A pediatric dermatologist specializes in treating skin conditions that affect children and adolescents. These doctors complete fellowship training in pediatric dermatology after residency and are experienced with issues such as skin infections, moles, acne, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, warts, and other growths and blemishes. These are some of the most common reasons to visit a pediatric dermatologist.
Congenital Abnormalities
If your child was born with a wart, birthmark, or other skin abnormality, your pediatrician would likely suggest that our pediatric dermatologist monitor the affected area. He or she will regularly check for infection, the growth of cancerous cells, or other concerns. Our specialist can also help you determine if removal of growth is warranted. One to two percent of babies are born with a congenital mole, and in some rare cases, these growths can develop into melanoma later in life. Hemangiomas, which are vascular birthmarks that occur in utero or during the first year of life, can cause complications depending on their location on the body.
Recurrent Rashes
In most kids, rashes come and go with watchful waiting or a visit to the doctor if necessary. If your child keeps getting a rash that won’t go away or causes distress, our pediatric dermatologist has the training required to recommend an effective treatment. Pain or severe itching could point to an allergic reaction, for example. Children are susceptible to contact dermatitis, in which a substance in the environment irritates the skin. This common condition warrants a visit to the pediatric dermatologist when the skin becomes thickened, scaly, blistered, or shows redness or other signs of infection. Our specialists can help determine the cause and come up with a plan to treat the symptoms.
Our pediatric dermatologist can also provide proper management and ongoing treatment for a child who has a chronic skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. They can help parents develop a treatment plan that incorporates the identification and management of triggers in conjunction with corticosteroids and other medications.
Serious Issues
If your child develops a blemish that grows or changes quickly, with variant texture, size, shape, or color, it could be a serious problem. Such growths require immediate attention from a pediatric dermatologist. A skin biopsy may be performed to check for cancerous cells.
In teenagers, a pediatric dermatologist can provide management of serious cystic acne that can cause permanent scarring if left untreated. They can also teach kids how to properly care for their skin.
If you’re concerned about an issue affecting your child’s skin, trust the expertise of a dermatologist who specializes in pediatric care. Our pediatric dermatologist provides diagnosis and treatment for all skin conditions, including medication and surgery when indicated. Contact us today at Center for Dermatology to schedule your initial consultation.
