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Pathogenesis and treatment of acne in childhood
T Jansen1, W H Burgdorf, G Plewig
1Department of Dermatology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany.
Insights
Infant acne, including acne neonatorum and acne infantum, is more common than often reported. While typically mild, some infant acne types can be serious, requiring further investigation into various causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Acne neonatorum and acne infantum are common in infants but often underreported.
- Acne neonatorum is typically mild and transient.
- Acne infantum presents later and can be more severe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and varying severity of acne in newborns and infants.
- To differentiate between acne neonatorum and acne infantum.
- To introduce other childhood acne types and their potential causes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on infant acne.
- Clinical observation and case study analysis (implied).
- Categorization of different acne types based on age of onset and severity.
Main Results:
- Acne is more frequent in newborns and infants than commonly documented.
- Acne neonatorum is usually minor and self-limiting.
- Acne infantum, appearing after three months, is more serious and may include severe forms like acne conglobata.
Conclusions:
- Infant acne encompasses a spectrum of conditions with diverse presentations and severity.
- Underdiagnosis of acne neonatorum may occur due to its mild nature.
- Acne infantum and other childhood acne types necessitate consideration of various pathogenetic mechanisms, including exogenous factors and endocrine issues.
Abstract:
Acne occurs more frequently in newborns and infants than one would gather from written accounts. Acne neonatorum tends to be overlooked because it is usually minor and transient. In contrast, acne infantum, which generally does not make its appearance until after 3 months of life, is more serious. Even acne conglobata may develop in infants. There are many other types of acne in childhood reflecting different pathogenetic mechanisms; included in this group are acne venenata infantum, steroid acne, hormonal disturbances, and toxic reactions.