AARS and AAP Release Acne Recommendations

Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne were recently published in Pediatrics. These recommendations were developed through the American Acne Rosacea Society (AARS) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The recommendations are a result of a two year effort of experts in acne, pediatric dermatology, and pediatrics, co-chaired by Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield, AARS President-Elect and Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology and Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine (Dermatology) at Rady Children's Hospital and University of California, San Diego, and Dr. Diane Thiboutot, AARS President and Professor of Dermatology at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. The publication, titled “Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne” is authored by Drs. Lawrence Eichenfield, Andrew Krakowski, Caroline Piggott, James Del Rosso, Hilary Baldwin, Sheila Fallon Friedlander, Moise Levy, Anne Lucky, Anthony Mancini, Seth Orlow, Albert Yan, Keith Vaux, Guy Webster, Andrea Zaenglein, and Diane Thiboutot. The article discusses categorization of acne, as well as acne mimickers, in different age groups, including neonates, infants, young children, pre-adolescents, and teenagers. Topics discussed include diet and acne and the effectiveness, safety, and potential side effects of over-the-counter products, topical retinoids, antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin. It includes flow charts to help practitioners navigate a person's treatment selections based on the type and severity of acne.