Coughlin CC, et al. - The multi-fold aim of this paper was to characterize the preadolescent acne microbiome, compare the microbiome in preadolescents with and without acne, and contemplate the variations in the microbiome, following topical therapy with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid in preadolescents. Propionibacterium was determined as the predominant bacteria in microbiome studies of adult acne. In contrast, Streptococcus bacteria was predominant in the pediatric population. The microbiomes of intervention group enrollees more closely resembled those of control group subjects after the treatment.

Methods

• The enrollees were subjects aged 7-10 years of age with (intervention group) or without (control group) acne.
• The recruitment was carried out during routine outpatient dermatology visits.
• This study conducted baseline questionnaires, physical examination, and pore strip application for all candidates.
• Intervention group individuals were allocated to receive topical therapy with benzoyl peroxide 5% gel or cream or tretinoin 0.025% cream.
• Those with acne were followed up 8-10 weeks later, with repitition of pore strip application.

Results

• Colonization was performed of preadolescents with acne, with a greater diversity of cutaneous bacteria than controls.
• Streptococcus was the most commonly identified bacterium.
• A decrease was reported in the number of bacterial species and phylogenetic diversity, following the treatment with benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin.