Children need specialized care for all of their medical needs, including problems with the skin. Kids’ skin can be especially sensitive, and conditions can be impacted by a child’s growing and developing body in ways that would not be an issue for adults. When children have skin problems, they need the help of a pediatric dermatologist. At SKC Dermatology, we have the knowledge and training to treat skin problems and diseases in infants through teens as well as adults.
What Is a Pediatric Dermatologist?
Medical Doctor
A pediatric dermatologist is a medical professional who first attends medical school to become a licensed medical doctor. The doctor is knowledgable in all areas of medicine and has completed training. After becoming a medical doctor, the prospective dermatologist then pursues further studies in the care of skin diseases and conditions.
Dermatology Training
A pediatric dermatologist must have experience and training in taking care of the skin. The doctor will have completed a residency specifically in dermatology, learning about how skin conditions develop, occur, and are treated. The doctor will leave the training with complete knowledge of dermatology.
Pediatric Experience
In addition to a residency in dermatology, the doctor will complete a residency in pediatrics as well. The doctor will learn about how children’s bodies grow and develop differently from adults and how various treatments and medicines are used to keep children healthy and safe. The doctor will gain experience and knowledge related to children. The doctor will then be trained to medically treat children.
Solutions Specifically for Kids
All of this specialized training is what makes pediatric dermatologists uniquely qualified to care for the skin injuries of children. At SKC Dermatology, we know that kids are just small adults. They experience physical and medical challenges that are different from those of people who are fully grown, and thy need to be treated in a different way.
We know what can happen to kids’ skin when they are injured or contract a disease or infection. We have the experience and training to be able to understand why a child’s body reacts to certain conditions the way it does and how to relieve any pain or damage that occurs. We create a plan that is specifically for children and particularly fitted to your child’s needs.
Peace of Mind for Parents
When children are hurting, it is especially difficult for parents. Children may not have the verbal ability to express what hurts, and they may not be able to adequately explain their pain. They may not be able to tell you what they have touched or been exposed to that has caused the problem. We know how to read a child’s symptoms and communication to help determine a diagnosis.
At SKC Dermatology, we are glad to be able to let parents know that we strive to provide the best possible care for children. You will be able to rest easy knowing that we have the experience and dedication to treat your child’s skin problems.
Infant Skin Care
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a problem that affects most babies at one time or another, but sometimes it can be especially hard to control. Extreme cases of diaper rash may be painful and can even become infected. And what you believe to be a standard diaper rash can actually be caused by an allergy or a bacterial or fungal infection.
We will treat your baby’s diaper rash based on what is causing it. You may need to apply a steroid cream, an antifungal, or antibiotics. We can also give you specific tips on how to keep your baby’s diaper area healthy and free of irritation.
Infant Eczema
Babies are particularly susceptible to eczema because their skin is new and naturally sensitive. A baby’s skin can easily become dry or irritating, causing it to itch. The baby may then begin rubbing against surfaces to relieve the itch and a red, bumpy eczema rash can be the result.
We can teach you how to care for your infant’s eczema at home as well as provide any cream or medication that is necessary to control the problem.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a common skin condition in newborn babies. The skin on the top of the head will flake off in scales, and it may be red and look irritated. Most cradle cap is resolved on its own but sometimes medical attention is needed. We can prescribe a cream or treatment if necessary.
Port Wine Stains
Port-wine stains are wine-colored birthmarks on a baby and are caused by dilated capillaries. There is usually no reason to treat these birthmarks, but in some cases, treatment is advised. Laser treatments are the most common approach.
Dry Patches
Babies’ skin can often become dry and may peel or flake. This can usually be treated with over-the-counter remedies and goes away on its own, but lasting dry skin may require a doctor’s care. When a dry patch becomes painful, it could be infected.
Impetigo
This is a skin infection that can cause red, crusty sores on a baby or child’s skin that can rupture and drain like blisters. It often appears on the face where babies touch their skin. The infection spreads easily, so it should be treated as quickly as possible to avoid appearing in other parts of the body or in other children.
