
- neonatal acne
- infantile acne
- mid-childhood acne
- preadolescent acne
- American Acne and Rosacea Society
- AARS
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions in children and adolescents. Although often considered a disease of teenagers, in whom the prevalence is reported to be from 70% to 87%,1 12 years of age is no longer considered the lower end of the age range for acne onset.2 A study by Lucky et al3 revealed acne lesions in 78% of 365 girls ages 9 to 10. In addition, acne and other acneiform (acnelike) conditions occur at different ages, including neonates, infants, and young children, and may be associated with differential diagnoses or systemic pathology that differs from teenagers.
There are issues of special concern in treatment of preadolescents with acne. The majority of clinical trials for acne medications are conducted in patients 12 years of age or older. As a result, there is little published evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of many acne medications in pediatric patients. Furthermore, the treatment of acne often involves use of several medications that target either different types of acne lesions, different factors involved in the pathogenesis of acne, or different degrees of acne severity. Potential interactions between medications can add another layer of complexity to the management of acne in pediatric patients, as can concerns about systemic side effects and impact of medications on growth and development. The psychosocial impact of acne can be significant, as can issues of adherence to treatment regimens.
Currently, detailed, acknowledged guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acne in pediatric patients are lacking. Recognizing the need to address special issues regarding the diagnosis and treatment of acne in children of various ages, a panel of experts consisting of pediatric dermatologists, pediatricians, and dermatologists with expertise in acne was convened under the auspices of the American Acne and Rosacea Society, a nonprofit organization promoting research, education, and improved care of patients with acne and rosacea. The expert panel was charged with developing recommendations for the management of pediatric acne and evidence-based treatment algorithms. A member of the expert panel served as liaison to the American Academy of Pediatrics and as part of the recommendation writing group.
Methods
The expert panel identified special issues in the diagnosis and treatment of acne and acneiform conditions in pediatric patients across various ages. Ten major topic areas were specified by the panel (Table 1). A thorough English-language literature search was performed for each topic area, and identified articles were reviewed utilizing a patient-centered approach to grading evidence available to the expert panel.4 Relevant clinical trial registries and data filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were included in the data review.
Topic Areas Researched and Discussed by Expert Panel
Each topic area was assigned to 2 expert reviewers, who developed and presented an in-depth summary and recommendations for further critique and editing. The Strength of Recommendation (SOR) Taxonomy ratings for the recommendation for a body of evidence is noted throughout the article.4 This taxonomy addresses the quality, quantity, and consistency of evidence and allows authors to rate individual studies or bodies of evidence. The taxonomy emphasizes the use of patient-oriented outcomes that measure changes in morbidity or mortality. The authors reviewed the bodies of evidence for each of the recommendations and assigned one of the following SOR: an A-level recommendation is based on consistent and good-quality patient-oriented evidence; a B-level recommendation is based on inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence; and a C-level recommendation is based on consensus, usual practice, opinion, disease-oriented evidence, or case series for studies of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or screening. This article summarizes the resultant consensus recommendations for the evaluation and diagnosis of pediatric acne, as well as a series of treatment algorithms to assist health care practitioners in the management and treatment of acne in pediatric patients.
Categorization and Differential Diagnosis of Pediatric Acne
Both age and form of presentation are relevant to the diagnosis of pediatric acne. Although there is some overlap in age and presentation of acneiform conditions, the consensus of the panel regarding relevant age categories is presented in Table 2. These ranges are approximate. In girls, age of onset of menarche may be a better delineating point between preadolescence and adolescence. In general, acne is uncomplicated by systemic disease, but in some cases it may be a cutaneous manifestation of underlying pathology. It is essential to have a broad understanding of acne at different ages and to be aware of the differential diagnoses for each age group. Table 3 presents a differential diagnosis for acne in each age group.5–7 Workup is based on age and physical findings.6 The physical examination should focus on type and distribution of acne lesions, height, weight, growth curve, and possible blood pressure abnormalities. Signs of precocious sexual maturation or virilization should prompt workup and/or a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist.8
Expert Panel Consensus: Pediatric Acne Categorized by Age
Differential Diagnosis of Acne in Younger Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Consensus Recommendation:
Acneiform eruptions from the neonatal period through adolescence may be broadly categorized by age and pubertal status.
Neonatal Acne
Neonatal acne is estimated to affect up to 20% of newborns.9 The major controversy in this age group is whether the lesions truly represent acne or one of a number of heterogeneous papulopustular acneiform conditions typically without comedones, such as neonatal cephalic pustulosis (NCP) or transient neonatal pustular melanosis. Although rare, some neonates may present with androgen-driven comedonal and inflammatory acne.8,10 NCP pustules are usually confined to the cheeks, chin, eyelids, and forehead, but the scalp, neck, and upper chest and back may be involved.8 Its pathogenesis may involve colonization with Malassezia species, a normal commensal of infant skin, or may represent an inflammatory reaction to a yeast overgrowth at birth.8,10 NCP is typically mild and self-limited, and reassuring the parents is usually the only management needed. If lesions are numerous, 2% ketoconazole cream may reduce fungal colonization.11 Newborns also may present with or develop transient neonatal pustular melanosis, with pustules on the chin, neck, or trunk. Within 24 hours, these pustules rupture, leaving hyperpigmented macules with a rim of faint white scale.10
Consensus Recommendation:
Neonates may have true acne, although many self-limited papulopustular eruptions also occur on the faces of neonates. In infants and younger children (<7 years of age) with significant acne vulgaris, evaluation for signs of sexual precocity, virilization, and/or growth abnormalities that may indicate an underlying systemic abnormality (endocrinologic diseases, tumors, gonadal/ovarian pathology) and appropriate workup and/or referral to a pediatric endocrinologist may be warranted. (SOR: C).
Infantile Acne
Infantile acne may begin at ∼6 weeks of age and last for 6 to 12 months or, rarely, for years. It is more common in boys and presents with comedones as well as inflammatory lesions, which can include papules, pustules, or occasionally nodular lesions. Physical examination should include assessment of growth including height, weight, and growth curve; testicular growth and breast development; presence of hirsutism or pubic hair; clitoromegaly; and increased muscle mass.12 Should workup for a hormonal anomaly be considered, a pediatric endocrinology referral and/or bone age and serologic evaluation of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels are recommended. No further workup is necessary for the majority of cases in the absence of hormonal abnormalities. It is also important to distinguish true infantile acne from other similar cutaneous lesions, because there is some evidence that infantile acne predisposes to more severe adolescent acne.13 Infantile acne may be treated with topical antimicrobial agents; topical retinoids; noncycline antibiotics, such as erythromycin; and, occasionally, isotretinoin, though all are without FDA indication for use in this age group.
Consensus Recommendation:
Most infantile acne is self-limited and not associated with underlying endocrine pathology. However, in patients with additional physical signs of hormonal abnormality, a more extensive workup and/or referral to a pediatric endocrinologist may be appropriate. (SOR: C).
