Finding the Right Pediatric Dermatologist

Pediatric dermatology is a subspecialty within the field of dermatology. A pediatric dermatologist is a dermatologist who specializes in treating children. Their patients can range in age from newborns to teenagers. This type of dermatologist thus treats skin diseases and disorders that occur exclusively or primarily in children.

What kind of education does a pediatric dermatologist need?

Dermatology is a medical discipline, so the aspiring pediatric dermatologist will begin by going to medical school. After completing medical school, they will serve an internship and residency at a local hospital there they will learn and practice general dermatology. The internship lasts one year, while the residency lasts three or four years. They then have to obtain medical licenses and board certifications, both of which require taking and passing rigorous exams. The American Board of Dermatology administers the exam required for board certification. The successful candidate will now be able to practice general dermatology.

Practicing one of the sub-specialties within dermatology requires even more training. The dermatologist needs to join a fellowship and train with that fellowship for at least one year. They then have to take an exam related to their subspecialty, which will also be administered by the American Board of Dermatology. If the candidate passes, they will be a board-certified pediatric dermatologist.

All medical practitioners are required to continue their education, as medical technology and techniques can change dramatically over the years. A pediatric dermatologist will thus have to maintain their certification by taking exams every ten years. As a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Hafeez is well-equipped to provide care to every patient, no matter their age.

What kind of disorders does a pediatric dermatologist treat?

A pediatric dermatologist will treat disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. Some of the concerns Dr. Hafeez treats include the following:

• Molluscum
• Warts
• Atopic dermatitis

What usually happens during the first visit?

Dr. Hafeez will likely start by taking the child’s medical history, which will cover matters as the type of symptoms and their onset and severity. He may then conduct a physical exam to observe the child’s problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

When should somebody call a pediatric dermatologist?

It depends. Some conditions are congenital. The parent should, therefore, take their baby to our pediatric dermatologist as soon as possible to discuss treatment.

Other conditions such as warts and molluscum develop when the child is older. The parent should take the child to a doctor as soon as they detect the problem. Older children may ask their parents to be taken to the doctor, especially if they have a condition like acne that is potentially embarrassing or uncomfortable.

Regardless of the problem, Dr. Hafeez has the expertise needed to treat children and adults alike at the Center for Dermatology. If you are in the Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Dacula, Duluth, Buford, or Snellville areas and would like to visit a pediatric dermatologist to help your child, contact our office in Lawrenceville to schedule a consultation with us.