Topical retinoids are often the first treatment choice for acne. Since they are only approved by the FDA for those 12 years and older, some doctors are hesitant to prescribe them for younger kids, though.
Actually, acne is not uncommon even in nine, ten, and eleven-year-olds. So, what's a preteen to do? A new study, albeit a small one, shows that topical retinoids may be appropriate acne treatments for the younger set as well.
Forty preteens, between the ages of 8-12, were treated with Retin-A Micro for 12 weeks. It worked just as well as in older teens. Side effects, like skin irritation, were minimal and could be reduced by using the medication every other day and slowly building up to every day use.
Some doctors already prescribe topical retinoids to kids younger than 12. It's not uncommon to use medications off-label like this. So this studies supports the idea that topical retinoids are a good treatment choice for preteens too.
Treating Acne with Topical Retinoids:
Source: Eichenfield LF, Matiz C, Funk A, Dill SW. "Study of the efficacy and tolerability of 0.04% tretinoin microsphere gel for preadolescent acne." Pediatrics. 2010 Jun;125(6):e1316-23. Epub 2010 May 24.