Mid-Childhood Acne
Mid-childhood acne presents primarily on the face with a mixture of comedones and inflammatory lesions.10 Children between the ages of 1 and 7 years, however, do not normally produce significant levels of adrenal or gonadal androgens; hence, acne in this age group is rare. When it does occur, an endocrine abnormality should be suspected. A workup by a pediatric endocrinologist is usually warranted to rule out adrenal or gonadal/ovarian pathology including the presence of androgen-secreting tumors. Increased bone age and accelerated growth, as evidenced by deviation from standardized age-appropriate growth curves, are important indicators of the effects of excess androgens. In addition to treatments to address androgen-secreting tumors or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the treatment of mid-childhood acne is similar to that of adolescent acne except that oral tetracyclines are usually not an option in children younger than 8 years of age because of the risk of damage to developing bones and tooth enamel. Hormonal therapy could be used if warranted by endocrinologic pathology.8
Consensus Recommendation:
Mid-childhood acne is very uncommon and should warrant an endocrinologic workup for causes of hyperandrogenism. (SOR: C).
Preadolescent Acne
It is not uncommon for acne vulgaris to occur in preadolescents, as a result of normal adrenarche and testicular/ovarian maturation. Acne may be the first sign of pubertal maturation.8 In fact, with the trend toward earlier age of onset of adrenarche and menarche, there appears to be a downward shift in the age at which acne first appears. Preadolescent acne is characterized by a predominance of comedones on the forehead and central face (the so-called “T-zone”) with relatively few inflammatory lesions.10 Early presentation may include comedones of the ear.
History and physical examination are the most important parts of the assessment in this age group. Further workup is generally unnecessary unless there are signs of excess androgens.7 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or another endocrinologic abnormality may be considered when the acne is unusually severe, accompanied by signs of excess androgens, or is unresponsive to treatment.14 Pelvic ultrasound is not considered useful for diagnosis of PCOS because it is nonspecific.
Treatment of uncomplicated preadolescent acne is comparable to that of acne in older age groups, as discussed later. It is important in this age group to elicit the patient’s level of concern regarding his or her acne, which may not always be concordant with parental concern.
Consensus Recommendation:
Preadolescent (7–12 years) acne is common and may precede other signs of pubertal maturation. Workup beyond history and physical is generally unnecessary unless there are signs of androgen excess, PCOS, or other systemic abnormalities. (SOR: B).
Pediatric Acne Classification and Severity Assessment
In general, treatment of pediatric acne vulgaris is similar to acne treatment in older adolescents and adults and is based on acne pathophysiology. The pathogenesis of acne involves the interplay of 4 factors: sebaceous hyperplasia under the influence of increased androgen levels, alterations in follicular growth and differentiation, colonization of the follicle by Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes), and consequent immune response and inflammation.15
A useful clinical categorization of acne is based on predominate morphology: comedonal with closed and open comedones (“whiteheads” and “blackheads”); inflammatory, with erythematous papules, nodules, or cystlike nodular lesions; or mixed, where both types of lesions are present. The microcomedo is the not-clinically-apparent precursor of both comedonal and inflammatory lesions. It is a product of hyperactive sebaceous glands and altered follicular growth and differentiation. Reduction in existing microcomedones and prevention of the formation of new ones is central to the management of all acne lesions.16
Comedones form as a result of increased cell division and cohesiveness of cells lining the follicular lumen. When these cells accumulate abnormally, mix with sebum, and partially obstruct the follicular opening, they form a closed comedo (whitehead). If the follicular opening is larger, the keratin buildup is more visible and can darken to form an open comedo (blackhead). Follicular colonization with P acnes leads to inflammation via the production of inflammatory mediators and the formation of inflammatory papules and pustules. Nodular acne is characterized by a predominance of large inflammatory nodules or pseudocysts and is often accompanied by scarring or the presence of sinus tracts when adjacent nodules coalesce.
Acne severity may be classified clinically as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number and type of lesions and the amount of skin involved. Although there are numerous grading systems by which to define acne severity, there is no agreed-upon standard, and interpretation is subjective. Many grading systems are most useful for research purposes. For clinical purposes, simplicity is key. Typically, patients’ assessments do not correlate well with either those of physicians or published severity scales.17 The panel noted that severity scales frequently overemphasize inflammatory lesions. For example, in some research settings, a patient might be classified as having mild acne because he or she has only a few inflammatory lesions in the presence of hundreds of closed comedones. In such cases, the patient (and the physician) is more likely to consider his or her acne to be severe. Determination of severity can be modified by extent of involvement and scarring as well.
Although some acne may resolve without residual changes, inflammatory acne may result in the formation of significant scars. In darker skin, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is common. Residual erythema can occur as well. These changes are most often reversible but can take many months to fully resolve. Recognizing these as secondary changes is important when determining the efficacy of treatment as patients may not recognize the improvement or think they have scarring. Effective and early treatment is essential to prevent scarring as well as postinflammatory changes and to limit the long-term physical and psychological impact of acne.
It has been repeatedly demonstrated that acne can have a significant adverse impact on quality of life, and that the level of distress may not correlate directly with acne severity.18,19 In 1 study, assessments using several quality of life instruments revealed deficits for acne patients who did not correlate with clinical assessments of severity.20 Reported social, psychological, and emotional symptoms were as severe as those reported by individuals with chronic medical conditions such as chronic asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, and back pain or arthritis. Adolescents, in particular, may be insecure about their appearance and vulnerable to peer opinions. Because social functioning and quality-of-life decrements may not correlate with disease severity, even mild acne may be more troubling to young patients than they are willing to admit.21
Consensus Recommendation:
Acne can be categorized as predominately comedonal, inflammatory, and/or mixed. Presence or absence of scarring, PIH, or erythema should be assessed. Severity may be broadly categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. (SOR: A).
Approach to Pediatric Acne Therapy
The therapeutic objectives in acne are to treat as many age-appropriate pathogenic factors as possible by reducing sebum production, preventing the formation of microcomedones, suppressing P acnes, and reducing inflammation to prevent scarring.
Although no single acne treatment, apart from isotretinoin, addresses all 4 pathogenic factors, it is now clear that many of the medications traditionally used to treat acne actually act by more than 1 mechanism. In addition to targeting the largest number of pathogenic factors, the approach to pediatric acne should be to use the least aggressive regimen that is effective while avoiding regimens that encourage the development of bacterial resistance. Educating a patient (and parents) about reasonable expectations of results and discussing management of treatment-related side effects can maximize both compliance and efficacy.
Numerous medications are available to treat acne. Design of an effective regimen is facilitated by an increased understanding of the mechanisms of action, the side effect profile, and the indications and contraindications of key antiacne agents discussed later.
Over-the-Counter Treatment Options
Nationwide television commercials and magazine ads abound with over-the-counter (OTC) products. Although largely untested in controlled clinical trials, many of these products are considered somewhat effective, particularly for patients with mild acne. Those which have been tested include salicylic acid-containing topical products and many benzoyl peroxide (BP) products described in further detail later. Salicylic acid has revealed some efficacy in acne trials, although when tested head-to-head with other topicals, particularly BP, it is generally less effective.22,23 Nonprescription, nonbenzoyl-peroxide-containing products appear to be somewhat effective for the treatment of acne, especially mild acne, though there is limited published evidence supporting their efficacy in the treatment of acne.
