At AAD 2026, dermatologist Dawn Eichenfield described individualized care for pediatric acne in children and teens. The parent-focused message was direct: treat early with a child-specific plan to lower risk of scars and dark marks.
The American Academy of Dermatology programmed the session with Eichenfield of Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego/UC San Diego, according to the American Academy of Dermatology press release. Pediatric acne and rosacea differ from adult disease. Early diagnosis and individualized treatment are essential.
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
- Why children need their own acne plan
- Scar or dark mark? How to tell them apart
- What treatment may include after age 9
- What parents should ask at the visit
Why children need their own acne plan
A child is not a small adult with acne. Hormones, skin sensitivity, age, severity, and family history can change the diagnosis and the plan. That is why the AAD 2026 discussion centered on early diagnosis matched to the individual child.
An early plan also sets expectations. It clarifies what treatment targets active breakouts and what follow-up targets marks left behind. Parents leave with one plan for now and one plan for healing.
Scar or dark mark? How to tell them apart
Scarring is a texture change in the skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a temporary color change, often brown or dark spots after a breakout heals. Pediatric teaching describes that color change as taking about 3-6 months to normalize, with longer fading when lesions are picked.
Picking makes both outcomes worse. The American Academy of Dermatology advises patients not to pick, pop, or squeeze acne because it prolongs clearing and raises risk of scars and dark spots, according to AAD advice on treating acne. Deep nodules and cysts penetrate deeply and often cause permanent scars, and starting treatment sooner produces fewer permanent scars, according to the AAD guide to types of breakouts.
What treatment may include after age 9
For patients over age 9, current AAD guidance gives strong recommendations for benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids. Those retinoids include adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene, and trifarotene, used alone or combined, according to Clinical Advisor reporting on the updated guidelines. The choice depends on age, severity, skin type, tolerance, and prior response.
Combination care does not mean stronger is better. A child-specific routine balances clearing power with irritation, daily feasibility, and consistent use. Adherence shapes results as much as the product name.
What parents should ask at the visit
Skin of color carries higher risk of raised scars and lasting pigment change because healing and pigmentation differ. A ConsultantLive Q&A from AAD 2026 emphasized tailored scar-management strategies for these patients.
Outcomes still vary by severity, skin type, and adherence. Bring these questions to the appointment: Ask for one written plan covering early treatment, pigment changes, and scar monitoring.
- Is this active acne, leftover color change, texture scarring, or a mix?
- How soon should treatment start to reduce permanent scars for my child?
- Which retinoid or benzoyl peroxide option fits my child's age and skin type?
- What is our plan for sun protection, dark-mark fading, and scar checks?
You Might Also Like
- Early Pediatric Acne Assessment Highlighted at AAD 2026: Scarring and Pigment-Change Questions for Parents of Children With Acne
- Individualized Pediatric Acne Care Discussed at AAD 2026: When to Seek Care for Parents of Children With Acne
- Early Pediatric Acne Assessment Highlighted at AAD 2026: When to Seek Care for Parents of Children With Acne