Prepubertal acne

Prepubertal acne, a kind of childhood acne, usually occurs from 7 years of age to the emergence of puberty signs in children. Comedo-like lesions are the main presentation of prepubertal acne. Its pathogenesis is mainly associated with increased secretion of androgen caused by adrenarche in early puberty. Furthermore, Propionibacterium acne infection and hyperandrogenism also play important roles in the occurrence of acne. The severity of prepubertal acne can affect the development of acne, thus careful inquiry of medical history and family history is suggested for the diagnosis and treatment of acne. Also, relevant laboratory examinations are needed to exclude hyperandrogenism-associated acne caused by other diseases. Therapeutic strategies should be selected according to patients′ age and the number of skin lesions, and be as simple as possible. Key words: Acne vulgaris; Child development; Child; Endocrine system; Clinical protocols