Sulfur, sodium sulfacetamide, and resorcinol are active ingredients in several OTC dermatology niche products. Sulfur exhibits mild antibacterial and keratolytic properties.24 Because of sulfur’s distinctive odor, it is often combined with sodium sulfacetamide to mask the scent.25 It is often used in adult female acne because of its favorable tolerability.26,27 Resorcinol also has mild antimicrobial properties and is typically formulated in a 2% concentration in combination with 5% sulfur.
One common acne myth is that poor hygiene and improper cleansing cause acne.21,28 The role of facial cleansing in acne is to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil.29 Use of the wrong, too harsh cleanser can disrupt skin barrier, increase transepidermal water loss, encourage bacterial colonization, promote comedones, and cause symptoms of burning and stinging.30,31 Typically, twice-daily washing with a gentle soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser is recommended. Antibacterial washes, other than BP, have not been shown to be useful in the treatment of acne.
Facial toners can decrease oiliness and remove makeup and traces of dirt. They are a common component of several prepackaged combination acne treatment regimens. Patients should be cautious not to overuse facial toners because they can be irritating. If irritation occurs, this will adversely affect the tolerability of acne medications.
Another common acne myth is that use of cosmetics worsens acne. On the contrary, use of concealing oil-free, noncomedogenic makeup can improve patient quality of life and does not worsen the severity of acne.32,33 Use of cosmetics in patients with acne has not been shown to delay treatment response either.
BP has been shown to be the most widely studied of OTC products and has shown to be one of the most versatile, safe, inexpensive, and effective acne therapies.34,35 Its lipophilic nature permits it to penetrate the stratum corneum and enter the pilosebaceous unit where P acnes resides. It acts via the generation of free radicals that oxidize proteins in the P acnes cell wall. It also has been shown to have mild comedolytic36 and antiinflammatory properties.37,38 BP helps limit the development of P acnes resistance to antibiotics and also provides increased efficacy in combination with retinoids.39,40 So far, antibiotic resistance to BP has not been reported.41–44
Although issues regarding genotoxicity have been raised in the past, BP has now been labeled as “GRASE” (generally regarded as safe and effective) by the FDA, and all topical monotherapy products have been made available OTC since 2011. Labeling includes advice to avoid the eyes, lips, and mouth. The product can cause bleaching of hair and clothing, and risk of increased sunburn and the need for photoprotection also are mentioned. BP frequently causes dryness, erythema, and peeling upon initiation of treatment. Starting with lower concentrations (eg, 2.5%) and utilizing more emollient vehicles if needed can help alleviate these discomforts. Allergic contact dermatitis to BP occurs in 1 in 500 people and should be considered if a patient complains of itching and swelling of the eyes.
BP is available in a variety of formulations and in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%. There is some evidence that higher concentrations do not increase efficacy but are more irritating. However, the back may be a “special site” circumstance, where increasing concentration or prolonged contact leads to increased efficacy.45 Formulations include a variety of topical leave-on preparations as well as washes that permit patients to remove BP from the skin, reducing the possibility of bleaching of clothing, bedding, or towels.38 It has been suggested that short-contact BP therapies do not significantly reduce bacterial load, but data are lacking. However, they can be effective if left on the skin for the duration recommended by the manufacturer.
Consensus Recommendations:
BP is generally regarded as a safe and effective medication that may be used as monotherapy or in topical combination products for mild acne or in regimens of care for acne of all types and severities. (SOR: A).
BP may minimize development of antibiotic-resistant P acnes when used with topical or systemic antibiotics. (SOR: C).
Prescription Treatment Options: Single Agents
Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids, as monotherapy and in topical combination products, are used routinely for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Their safety and efficacy are well documented in large pivotal trials that included pediatric patients ranging from 12 to 18 years of age. Subsequently, because acne routinely presents in patients younger than 12 years of age, topical retinoids are widely used off-label in this age group. Tretinoin gel 0.05% (Atralin, Coria Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX) is FDA-approved for use in children ≥10 years of age,46 and adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel 0.1%/2.5% (Epiduo, Galderma Laboratories, LP, Fort Worth, TX) is indicated for ages 9 and older. Adapalene gel, tretinoin gel, and tretinoin microsphere gel have been investigated in both open-label and blinded studies in children under 12 years of age.47–49
Retinoids normalize desquamation of the follicular epithelium, thus preventing the formation of new microcomedones, precursors to both comedonal and inflammatory lesions, and also promote the clearing of existing microcomedones.50 In addition, some topical retinoids also have direct antiinflammatory activity.43,51,52 At present, 3 topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene) are available by prescription in the United States. Each is available in a variety of formulations and concentrations (Table 4).53 Their most common adverse effects include burning, stinging, dryness, and scaling.15 These effects may be reduced by initiating treatment with the lowest strength, typically sufficient to treat mild acne, or by recommending regular use of a moisturizer. Patients should be instructed not to spot-treat but rather to use a pea-size amount to cover the entire face. In patients with sensitive skin, therapy can be initiated with thrice-weekly application, increasing to daily use as tolerated.48
Formulations and Concentrations of Topical Retinoids
Tolerability may be further improved by the use of a noncomedogenic moisturizer that includes a sunscreen.15,38 Topical tretinoin was the first retinoid approved for use in the United States. It is available in a variety of vehicles such as a micronized gel or a polymerized cream for increased tolerability. In a 12-week open-label study of 40 patients with mild/moderate acne ages 8 to 12 years (mean age, 10.7 years), tretinoin microsphere gel 0.04% produced a significant decrease in Evaluator’s Global Severity Score (P < .001) from baseline to week 12, with 75% of participants graded as almost clear or mild. Skin irritation occurred in 35% of the patients but was mild in most cases and improved by study’s end.48
Other topical retinoid alternatives to tretinoin include adapalene and tazarotene. Adapalene, a distinct retinoid that is generally well tolerated, is available in cream, gel, and lotion formulations.53,54 Adapalene is photostable, including in fixed-combination with BP.55
Although studies regarding the use of topical retinoids in pediatric patients are extremely rare in the literature, in a 16-week study of 12 infants with infantile acne (mean age, 12.6 months), 0.1% adapalene cleared both comedonal and inflammatory lesions in a median of 3.4 months with side effects that did not require discontinuation, underscoring the reported high tolerability of adapalene.47 Tazarotene is an effective topical retinoid, but it is used less often as a first-line agent for acne because of concerns regarding tolerability; it is also known to be more irritating.56
In the absence of significant systemic absorption of the active ingredients, the possibility of intolerability remains the primary safety issue. However, older girls who may be of childbearing potential are often of the age group treated with topical retinoids. Naturally circulating endogenous retinoids are present in the plasma of normal healthy girls as a result of dietary consumption of foods such as fish, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers. Continuous daily dosing of tretinoin 0.1% cream, tazarotene 0.1% gel, and adapalene 0.1% gel has been shown to only slightly increase the mean maximum plasma levels of circulating retinoids in most patients. In 1 study, serum retinoid levels were found to be more heavily influenced by dietary intake than by topical application of tretinoin. In a study of 215 women accidentally exposed to topical tretinoin during the first trimester of pregnancy, Jick et al57 showed no difference in developmental anomalies compared with 430 age-matched controls. Tretinoin and adapalene have a pregnancy category C and tazarotene a category X rating.
