At the 2026 AAD Annual Meeting, pediatric dermatologist Dawn Eichenfield's "Pediatric Acne and Rosacea" presentation reinforced the need for early diagnosis and treatment tailored to children. For parents, it supports careful evaluation and established acne care rather than a new standard treatment plan. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is the professional organization that publishes acne guidance for dermatologists. Its meeting update emphasizes that children's acne and rosacea can differ from adult disease.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What the meeting update means
- Acne treatment still depends on age and severity
- Why antibiotic instructions matter
- Acne in babies needs its own evaluation
- When facial redness may be rosacea
What the meeting update means
The March 29 pediatric-dermatology session focused on acne and rosacea in children, including how these conditions differ from adult disease. The AAD said early diagnosis and individualized treatment are important.
AAD's 2026 Annual Meeting program The session does not replace the usual care plan for a child with acne. Parents can use it as a reminder to seek a skin evaluation when breakouts are persistent, severe, painful, or leaving marks.
Acne treatment still depends on age and severity
AAD acne guidance covers adolescents and children older than 9. It strongly supports benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, antibiotics when appropriate, and selected combination treatments, with the choice tailored to the child and acne severity.
AAD's updated acne-management guidance A mild case may need a simple topical routine. More inflamed acne may require a clinician to combine treatments and monitor response. Use the prescribed products as directed rather than adding several acne products at once, which can cause irritation.
Why antibiotic instructions matter
Antibiotics can help control inflammatory acne, but they are not meant to be used alone or indefinitely. AAD advises pairing topical or oral antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide and limiting oral-antibiotic exposure to help reduce antibiotic resistance.
AAD's updated acne-management guidance For parents, that means following the planned combination and duration. Do not save an antibiotic for a later flare, share it with a sibling, or stop the accompanying benzoyl peroxide unless the prescribing clinician changes the plan.
Acne in babies needs its own evaluation
Acne that begins after 6 weeks of age deserves medical evaluation. Infantile acne can scar, and a rash that looks like acne can sometimes be another condition.
AAD's guidance on baby acne Do not apply over-the-counter acne medicine to a baby unless the child's clinician recommends it. Bring photos showing how the spots have changed, along with a list of products that have touched the baby's skin.
When facial redness may be rosacea
Rosacea is uncommon in children and teens, but it can be mistaken for acne. Persistent facial flushing or redness, recurrent styes or pinkeye, red irritated eyes, and swollen or crusty eyelids can point to pediatric ocular rosacea.
AAD's information on rosacea in children Arrange timely dermatology assessment if these symptoms recur. Light sensitivity or ongoing eye symptoms need prompt attention because untreated ocular rosacea can injure the eye surface and threaten vision; severe cases may need ophthalmology care. AAD's rosacea diagnosis and treatment guidance.