Acne (Acne Vulgaris):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

If your child has a hormonal imbalance, treating it will help the acne lesions resolve.

Traditional treatments can help prevent acne. Cleanse the acne-prone areas with gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid irritants, such as rubbing and other alcohols, and abrasive scrubs and greasy products on the skin and the scalp. Products labeled "water-based" or "noncomedogenic" will help reduce clogged pores.

There are also a variety of over-the-counter medications that may help. These are meant to be preventative therapies and should be applied in a thin layer to the entire area on a regular basis. If applied consistently, you may see small improvements quickly, but results are generally seen after a few months. Children have sensitive skin and may experience very drying side effects from these medications. Use a weaker concentration of benzoyl peroxide (most effective); for oily skin, consider higher strengths. (Be careful, as it can bleach your clothing and towels.) Peeling agents (exfoliants) such as salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol, and alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and citric acid) can also help but are not recommended because of their effects on more sensitive skin.
Children younger than 8 years old with moderate to severe acne should be seen by their doctor to investigate its causes, such as a hormone imbalance or a medication side effect.

If your child is aged 8 years or older and has moderate or severe acne that has not improved effectively with self-care, seek medical help.