Consensus Recommendation:
Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) may be used as monotherapy or in combination products and in regimens of care for all types and severities of acne in children and adolescents of all ages. (SOR adolescents: A; SOR preadolescents and younger: B).
Antibiotics/Antimicrobials
Although acne is not an infection, antibiotics reduce P acnes colonization of the skin and follicles. They are effective in acne both by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis38 and by decreasing inflammation via inhibition of bacterial proinflammatory mediators and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis.58,59
The alarming increase in P acnes resistance to both topical and systemic antibiotics used to treat acne not only renders these drugs less effective against acne but may also influence commensal bacteria in both the acne patient and his or her environment.60 Resistance may occur with both appropriate and incorrect use of antibiotics.58
Topical Antibiotics
Topical antibiotic monotherapy is not recommended because of both its slow onset of action and the greater likelihood of the development of bacterial resistance. If topical or oral antibiotic treatment is to be prolonged more than a few weeks (as is usually the case in acne treatment), topical BP should be added to optimize efficacy via its nonspecific antimicrobial activity and reduce the emergence of less sensitive P acnes variants.60 It has even been suggested that, if antibiotic therapy is maintained for more than 3 months, a BP washout should occur between courses, although no large studies have addressed this recommendation.15
Use of topical antibiotics in fixed-combination products containing BP may help reduce the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. In the case of the fixed-combination of tretinoin and clindamycin, concomitant use of BP is recommended.
Consensus Recommendation:
Topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin) are not recommended as monotherapy because of slow onset of action and predictable emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial organisms. (SOR: C). If topical antibiotic treatment is to be prolonged for more than a few weeks, topical BP should be added, or used in combination products. (SOR: C).
Oral Antibiotics
Interestingly, with the exception of extended-release minocycline, use of oral antibiotics in acne is not FDA approved.61 Extended-release minocycline dosed at 1 mg/kg per day (administered as 1 tablet daily) is FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris that is not predominantly nodular in patients ≥12 years of age.62 Both immediate-release doxycycline and immediate-release minocycline have listed the indication in their FDA-approved labeling of adjunctive use for severe acne, although this was not based on formal submission for FDA approval for either drug.63,64 The commonly used oral antibiotics for children older than 8 years are tetracycline derivatives, including tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline. Although erythromycin was used successfully in the past, the worldwide prevalence of P acnes resistance to erythromycin has led to decreased use of this agent, both orally and topically, for acne.60,65,66 Comparative studies are limited, but the second-generation tetracyclines, doxycycline and minocycline, are preferred because of pharmacokinetic advantages allowing for once-daily administration in most cases, greater lipophilicity that is believed to augment follicular penetration, and lower prevalence of resistant P acnes strains as compared with tetracycline.15,67,68 For children under 8 years of age and those with tetracycline allergies, alternative oral antibiotic agents, including erythromycin, azithromycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, should be used very judiciously because of the potential risk for severe adverse reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysi.69–72Table 5 summarizes the dosages, adverse events, and precautions regarding the use of the most frequently used oral antibiotics for treatment of inflammatory acne.69
Oral Antibiotics Used for Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Acne Vulgaris
The panel agreed that education and monitoring related to potential adverse events is important with oral antibiotic therapy for acne. Photosensitivity (phototoxicity) and “pill esophagitis” are most common with oral doxycycline.73–75 The former can be circumvented with appropriate photoprotection, and the latter by ingestion with a large glass of water, maintaining an upright position for at least 1 hour after ingestion, and use of an enteric-coated formulation.76 Although rare, drug hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or lupuslike syndrome (LLS) may occur with administration of minocycline. DHS presents early after initiation of minocycline therapy, usually within the first 2 to 8 weeks, commonly with flulike symptoms (ie, fever, malaise), diffuse exanthemlike erythema, facial edema, cervical lymphadenopathy, and elevated hepatic enzymes (especially transaminases), although other organs may be involved with interstitial inflammation (eg, pneumonitis, nephritis, and thyroiditis).77,78
Minocycline-associated LLS, which is commonly reversible, generally develops after chronic exposure (ie, many months to years), and often presents with malaise, distal polyarthralgias with or without polyarthritis, and, more rarely, autoimmune hepatitis.78–80 Most cases of minocycline-associated LLS do not have skin eruptions, although rare reports have revealed superficial vasculitis such as cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. A positive antinuclear antibody test is often present, although not always diagnostic or predictive of minocycline LLS, along with other autoantibodies. The autoantibody profile may be highly variable among cases of minocycline-associated LLS. When present, p-anca positivity is believed to strongly support the diagnosis. Presence of antihistone antibody is not required to confirm the diagnosis of LLS and may not be detected in some cases. Finally, within the first few weeks of minocycline treatment, physicians should consider the rare risk of serumsicknesslike reaction.78 Cutaneous and/or mucosal hyperpigmentation may occur in some patients treated with minocycline and appears to correlate with cumulative drug exposure over time in most cases reported with use of immediate-release minocycline formulations available since 1971.81–83 Weight-based dosing of minocycline (1 mg/kg per day) using the extended-release tablet formulation once daily, available since mid-2006, may potentially reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation as both the peak serum level and total drug exposure are diminished as compared with immediate-release minocycline formulations; however, continued pharmacosurveillance is warranted to confirm this preliminary observation.84 Face, trunk, legs, oral mucosa, sclera, and nail beds should be examined periodically.
Acute vestibular adverse events (ie, vertigo, dizziness) that sometimes occur in patients treated with minocycline develop early after initiation of treatment and are reversible with discontinuation of therapy.85–87 Weight-based dosing of extended release-minocycline (1 mg/kg once daily) has been reported to reduce the risk for development of acute vestibular adverse events as compared with a daily dose up to threefold higher.61
A rare central nervous system-related side effect associated with use of tetracycline, doxycycline, or minocycline is benign intracranial hypertension (BIH), also referred to as pseudotumor cerebri. A high index of suspicion is warranted if headache and visual disturbances, sometimes accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting, are noted to detect BIH early because persistence can lead to severe loss of vision, which may be permanent.88
In the past 20 years, P acnes has become less sensitive to oral and topical antibiotics because of increasing selection pressure arising from their widespread usage.60,66,70,89 However, strategies listed in Table 6 can minimize the potential for the development of resistance to antibiotics when used to treat acne, especially as the duration of therapy is often prolonged over months. Recent studies have revealed that the use of systemic antibiotics for acne treatment also may be associated with an increase in resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci and a possible increased risk of upper respiratory tract infection; however, further studies are needed to evaluate the true clinical implications of these potential risks.60,90
Strategies to Optimize Oral Antibiotic Therapy in Acne Vulgaris
Consensus Recommendations:
Oral antibiotics are appropriate for moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne vulgaris at any age. Tetracycline derivatives (tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline) should not be used in children younger than 8 years of age. (SOR: B).
