Why Is Pediatric Dermatology Important?

At Kessel Dermatology, we are primarily known for our cosmetic treatments and anti-aging procedures, however, we offer so much more than that! One of our specialties is Pediatric Dermatology. This is dermatology for babies to adolescents to ensure a future of healthy skin!

What Types of Pediatric Treatments Do We Provide

If your child had a skin condition, our certified service providers can treat your child and offer a variety of treatments options.

Acne

This is one of the most common skin problems. It usually appears in adolescents and young adults but can affect young children and babies as well. Acne is inflammation around glands and hair follicles. If left untreated, it can result in permanent scarring.

Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema or atopic eczema, is a very common condition in infants, and children. This condition often appears in the first year of life, and causes the skin to become red, dry and itchy. The itch can often be severe and prevent your child from sleeping. In addition, it may make those who suffer from eczema more susceptible to infection.

Birthmarks

Birthmarks include a variety of markings that appear on the skin at birth or during the first few years of life. Birthmarks include a wide variety of skin areas that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, areas of the scalp where hair doesn’t grow, diffuse blue or grey areas typically found on the back, and a variety of pink, red, or purple markings often seen on the head and neck.

Diaper Rash

Babies commonly have a number of different rashes in the diaper area, and most are harmless, and transient. Common diaper rash is a normal condition experienced by most (if not all) babies. But when your baby develops diaper rash, it will be very uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s important to treat the symptoms – red, irritated skin that is painful when touched – in order to keep your baby happy and healthy, as well as prevent infection. Rashes that do not resolve with conventional treatments should be evaluated by one of our service providers for more serious conditions that can mimic common diaper rash.

Hemangiomas and Vascular Malformations

A hemangioma is a growth of excess blood vessels that appears on the skin, usually during infancy. Some are present at birth and others develop or change in early childhood. They are typically either red or pink, but they may also take on a bluish hue (in the case of “deep” hemangiomas). Although this type of skin condition is usually benign, there are certain instances where the hemangioma will need to be removed. This will be the case if the hemangioma is in a sensitive area such as the face, where it may obstruct vision or lead to cosmetic disfigurement. Other hemangiomas that may need to be removed are those that cause ulceration, severe scarring or medical issues. If your child has a hemangioma, consult our office to see if treatment is needed.

Infection

During childhood, it is common to develop a variety of rashes at one time or another. Some of these rashes are caused by superficial infections of the skin, for example impetigo, and may subside quickly with a topical or oral medication. Other rashes occur when your child is ill; they may be bacterial or viral, and prompt recognition of the rash by a professional can help expedite the correct medical treatment.

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)

In babies, seborrheic dermatitis is referred to as “cradle cap.” This condition causes severe dandruff on the scalp and/or inflammation on the face. It usually develops within the child’s first six weeks of life and clears in weeks to months.

Warts (Verruca)

Warts are small bumps on the skin caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They come in all shapes and sizes. Warts are very common in children, and in most cases they are harmless. Children are not always known for leaving these warts alone however, and when scratched or picked at, warts have a tendency to spread. Depending on where the warts spread to, they can become more difficult for your doctor to treat. Sometimes it is better to have warts treated rather than wait and see if they go away on their own.

For more information and other common pediatric problems, contact us today!