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Riley Children's Health

Acne

Acne
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Acne is a common skin condition that can be experienced at any age but is particularly prevalent during puberty. It involves the hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the skin.

As your child’s body changes, hormones cause glands under the skin to make sebum. Sebum is oil that lubricates the hair and skin. Sometimes, the body makes too much sebum. The oil normally travels up the hair follicle to the skin’s surface. When excess oil is present, the pathway can get clogged. Dirt and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin can also block the hair follicle.

Bacteria can get trapped in the clogged pores and promote inflammation.

The hormonal fluctuations of puberty are the most common cause of acne, but it can also be triggered by other reasons such as:

  • Family history (genetics)
  • Hairspray and makeup
  • Menstrual hormonal levels
  • Medicines (corticosteroids)
  • Obesity
  • Stress
  • Tight clothes that rub against the skin

Acne is most common on the face and neck. It also appears on the shoulders, back and chest. Children and teens with acne often feel self-conscious, especially if acne covers large areas of their bodies.

Symptoms of acne will be different for each child. They include skin irritations such as:

  • Whiteheads (white-filled bumps bulging out from the skin)
  • Blackheads (a blocked pore with a darkened top)
  • Red pimples (sometimes has a pus-filled top)
  • Nodules (painful lumps or cysts)

Acne often corrects itself once puberty nears its end and hormone fluctuations end. Until then, available treatments are usually successful.

Diagnosis of Acne

If your child shows signs of acne, a pediatric dermatologist can perform a physical exam to make a diagnosis. The dermatologist will examine your child's body and any present acne lesions. He or she will talk to you and your child about diet, use of makeup, family history of acne and hygiene.

Treatments

Treatments

There are many different treatments for acne. Mild cases of acne can usually be treated with over-the-counter washes or creams. More severe cases of acne may be treated with the following prescription-strength medicines:

  • Topical benzoyl washes. These washes contain treatments to kill the bacteria on the skin that causes acne.
  • Retinoid creams and gels. Retinoid products reduce oil production, kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
  • Topical and oral antibiotics. Antibiotic creams and medicines can slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation.
  • Isotretinoin. This oral medicine is used to treat severe nodule acne.
  • Oral contraceptives. Birth control pills can be used to control hormone levels as a way to reduce acne.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Acne is very common in puberty.
  • Increased hormone levels during puberty cause the body to make too much sebum (oil).
  • Hair follicles become clogged with sebum which causes inflammation and acne.
  • Proper hygiene and diet can help prevent acne.
  • Prescription-strength washes, creams and medicines successfully treat acne.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about acne in children and teenagers.

We offer a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

The Society for Pediatric Dermatology

This website provides child- and teen-friendly information about acne and available treatments.

American Academy of Dermatology

This site offers kid-friendly information about skin and acne.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 44 facilities offering Acne care by entering your city or zip below.

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Dermatology

Related Stories

Related Stories

Blog Teen Acne Web

Teen Acne: When to Take Your Child to a Dermatologist

09/05/17 Health & Wellness

Melanie Kingsley, a dermatologist at Indiana University Health, explains when and how a professional can help.

Continue reading
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Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2023-24

©2025 Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health
Find adult services at iuhealth.org


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