Second-generation tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline) are sometimes preferred to tetracycline because of ease of use, fewer problems with absorption with food and minerals in vitamins and other supplements, and less-frequent dosing. (SOR: C).
Patients should be educated and monitored for potential adverse events when utilizing oral antibiotics for acne. (SOR: B).
Topical Dapsone
Dapsone, a synthetic sulfone, has antimicrobial and antiinflammatory effects; however, its activity in the treatment of acne as a topical agent is not believed to be related to P acnes reduction.91 Recently, a 5% dapsone gel was approved in the United States for acne treatment. It was evaluated in two 12-week randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trials in patients aged 12 and older with mild, moderate, or severe acne.92 The 3010 subjects used dapsone 5% gel twice daily or vehicle gel. A combined analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in noninflammatory and inflammatory lesions by week 12 compared with vehicle (P < .001). Treatment response was rapid, with statistically significant intergroup differences in lesion count at 4 weeks. Adverse events were comparable between dapsone gel and vehicle gel and rarely led to discontinuation.
Available studies demonstrate that topical dapsone is most effective against inflammatory lesions, with efficacy enhanced more when combined with a topical retinoid as compared with BP.92,93 The safety of 5% dapsone gel applied twice daily has been demonstrated in patients who are glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient and in patients who are sulfonamide allergic.94–96 The most common application-site reactions consisted of erythema and dryness that were similar between groups. A temporary orange staining of the skin can occur when BP and topical dapsone are used together.
Oral Isotretinoin in Severe Acne
Oral isotretinoin targets all of the pathophysiologic factors involved in acne typically producing excellent results.15 A recent consensus conference on its use recommends a starting dose of 0.5 mg/kg per day for the first 4 weeks to avoid initial flares, increasing to the full dosage of 1 mg/kg per day.97 The panel concurs with this recommendation for isotretinoin use in acne treatment of adolescents and preadolescents and agrees that it may be used in younger patients with severe, refractory, and scarring acne.
Its most common side effects include dry, chapped skin and lips, dry eyes, and myalgias. Nose bleeds secondary to dryness also are common. These effects are generally reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. Some patients may experience increases in serum triglycerides and changes in liver enzymes. Both fasting serum lipids and liver function tests should be obtained at baseline and monitored periodically thereafter. A major adverse effect of isotretinoin and a public health concern is its teratogenic potential. For this reason, the FDA mandated in 2007 the implementation of a computerized risk management program (iPledge), which registers all isotretinoin patients, physicians, pharmacies, and manufacturers and ensures monthly monitoring of pregnancy status in females of childbearing potential.
Three of the most significant and controversial groups of adverse effects attributed to isotretinoin and described in the drug’s package insert are skeletal issues; potential for development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); and mood changes, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide, which are addressed in greater detail because of their relevance in pediatric patients.98
Bone Effects
The interaction between retinoids and skeletal homeostasis is complex. Animal studies have indicated that excessive intake of retinoids can have inhibitory effects on both osteoblast and osteoclast activity that may pose a theoretical risk for fractures or hyperostosis.99–112 Well-designed clinical studies involving human subjects have generated conflicting data on the association between excessive intake of vitamin A with the incidence of fractures. In evaluating isotretinoin specifically, 1 small prospective cohort study associated isotretinoin with minimal-to-mild bone demineralization at specific sites (such as Ward’s triangle of the femur), but revealed that these effects may be reversible.113 Additional data from small prospective cohort114 and case control studies115,116 have, however, documented no measurable changes in bone mineralization markers. These changes were not associated with increased risk of fractures in those treated with isotretinoin at the standard doses and durations used for acne.
Hyperostoses are thought to occur with somewhat greater frequency among those who received long-term systemic retinoid therapy for disorders of keratinization. Hyperostosis during retinoid use has been most strongly associated with long-term therapy or chemoprevention, appears to be dose- and duration-dependent, is often asymptomatic, and may resolve spontaneously. Overall, this phenomenon appears to be uncommon among those receiving isotretinoin for acne vulgaris.
Premature epiphyseal closure in association with retinoid therapy appears to be a rare event and may occur in an asymmetric or generalized fashion. Only a single case has been reported in association with isotretinoin administered for acne.117 Other cases have primarily been reported as a consequence of isotretinoin therapy for disorders of keratinization118 or neuroblastoma.113,119
IBD
There are conflicting data on the potential association between isotretinoin and IBD. In available published reports, 21 patients with preexisting IBD who subsequently receive isotretinoin have been reported to tolerate the drug; 4 experienced worsening of IBD symptoms during therapy, suggesting that the majority of patients with IBD who received isotretinoin have largely tolerated isotretinoin for acne.107,120–128 The occurrence of IBD after exposure to isotretinoin has been reported. These are composed of case reports or small case series (N = 18); a systematic review of FDA MedWatch Data129 highlighting 85 identified cases, of which 62 were deemed highly probable or probable; and 1 large case-control study involving 8189 cases of IBD, which included 24 cases that had received isotretinoin.130 In this case-control study, only ulcerative colitis was associated with previous isotretinoin use, and increasing cumulative dose or duration to isotretinoin was associated with an elevated risk of ulcerative colitis (1.5 odds ratio increase per 20 mg increase in dose, and 5.63 overall increased odds ratio in association with longer duration).
At the same time, a case-control study evaluating a Manitoba IBD Epidemiology Database revealed no evidence for an association between IBD and isotretinoin use131; in addition, a systematic literature-based search of case reports, case series, and clinical trials likewise revealed no evidence for an association.132
An association between IBD (in particular, ulcerative colitis) and isotretinoin, therefore, may potentially exist, although if it does, it appears to affect a small subset of patients. The phenomenon appears to be rare, seems to be idiosyncratic, and, at present, there are no identifiable clinical characteristics that can currently a priori predict this type of response. The association is also fraught with confounding factors, since the highest age of IBD onset overlaps the age when patients develop severe acne and when isotretinoin is typically used. In addition, it was noted in a study by Margolis et al114 that the majority of patients prescribed isotretinoin treatment have been on extended antibiotic therapy and that previous antibiotic use may be an important confounding variable in the relationship between IBD and isotretinoin. Furthermore, a potential link between IBD and inflammatory acne itself cannot be excluded.
