Your child’s skin is different from an adult’s and requires care by dermatologists who have been specially trained and certified in pediatric dermatology. Pediatric dermatologists are dermatologists who have specialized training in treating patients from infancy to adolescence. Choosing a dermatologist for your child can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve laid out everything you should know about pediatric dermatologists below.
How Do Adult Dermatologists and Pediatric Dermatologists Differ?
Dermatologists are medical doctors that have participated in four years of medical school and one year of internship. Dermatologists then go on to complete three years of dermatology residency and, if they want to specialize in pediatric care, can participate in an additional two-year pediatric residency.
Once one or both residencies are completed, dermatologists must go on to pass a one-year pediatric dermatology fellowship. Following completion of their residencies and fellowship, they must become board certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
What Do Pediatric Dermatologists Treat?
Pediatric dermatologists treat both common and rare pediatric skin conditions. For example, a hemangioma, a bright red birthmark that appears at birth or closely following the birth, is a common skin condition in infants and children up to 10 years old. Extra blood vessels in the skin form together to create a large rubbery bump – the hemangioma.
Eczema and atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, are not life threatening but are commonly treated by pediatric dermatologists as they can cause your child to become uncomfortable and self-conscious. If you have eczema, you may develop patches of skin that become itchy, red, and cracked. These conditions can present in early childhood and last throughout adolescence.
Pediatric dermatologists also commonly treat acne. Acne can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and nodules. It can begin in childhood and occur throughout adolescence into adulthood. Most acne occurs on the face, neck, and the body.
Pediatric dermatologists also treat rare skin conditions, such as vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes white patches of skin to form all over the body. These patches form when cells that create our skin’s pigment are destroyed.
Your child’s dermatologist will work with you and your child to diagnose the skin concern and identify a proper treatment plan. This may include recommending and prescribing cleansers and lotions and may include prescription medications to treat conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. Treatment options may also include minor surgical procedures such as skin biopsies, removal of lesions, and laser treatment.
Where Can I Find a Dermatologist for My Child?
Pediatric dermatologists work in many settings, including children’s hospitals, medical university centers, and private practices. You can easily find pediatric dermatologists in your area by using the “Find a Pediatric Dermatologist” tool on the Society for Pediatric Dermatology website. This site will also inform you of appropriate certifications that dermatologists should obtain before seeing patients.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates is proud to have one of the few board-certified pediatric dermatologists in the Pittsburgh area on our team. Elizabeth J. Froelich, MD, FAAD has been in the field of pediatric dermatology for many years and continues to bring new evidence-based practices into each patient visit. Our pediatric dermatologist, Dr. Froelich, strives to put you and your child at ease during your visit.
When you choose a pediatric dermatologist, you want to choose someone who has specialized training in children’s healthcare. Most are also trained in child development and can recognize signs and symptoms of common skin conditions that may differ in children. Their training helps them communicate with your child to identify a diagnosis, even when your child is not able to fully express their symptoms and concerns. If your child develops a new or concerning skin condition, get in touch with us today.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers pediatric, medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.