Hemangiomas
A hemangioma is a mark that may be present at birth or in early infancy and looks like a red bump on a baby’s skin. It can appear anywhere on the body but often affects the baby’s head, chest, and back. It is caused by excess blood vessels. Many times the hemangioma disappears on its own, but it sometimes needs to be removed because it can cause trouble with breathing or other critical functions.
Common Dermatology Issues in Children
Acne
Acne is caused by the overproduction of oil in the skin and often appears in adolescence. Mild acne is often easily treated at home, but some children suffer from more extreme cases. Acne usually affects the facial area but it can show up on any part of the body. Severe acne can cause a child embarrassment and can even lead to problems with mental health.
We can offer options to help treat kids who suffer from chronic or extreme acne outbreaks. There are topical and oral medications that can help relieve and suppress acne. This can give your child more confidence and relieve the stress of living with acne.
Bacterial Skin Infections
A bacterial infection is caused by harmful bacteria on the skin and usually presents in the form of a rash. There are various kinds of bacterial infections ranging from cellulitis to a staph infection to scarlet fever. Bacterial infections can sometimes cause fever, a drop in blood pressure, or other dangerous conditions, so it’s important to seek treatment.
Parasites
Kids can get parasites from other kids, animals, or contaminated surfaces. Some parasites, like lice, are common in childhood while others like cryptosporidiosis and pinworm are less common but require immediate treatment.
Moles
Most moles that develop on children are harmless but in rare cases, they could be signs of something dangerous like melanoma. If a child’s mole changes significantly in shape, color, or size, you will want a dermatologist to see it.
Warts
Many warts will go away on their own or can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications but other types of warts or warts that are persistent may need to be removed. Children can get warts on any part of the body, but they often show up on fingers and feet. Tiny body parts and sensitive skin can make warts in children more difficult to remove than those in adults.
Rosacea
Rosacea is not common in children, but it can happen. Children with rosacea may have a red flush around the face and neck or may have consistent pink eye. Sometimes the child’s eye can even be swollen or crusty. Rosacea can get worse if it isn’t treated, so it’s important to have your child seen for this issue.
Skin Tags
Skin tags typically run in families, and they are usually just an annoyance. But they can be problematic if they are in particularly annoying places or become infected, especially if they get ripped. Skin tags can be removed by a professional, and follow-up care is important to prevent an infection from developing.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis due to allergies is very common in young children with sensitive skin. Kids may break out due to contact with certain plants, detergents, cleaning products, or a host of other items. Even saliva can cause this problem. A pediatric dermatologist can help you discover what your child is allergic to and suggest the appropriate treatment.
Plaque Psoriasis
Children can get psoriasis, and it can create a painful burning feeling as well as embarrassment for your child. Plaque psoriasis most often presents as a thick area of skin that looks scaley. People with psoriasis are often afraid of showing their skin for fear that other people will be disgusted. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but it can be effectively treated.
Rashes
Children often get mysterious rashes that cannot be easily identified. They can occur anywhere on the body and be red and itchy, blistered and filled with fluid, or even bumpy and sore. Rashes are often a symptom of other diseases and medical problems, so rashes that don’t go away on their own should be checked out.
Pediatric dermatologists are often called in when a child’s general pediatrician cannot determine the cause of a particular rash. A dermatologist is likely to be able to identify the rash and know the best course of treatment to pursue.
Sunburn
Sunburn is another common part of childhood, although most modern parents know to use sunscreen when their children go outside. Mild sunburns are typically manageable, but severe sunburn can be painful and even dangerous. Sunburns bad enough to cause blisters should be seen by a doctor.
A severe sunburn can also lead to heat stress. Children need treatment if a sunburn causes vomiting, fever, chills, or fainting. Pediatric dermatologists can advise parents on the best way of keeping children safe in the sun and answer any questions parents have about using sunscreen.
Keratosis Pilaris
This is a patch of tiny bumps and rough areas of skin on a child’s body. It isn’t harmful but can sometimes cause children to feel insecure. Prescription creams can help.
Get Help for Your Child’s Skin
It can be scary when your children experience a sudden rash or a skin infection, and you might not know what to do. When your child has a dermatological problem, call us at SKC Dermatology. We have seen many different skin conditions in children and have the experience to diagnose and treat the problem.