Mood Disorders
The evidence regarding an association between isotretinoin use and mood disorders is primarily anecdotal, with the original case series of 24 patients reported by Hazen comprising the reported experience on this linkage. One open-label study compared acne patients recalcitrant to antibiotics to those receiving isotretinoin, and identified changes in brain metabolism in the orbitofrontal cortex, which are thought to partially mediate depressive symptoms.133 However, the numbers of patients studied were small (N = 28), and those receiving isotretinoin had more severe acne, which could correlate with more severe depressive symptoms independent of the isotretinoin. Indeed, in a large cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of 3775 adolescents between 18 and 19 years of age who suffered from acne, those with more severe acne were more than twice as likely to have mental health issues and 1.8 times more likely to have suicidal ideation. In fact, ∼1 in 4 adolescents with significant acne were noted to have mental health issues. A systematic review by Marqueling and Zane134 identified 6 prospective studies and 3 retrospective studies that involved at least 20 patients, studied depressive symptoms in human subjects as primary data, and used epidemiologic techniques. In this analysis, there was no apparent increase in depression diagnoses or symptoms when baseline was compared with after treatment with isotretinoin. Four subsequent additional studies (2 prospective, 1 case-control, and 1 cohort study) evaluated isotretinoin use and depressive symptoms.135,136 Although none of these additional studies identified a positive association between isotretinoin use and depression, 2 of them indicated that as acne improved, quality of life improved137 and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation actually decreased.138
In summary, case reports and case series have identified patients who developed depressive symptoms while receiving or after isotretinoin therapy, and 1 study utilizing positron emission tomography has documented changes in cerebral metabolism in patients receiving isotretinoin therapy. Epidemiologic studies, however, do not currently support a causative association between isotretinoin and depression, and acne severity itself is a predictor of mental health issues and suicidal ideation. Ongoing vigilance and surveillance of patients for mood changes while on isotretinoin therapy seem reasonable, but the data appear reassuring.
Consensus Recommendation:
Isotretinoin is recommended for severe, scarring, and/or refractory acne in adolescents and may be used in younger patients. (SOR adolescents: A; SOR preadolescents and younger: C). Extensive counseling, particularly regarding the avoidance of pregnancy as well as careful monitoring of potential side effects and toxicities, is recommended.
Prescription Treatment Options: Topical Fixed-Dose Combination Therapies
Numerous topical fixed-dose combination products, including BP/clindamycin, BP/adapalene, BP/erythromycin, and tretinoin/clindamycin, are currently FDA approved for pediatric patients 12 years and older as outlined in Table 7. All of the products are pregnancy category C.
Topical Fixed-Dose Combination Prescription Acne Therapies
In the phase 3 pivotal trials for BP 2.5%/clindamycin 1.2% gel (Acanya, Coria Laboratories), 62% of enrolled patients were between the ages of 12 and 17. In a subanalysis of 12- to 17-year-old patients, lesion count and success rate were similar to those obtained in the study as a whole.139 In the pivotal trial for tretinoin 0.025%/clindamycin 1.2% (Ziana Gel, Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, Scottsdale, AZ), 51% of enrolled patients were 12 to 17 years of age and, in an unpublished subanalysis for the pediatric age group, was essentially no different from the study group as a whole. In the BP 2.5%/adapalene 0.1% gel (Epiduo Gel, Galderma Laboratories, LP, Fort Worth, TX) pivotal trial, the mean age was 16.2 years and a subanalysis of results in the 12- to 17-year-old group was similar to the study group as a whole.140
Although sometimes more costly than single agents prescribed separately, fixed combinations applied once daily are very convenient and thus may improve adherence.52,141
Consensus Recommendation:
Fixed-dose combination topical therapies may be useful in regimens of care for all types and severities of acne. (SOR adolescents: A; preadolescents and younger: B).
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy in acne is directed at suppressing ovarian androgen production and blocking the effects of androgens on the sebaceous gland that leads to reduction of sebum production and improvement in acne. Combination oral contraceptives (OCs; estrogen plus progestin) block the ovarian production of androgen, and antiandrogens, such as spironolactone, block the effects of androgens on the sebaceous gland. In patients diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, low-dose glucocorticoids are used to suppress the adrenal production of androgens.
Although others have antiacne efficacy, only 3 combination OCs are currently FDA approved for the treatment of acne (Ortho Tri Cyclen [norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol] Tablets indicated for use in moderate acne in females ≥15 years of age; Estrostep [norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol] Tablets indicated for use in moderate acne for females ≥15 years of age; and Yaz [drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol] Tablets for moderate acne in females ≥14 years of age). The reduction in the estrogen dosage of OCs has lowered the risk of thromboembolism associated with some of the earlier OC formulations, although this relationship is still under review by the FDA. Although absolute thromboembolic risk is low in adolescence, it is recommended that a family history of thrombotic events be obtained and young patients are asked if they smoke before OCs are prescribed. The most common adverse events related to their use include nausea/vomiting, breast tenderness, headache, weight gain, and breakthrough bleeding.
The most important issues regarding the use of combination OCs in the pediatric population involve whether low doses of estrogen provide sufficient estrogen for bone accrual and at what age it is safe to initiate use. Approximately 50% of bone mass is accrued between the ages of 12 and 18 years.142 Some experts believe that it is important to allow the development of as much bone mineral density (BMD) as possible before initiating treatment with exogenous estrogen.
In a 24-month study of postmenarchal girls with a mean age of 16.0 ± 1.4 years who were treated with an OC containing 100 mcg levonorgestrel and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol, there was a mean increase in lumbar spine BMD at the femoral neck in 4.2% of girls who received OC versus 6.3% in untreated controls.143 The use of OCs did not result in osteopenia in any subject. Nevertheless, the authors concluded that it is unclear whether the currently available low-dose OC containing 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol is adequate for bone mass accrual in this age group. A long-term study of combined OCs with calcium supplementation revealed no effect on BMD after 10 years.144 Referral to an adolescent medicine specialist or gynecologist for management of OC treatment remains dependent on the physician’s comfort level.
Spironolactone is a synthetic steroidal androgen receptor blocker that is often used in female acne patients.145,146 In select groups of acne patients, spironolactone has revealed efficacy,147–149 although its overall role in acne therapy and appropriate age to initiate treatment has not yet been fully determined.150 There are minimal data on its use in pediatric acne.
Consensus Recommendations:
Hormonal therapy with combined OC may be useful as second-line therapy in regimens of care in pubertal females with moderate-to-severe acne. Tobacco use and family history of thrombotic events should be assessed. (SOR adolescents: A).
Because of concerns about growth and bone density, many experts recommend withholding OC for acne unassociated with endocrinologic pathology until 1 year after onset of menstruation. (SOR: C).
Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations for Pediatric Acne
When selecting acne treatment, it is important to assess severity as a function of number, type, and severity of lesions as well as psychological impact on the patient including the likelihood of scarring and/or dyspigmentation. The panel recommends pediatric treatment recommendations based on severity of mild, moderate, and severe acne as discussed later.
Mild Acne
Mild acne may present as predominantly comedonal or as mixed comedonal and inflammatory disease (Fig 1). Evidence-based treatment recommendations by the panel for mild acne are highlighted in Fig 1.
Pediatric treatment recommendations for mild acne.
