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Pediatric Dermatology

Dermatology is not limited to the conditions that adults face. Children also experience medical and cosmetic dermatology issues that can affect their physical and emotional health. At Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery, our physicians not only diagnose the many conditions that impact children, but also educate children and their families about the importance of skin care and ways to manage the condition they are facing.

What is Pediatric Dermatology?

Pediatric dermatology focuses on the research, diagnosis and treatment of children’s skin conditions and works to provide preventative and educational resources that help children recover from their dermatological issues. At some point during childhood, children often acquire various infections and because a child’s immune system is less developed than an adult’s, they experience these conditions at a more frequent rate. A physician who has experience examining and diagnosing skin conditions in children can provide the most appropriate treatment option and explain treatment regimens to children in an understandable manner.

Types of Skin Conditions in Children

Whether your child is facing a mild or severe skin condition, Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery is dedicated to finding a solution that benefits their bodily health. We treat issues from young childhood all the way up to adolescence and strive to find treatment options that allow your child to feel more comfortable about their skin. We treat the following conditions in our office:

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious skin condition that is caused by the poxvirus. The condition typically results in small growths or Mollusca that spread throughout the body. The Mollusca are small bumps that are pink, red or white in color, and they occur either in single formations or in clusters. Other characterizations include bumps with a dimple in the center that contain a waxy substance and that are between two and five millimeters in diameter.

The lesions can become sore, itchy or swollen and can spread from one part of the body to another or from person to person via physical contact. In children who interact with one another, the infection can be spread through handling toys, coming into contact with infected clothing or by spending time in public pools.To treat molluscum contagiosum, liquid nitrogen can be used to freeze the lesions and remove them from the body. Otherwise, over-the-counter medications have proven effective at treating the condition. Oftentimes, molluscum contagiosum will resolve on its own, but it more severe cases it may last up to four years.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a skin condition caused by a fungi that creates a ring-shaped rash on the affected person or animal. Ringworm is easily spread to others by touching parts of the body or surfaces infected with the fungi. It can also spread from animals to humans by physical contact. Typically, ringworm forms rashes that itch mildly, and a person may be able to tell that they have the condition four to fourteen days after they have contracted the infection.

Ringworm will often cause the skin to look scaly and feel rough to the touch as well as create bald spots if located in regions of the body covered in hair. To treat ringworm, prescription anti-fungal creams have been shown to reduce the infection. It is also helpful to practice preventative tactics like wiping down surfaces regularly and washing hands frequently. If you have a pet infected with ringworm, disinfecting the areas in which they eat, play and sleep will help keep the infection from spreading.

We also specilize in treating the same adult conditions that can have a tendency to appear in children. These include hemangiomas, rashes, warts, psoriasis, eczema, irritant dermatitis and birthmarks.

Diagnosing Skin Conditions in Children

Many skin conditions can be identified by their physical characteristics, which is part of what our physicians look for when diagnosing an infection in children. However, it is also important to rule out any other ailments that may be affecting the child and causing additional concern. The goal is to find the treatment method that will be the most effective and comfortable for your child to receive.

To ensure our accuracy, we may examine skin scrapings or cultures in order to identify specific viruses and confirm a diagnosis. Once we determine a treatment option, our physicians will explain the regimen to your child in a way they can understand. By involving your child in their treatment, they will be more engaged during the healing process and afterwards. You, as the parent, will also be more aware of ways to prevent infections from spreading in the future.

The key for parents is to be vigilant about your child’s skin and take note of anything that looks abnormal. The moment you notice the symptoms of an infection, contact our physicians to have the condition examined. We may ask some questions related to your child’s symptoms that will help us secure a timeline for the infection as well as establish your child’s medical history.

We want to obtain as much information as possible so that we can customize our treatment to your child’s needs. If you would like more information about the dermatology treatments we provide for children, please contact Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery and schedule a consultation.