Pediatric Dermatology

Pediatric Dermatology is a subspecialty of dermatology that provides specialization in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions in babies, children and adolescents. Certain skin conditions occur mainly in children and have different treatment processes then in adults. The impact of abnormal skin irritations and conditions can result in feelings of emotional inadequacy in children.

Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema

Atopic Eczema, also called Dermatitis, is a skin condition that is usually found in small children and young adults. Atopic Dermatitis can include a variety of skin conditions with symptoms including red, itchy, oozing and scaling skin.

Atopic Eczema in babies, also called Infantile Dermatitis, is usually found on the face and scalp, and causes the skin to itch, ooze and crust. The condition often disappears by the age of two. In teens and young adults, atopic eczema usually breaks out on the bends of the elbows and the backs of the knees.

Warts in Children

Warts are caused by a virus that gets into the skin. Usually flesh tone in color, they are raised bumps rough to the touch. Sometimes warts will be flat and dark in color. The two most frequent types of warts that are found in children are common warts and plantar warts. Common warts are usually found on the hands, growing around the nail or the back of the hands. Plantar warts are foot warts, usually located on the bottom of the foot. Because of the location of growth, they can be painful to walk on.

Warts will sometimes disappear without treatment. In cases where warts continue to grow in size or multiply, treatment options can include burning, freezing or topical solutions. Warts, unsightly by nature, can be a source of embarrassment for children. Removal of warts is recommended at the earliest stages to prevent spreading of the virus and additional breakouts.

Teen Acne

Our bodies produce hormones called Androgens that result in the production of oil on the skin. This oil can cause the outbreak of acne. Acne in children and teens can be occasional breakouts to severe cases of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Acne in children and teens can cause serious emotional withdraw from friends and school activities, causing children and teenagers to be introverted and shy in social situations. The good news is acne is treatable. Most acne skin conditions can be improved at home by keeping a regular skin care regimen. Additional diagnosis and treatment from a dermatologist may be necessary if regular skin maintenance does not clear up acne.

Tips for a Healthy Skin Care Regimen:

1. Do not scrub; acne is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing will actually irritate the skin further.
2. Wash the face with a dermatology-grade skin cleanser that was created for acne. The dermatologist can recommend one for your skin type.
3. Apply lotion with a glycolic acid or copper-based product to dry up skin and reduce bacteria. Also utilize a retinol-based product.

Birthmarks

Children are often born with birthmarks that vary in size, color and shape. Usually there is no need for concern, and within time, usually by the age of two the birthmarks will fade or completely disappear without additional treatments. The three most common birthmarks that are found in babies and children are angel kisses or stork bites, hemangiomas and port wine stains.

Angel Kisses and Stork Bites
Macular stains, also nicknamed angel kisses or stork bites are flat pinkish red spots that can be found anywhere on the body. There is no need for concern or treatment for this type of birthmark. Angel kisses usually disappear by the age of two. If the birthmark does not fade and lasts into adulthood it is called a stork bite.

Hemangiomas
One of the more common types of birthmarks found in babies are hemangiomas. Hemangiomas are raised soft lumps on the skin that can resemble a small blister. Hemangiomas generally are not visible at birth and begin to form a few days to several weeks of age. They are usually red in color but can also be bluish. This type of birthmark, also know as a strawberry birthmark is caused by a cluster of "left over" cells in the baby's skin. Hemagiomas can continue to grow in size for the first 3-6 months of life, at which time they generally being to shrink. A dermatologist can examine the birthmark to determine if treatment is necessary.

Port Wine Stains
Flat pink, red or purple birthmarks on the body are port wine stains. They can be small in size or cover large areas of the skin. Port wine stains can grow to be very thick and have bumps and ridges. This type of birthmark will last forever, and will not go away on its own without treatment. Dermatologists sometimes treat port wine stains with lasers to help the spots disappear.