Initial Treatment
Topical therapy alone or in combination is recommended as initial treatment of mild acne. BP as a single agent, topical retinoids, or combinations of topical retinoids, antibiotics, and BP as individual agents or fixed-dose combinations may be used.
In patients of color in whom the propensity for scarring and PIH is greater, initial treatment also might include an oral or topical antibiotic.151 Depending on patient and parent preference, treatment could be initiated with monotherapy, including OTC products. OTC products are generally effective for very mild acne, but, with the exception of BP, data on the efficacy of their ingredients are lacking. Patients should be counseled that it takes ∼4 to 8 weeks to demonstrate visible results from any acne treatment.
Consensus Recommendation:
Initial therapy for mild acne may include OTC products such as BP as a single agent, topical retinoids, or combinations of topical retinoids, antibiotics, and BP as individual agents or fixed-dose combinations. (SOR adolescents: A; SOR preadolescents and younger: B).
Inadequate Response
If response to first-line treatment is inadequate, it is important to check adherence by asking the patient and/or the parent and, if necessary, to reiterate usage instructions. If adherence appears to be adequate, a topical retinoid or BP may be added to monotherapy with either agent. It has been shown that early initiation of clindamycin/BP + adapalene produced earlier and greater reductions in lesion counts when compared with adapalene monotherapy or BP/clindamycin for 4 weeks, with adapalene added at week 4.152 The concentration, type, and/or formulation of the topical retinoid may be changed, or the topical combination therapy can be changed. Another option to consider is topical dapsone; however, the panel notes large-scale comparative studies of dapsone versus other topicals are lacking, particularly in pediatric patients.
Moderate Acne
Although it is recommended to start with the least aggressive, effective regimen, moderate (Fig 2) and severe acne typically requires a more aggressive regimen, possibly with the addition of oral antibiotics (Fig 3).
Pediatric treatment recommendations for moderate acne.
Pediatric treatment recommendations for severe acne.
Initial Therapy
Initial therapy for moderate acne may include topical combination therapies as described earlier or with combinations that include topical dapsone.
Adding an Oral Antibiotic
Overall, oral antibiotic therapy is a safe and effective approach to the treatment of moderate-to-severe inflammatory or mixed comedonal and inflammatory acne vulgaris used for more than 5 decades. Physicians may elect to initiate treatment of moderate acne with a topical regimen and add an oral antibiotic if the therapeutic response is not adequate. Alternatively, an oral antibiotic may be started concomitantly with a topical regimen for moderate-to-severe acne. Optimally, the topical regimen would include a retinoid and a BP-containing formulation, either separately or as a combination product. In addition, use of an oral antibiotic may be especially prudent if there is evidence of acne scarring, even if the current severity of inflammatory acne is more modest.151 Importantly, some oral antibiotics, especially tetracycline derivatives, in addition to antibiotic activity against P acnes, exhibit certain antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may be operative in counteracting mechanisms or pathways involved in acne lesion development.60,153–155
Typically, 4 to 8 weeks of compliant oral antibiotic use are needed before the clinical effects of an oral antibiotic are visible, whereas maximal response may require 3 to 6 months of administration.15,70 Once the formation of new inflammatory lesions, defined as lesions that are raised by palpation, are markedly diminished in number, consideration may be given to stopping oral antibiotics with continuation of topical therapy to maintain control of acne.
Consensus Recommendation:
Moderate acne may be initially treated with topical combinations including a retinoid and BP and/or antibiotics, or with oral antibiotics in addition to a topical retinoid and BP and/or topical antibiotics. (SOR adolescents: A; SOR preadolescents and younger: C).
Inadequate Response
If response to the above topical combination regimens with or without oral antibiotics is inadequate, adherence should again be evaluated. Referral to a dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist may be considered if response has been poor and there is continued patient or parental frustration. The type, strength, or formulation of the retinoid, BP, or BP-antibiotic component of the topical regimen may be changed to increase potency or adjusted to reduce skin irritation if present or to simplify the steps of application.
Severe Acne
Patients with severe acne are at significant risk for scarring (Fig 3). The panel recommends that the prompt initiation of appropriate treatment is essential to control the condition and prevent permanent skin changes.
Initial Treatment
Although the therapeutic agents are the same as those used in moderate acne, it is recommended that an oral antibiotic should be part of the initial treatment and should be used with either a topical retinoid + BP with or without topical antibiotics.
Consensus Recommendation:
Severe acne should be treated with oral antibiotics and topical retinoids with BP, with or without topical antibiotics, with consideration of hormonal therapy in pubertal females, oral isotretinoin, and dermatology referral. (SOR: C).
Inadequate Response
In cases of inadequate response, compliance with the prescribed regimen should be reassessed first. If adherence has been adequate, the oral antibiotic agent or class may be changed. For instance, if doxycycline has provided only a partial response, minocycline might prove a more effective alternative. For female patients, combination OC therapy should be considered. Both male and female patients unresponsive to these topical and oral therapies will benefit from consideration of oral isotretinoin.
Recommendations for Acne Management in the Preadolescent
The algorithm for acne management of the preadolescent is essentially the same as for the adolescent, though these recommendations are based more strongly on expert opinion. Antibiotics in the tetracycline class should not be used for the treatment of acne in patients under 8 years of age.
Other Considerations for Pediatric Acne Treatment Selection
A number of additional considerations are pertinent to acne management and selection of therapies in pediatric patients. Chief among them are an understanding of previous treatment history, cost of medications, ease of use and regimen complexity and its impact on adherence, vehicle selection, active scarring, and psychosocial impact of the acne on the individual. In addition, the influence of diet on acne, an area of evolving understanding, may be considered.
Previous Treatment and History
At the initial assessment, it is crucial to inquire about previous treatment history, if any. An important question is whether the patient responded to a specific first-line regimen. If so, unless there are circumstances dictating otherwise, treatment should be reinitiated with the previous regimen or some of its elements. However, if response to previous therapies has been poor, up-titration, add-on therapies, or switching to an alternative should be considered.156
Financial Costs
In addition to the aforementioned considerations, patient resources and the financial costs of treatment must be considered when selecting a treatment regimen from the panel recommendations. A recent retrospective cross-sectional study by Patel et al157 of 3 784 816 patients with acne and similar conditions indicated there was a significant overall decrease in reported total annual prescription spending widely attributed to the reduction of oral antibiotic use and increase in the use of OCs and oral retinoids. Further, the use of topical retinoids was preferred in combination with other treatments rather than as monotherapy. Managed-care organizations are increasingly requiring cost-sharing, and it may be necessary to adapt prescribing preferences to patient resources.
Ease of Use, Regimen Complexity, and Adherence
Adherence is the contemporary terminology for persistence in use of a recommended medical treatment and denotes a partnership between the patient and the physician. Adherence with an acne treatment regimen is a sine qua non of successful management. In fact, lack of adherence is a major reason for acne treatment failures.158 Prevention and proactive education is easier than dealing with nonadherence after treatment response has been inadequate.5 Therefore, adherence to the prescribed regimen should be assessed at each visit, particularly if the response is less than expected. Adherence is a function of cost of medications/therapies, ease of use/regimen simplicity, patient preferences, tolerability, rapidity of results, and patient or parent understanding.
