What is a Pediatric Dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating skin conditions and diseases, but dermatology services aren’t just for adults. Children and teens can benefit from dermatology services, too. A pediatric dermatologist is a specialist within a specialty, focusing on skin conditions affecting newborns through teenagers.
Common Skin Conditions Affecting Children
A pediatric dermatologist is an expert at diagnosing and treating acne, scarring, and skin rashes, including poison ivy and hives, eczema, warts, and moles.
Services Available from a Pediatric Dermatologist
A pediatric dermatologist can provide treatment in the form of:
- Oral medications to reduce or eliminate itching, inflammation, redness, and infection
- Topical medications to reduce itching, redness, swelling, and inflammation
- Laser therapy to kill bacteria associated with acne or to minimize the appearance of skin discolorations, birthmarks, and other skin issues
- Surgical treatment to perform a biopsy or remove a skin growth
When to Visit a Pediatric Dermatologist
You should call or schedule an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist if your child has a skin infection, skin rash, or other skin issue that isn’t resolving or is getting worse.
