Pediatric dermatology is a subspecialty of dermatology focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing skin disorders and conditions affecting children. This relatively new branch of dermatology concentrates on the health of a child’s nails, scalp, hair, and skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is the first line of defense because it is a living barrier against the elements, debris, or pathogens. Making sure that a child’s skin is healthy can ensure the child’s general health.
Many dermal conditions often occur in childhood. Some skin ailments that are common in adults tend to affect children differently. A pediatric dermatologist can determine the skin issues and the appropriate treatment approach.
It is important for children to get proper skin treatments from a health care provider who knows how to communicate with them. A pediatric dermatologist must know how to ask the proper questions. That way, children can trust them during diagnosis and treatment.
What Types of Skin Problems Can Pediatric Dermatologists Address?
Dermatology for children does not only cover diaper rashes or early bouts of acne. Children tend to experience more skin problems because of several factors. An underdeveloped immune system and frequent exposure to impurities are two of the most common ones. Below are some of the skin problems that a pediatric dermatologist can treat:
- Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis – This is a lasting type of eczema. Statistics show that this condition occurs in about 13 percent of kids. Atopic dermatitis often begins in early childhood. It is common in children with a family history of hay fever and asthma. This is a kind of inflammatory disease that is connected to the immune system. Eczema may be an early symptom of an auto-immune condition.
- Bacterial Infections of the Skin – This type of condition can occur at any point in a child’s life. Pediatric dermatologists can determine the source of the infection through proper diagnostic exams.
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis – Redness and itchiness can occur when children come into contact with something they are allergic to.
- Cradle Cap – Also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap is often a harmless skin problem. It is the flaking and scaling of the skin on a baby’s scalp. This may also show on the ears, groin, eyelids, and nose. Most cradle cap infections are not itchy at all.
- Genetic Skin Disease – An experienced pediatric dermatologist can diagnose and treat different genetic skin ailments. Some examples of genetic skin diseases are ectodermal dysplasia, tuberous sclerosis, albinism, and premature aging. These skin conditions do not respond to topical or over-the-counter medications. That is why they need specialized treatments.
- Congenital Melanocytic Nevi – These are moles that are common in children. A majority of cases are not cancerous. But in some children, the moles can change or develop. A pediatric dermatologist must see the mole or moles right away if this is the case. Remember, more moles mean that a child has a greater risk of having melanoma.
- Keratosis Pilaris – This skin condition is quite harmless. It causes bumpy, red, and dry skin. See a pediatric dermatologist even if the symptoms are mild.
Common Treatments
After evaluating your child, your pediatric dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis. Your child can then receive proper treatment. This may include taking a skin test to determine medications or ingredients your child may be allergic to. The doctor can then start the procedure after identifying the allergens if there are any.
Some pediatric skin conditions need topical and oral medications. Certain pediatric skin conditions can manifest through itching, lesions, or rashes. These symptoms can cause sleeplessness and irritation. Controlling these symptoms can give the child comfort.
Other pediatric skin conditions need more invasive treatments, including liquid nitrogen cryosurgery, traditional surgery, and laser surgery. These procedures can prevent the recurrence or spread of skin ailments.
Closing Thoughts
Regular dermatological checkups are recommended during childhood. These visits can happen at least once each year. Regular checkups can give way to early detection and treatment of your child’s skin ailment. For additional information, come visit us at Complete Family Dermatology in Lincoln, Nebraska. Call our clinic at 402-423-1111 to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