Vehicle Selection
In 1 small study, it was found that nonadherence with acne treatment was 52% after 3 months.159 Adherence may be improved through patient and parent education, selection of a simple regimen, more frequent doctor visits, and choice of vehicles that improve medication tolerability. One study revealed a direct correlation between adherence and dosing frequency, with 83.6% of patients complying with once-daily dosing versus 74.9% with twice-daily dosing. Fixed combinations of topical medications may be helpful in this regard.
Empowering patients with control over their care is important for adherence.160 It is essential to elicit information at each doctor visit about patient preferences and lifestyle. For example, a water-based gel may be the optimal choice for the patient who wears makeup.161 Teenagers, especially males, may not like the feel of moisturizers but may accept a gel, pad or foam, or in-shower wash.160 Other vehicle considerations center around tolerability, which is influenced by the medication’s impact on the skin barrier. Many topical medications are being formulated in vehicles, including aqueous gels, which are therapeutic and may help rehydrate and repair the skin barrier.161 It may be useful to initiate treatment with extremely mild topical agents until the skin has adjusted to medication effects and patients have adapted to side effects.160
Active Scarring
The likelihood of scarring is an important consideration in treatment selection. Patients with moderate and severe acne are at increased risk of scarring, as are those with more deeply pigmented skin.151 Hence, aggressive treatment is warranted to prevent permanent sequelae in these patient populations.
Psychosocial Impact
The psychosocial impact of acne is influenced by numerous factors including age, disease severity, social and familial networks, and individual personalities. Adolescents with substantial acne are reported to have high rates of mental health problems, affective isolation, social impairment, depression, and suicidal ideation.162 In the cases where the impact on the psychosocial health of the patient is particularly burdensome, effective treatment of acne may result in improvements in self-esteem, affect, shame, embarrassment, body image, social assertiveness, and self-confidence.150
Managing Expectations
Adolescents are notoriously impatient. Physicians, who see the patient at intervals rather than daily, may note improvement between visits that may not be readily apparent to the adolescent who examines his or her face in the mirror several times per day.156 A basic understanding of acne pathophysiology and how prescribed agents work to control acne may augment adherence.163 For example, both patients and parents should be given reasonable expectations of the time to visible improvement. It is important to explain that acne may worsen or irritation may be more significant initially, with gradual improvement. An understanding of the “invisible microcomedo” helps patients understand why topical medications should be applied to the entire face.
Many adolescents believe that acne is related to facial hygiene, and so they may try treating themselves with harsh astringents, abrasives, or vigorous scrubbing. It is important for them to understand that such treatment may actually worsen their acne and increase the likelihood of inflammation and scarring. Many clinicians prefer to recommend an appropriate gentle, daily skin-care regimen, including a noncomedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen for the patient to use with the prescribed treatment(s).
Diet and Acne
Consideration of a role for diet in contributing to acne arose in the 1930s, and chocolate, sugar, and iodine were among the dietary factors implicated. As a result of a series of studies in the late 1960s that failed to identify a dietary connection, the concept fell out of fashion.164 However, the debate has been rekindled in response to a variety of data emerging over the last decade.
A retrospective recall-based study in adult nurses165 and a prospective self-assessment study in teenage girls166 both suggested an association between acne and intake of milk and other dairy products. A subsequent prospective study in teenage boys suggested an association with skim milk,167 although the previous 2 studies did not identify a difference based on milk fat content.
The effects on acne of glycemic load in the diet also have been subjected to examination. An anthropologic study168 comparing acne rates in a hunter-gatherer population in Papua New Guinea versus those in the developed world suggested that dietary glycemic load may contribute to the observed differences in acne incidence. A number of prospective trials169,170 subsequently have been performed, notably including a randomized prospective controlled trial of a low glycemic diet versus a high glycemic diet in teenage boys.171 By the end of the 12-week study, the low glycemic diet was shown to provide superior reduction in the number of total acne lesions (−23.5 ± 3.9 vs −12.0 ± 3.5, P = .03), as well as reductions in inflammatory lesion count and other parameters including weight and BMI.
Other dietary constituents that are the subject of renewed interest include zinc and antioxidants; the role of chocolate is being reinvestigated in a blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov). Based on the currently available data, it is difficult to point with certainty to any dietary manipulation that should be recommended to pediatric patients suffering from acne; however, consideration may be given in individual cases to institution of a low glycemic diet. Patient and parent education to dispel acne myths is an important treatment consideration.
Conclusions
As the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris appears to be similar at all ages, the same principles and therapeutic agents apply to all age groups diagnosed with acne. However, age group differences may require special considerations in the use of these agents, particularly with regard to ease of use and patient adherence, cost factors, differences in psychosocial impacts among age groups, the likelihood of scarring, and the use of advanced vehicles to minimize adverse effects on young skin.
Although there are many acne treatment approaches to consider, these evidence-based treatment recommendations from the pediatric perspective may provide useful guidance in the management of acne vulgaris during childhood and adolescence. In most cases, acne can be successfully treated by nondermatologists. In other instances, clinicians may decide that, in addition to using these recommendations, consultation with another specialist such as a pediatric dermatologist or pediatric endocrinologist is appropriate.
Footnotes
- Accepted February 21, 2013.
- Address correspondence to Lawrence F. Eichenfield, MD, 8010 Frost Street, Ste 602, San Diego, CA 92130. E-mail: leichenfield{at}rchsd.org
- AARS —
- American Acne and Rosacea Society
- BIH —
- benign intracranial hypertension
- BMD —
- bone mineral density
- BP —
- benzoyl peroxide
- DHS —
- drug hypersensitivity syndrome
- FDA —
- Food and Drug Administration
- IBD —
- inflammatory bowel disease
- LLS —
- lupuslike syndrome
- NCP —
- neonatal cephalic pustulosis
- OC —
- oral contraceptive
- OTC —
- over-the-counter
- PCOS —
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- PIH —
- postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
- SOR —
- Strength of Recommendation
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: All authors filed relevant conflicts of interest statements with the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They received compensation from the AARS for participation in this consensus conference. Their participation included preparatory conference calls, planning communications, extensive literature search and research on subject, preparation of presentations including slides, and manuscript development, writing, and editing. No corporate benefactor of the AARS or AAP had any input into content preparation, data review, or any involvement in the outcome of the meeting or publication. Physician Resources, LLC provided editorial and research assistance to the AARS throughout the process.
FUNDING: The AARS, a nonprofit organization, received educational grant funding from annual corporate benefactors to fund this article. Those benefactors include Galderma Laboratories, Medicis Pharmaceuticals, Ortho Dermatologics, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals. No corporate benefactor of the AARS or AAP had any input into content preparation or data review, or any involvement in the outcome of the meeting or publication.
References
- Copyright © 2013 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
