When it comes to skin disorders and skin care, children sometimes have different symptoms and concerns than adults. Certain skin conditions are more often seen in childhood and adolescence, such as acne or eczema. Pediatric dermatologists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions commonly seen in children.

What is pediatric dermatology?

Pediatric dermatology focuses on the treatment and management of children’s skin, hair and nail conditions. These conditions can develop as children grow, or they can be present from birth. Pediatric dermatology focuses on children from infancy through adolescence.

Conditions treated with pediatric dermatology

Many children have skin conditions that are first seen or diagnosed at a young age.

• Albinism
• Alopecia
• Atopic and contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Epidermolysis bullosa
• Ichthyosis
• Hemangiomas
• Psoriasis
• Neurofibromatosis
• Vitiligo

Pediatric dermatologists can identify certain skin problems and determine if treatment is needed:

• Acne
• Birthmarks
• Cysts
• Hives
• Lesions
• Moles
• Warts

Pediatric dermatology treatment options

There are many options to treat dermatology conditions children have. Treatment depends on what the condition is, if the patient developed the condition after birth, and the age of the patient. Doctors always consider the patient’s needs when treating them. Doctors can treat patients with many different options:

• Cryosurgery
• Laser therapy
• Phototherapy
• Surgery
• Systemic medication
• Topical ointments

Specific medical equipment suited for children is used in pediatric dermatology. Sometimes doctors use additional resources geared toward children to educate them more on their condition and how the doctors will fix the issue.