A pediatric dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Their patients range in age from newborn to late adolescence. Pediatric dermatologists treat a wide array of conditions ranging from warts to acne to skin cancer.
When Should Your Child Visit a Dermatologist?
The answer depends on the child and their condition. Some children have congenital conditions like port wine stains or albinism. The parents of such children should contact a pediatric dermatologist to discuss possible treatment options as soon as possible.
In many cases, the child’s pediatrician will advise parents to take their child to a pediatric dermatologist, particularly if the child has a condition beyond the pediatrician’s expertise. Sometimes, the child themselves will ask to go to the pediatric dermatologist, especially if they have a condition like acne that affects their self-esteem and appearance.
What Can You Expect at Your First Visit?
The pediatric dermatologist will take the patient’s medical history. They will ask questions about the child’s condition that can cover such topics as the severity of the symptoms or how long the child has had the condition. The dermatologist will then perform a physical exam, during which they will look for other possible problems. In some cases, the doctor may order tests.
Common Problems Children Face
Dermatology issues aren’t limited to adults, so here is a list of common problems your child might face that would require them to visit the dermatologist. In addition to this list, we can diagnose and treat many more issues that your child may experience.
- Eczema
- Diaper rash
- Moles
- Ringworm
- Warts
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Hives
- Skin infections
- Nail disorders
Certain skin problems, such as moles, should be seen by a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of cancer. Other issues, such as skin infections, need to be seen right away in order to administer treatment. If you notice something suspicious on your child’s skin, but aren’t sure what it is, our dermatologist can help with that as well.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s skin, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at SKC Dermatology. Our dermatologist can diagnose your child and then walk you through our available treatment options. Give yourself peace of mind at our office in Paramus, NJ. We also offer medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology for adults. Contact us today to schedule you or your child for an appointment!