Dr. Elizabeth Froelich is our pediatric dermatologist and is one of only a few pediatric skin specialists in the Pittsburgh area. Dr. Froelich completed her undergraduate education at the University of Pittsburgh and received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. She was Chief Resident during her dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
If you're interested in care, you can request an appointment with Dr. Froelich here, or learn more from our conversation with Dr. Froelich below.
What Are the Most Common Conditions You See in Your Patients?
Acne is far and away the most common condition I treat in the pediatric patients I see. Eczema is also common.
What Are the Most Common Ages of Your Patients?
The most common age range for our pediatric patients is 12 - 18. This is age where a large number of people are dealing with acne, and that is the most common condition that I treat. For some people, acne will continue into their 20's and I'll continue to be their physician.
Can Parents Take a Baby to See A Pediatric Dermatologist?
We are happy to see babies! The most common reason for parents to bring their baby to us is for eczema. We also see babies for an assessment of birth marks.
What Happens on the First Visit?
The first visit is actually quite comparable to other visits. Of course, it will depend on the specific situation that the patient is having, but it generally looks something like this for a visit about acne:
- The patient and I will meet.
- We'll talk about the specific concerns that the patient is having.
- We'll develop a treatment plan together. Many of our initial treatment plans are 2 - 3 months.
- We'll schedule a follow up visit to check in and review their progress after the 2 - 3 month period. Depending on how things are going, we may elect to tweak our approach to further improve results. In more severe cases with scarring, I will not hesitate to offer antibiotic, hormonal, or isotretinoin (Accutane) pills as appropriate.
- Acne generally improves as people reach adulthood, but we are here to help when things are at their worst, so that they can feel comfortable in their skin and avoid permanent scars.
What Should Parents Know Before They Come?
The biggest thing is that there isn't a reason to be scared! Both parents and kids are typically worried about two things. Will there be shots? Will something need to be cut off? What parents and children should both know is that any procedure done at the office will be explained in a way the child can understand, and we take great care to make sure they are well-prepared and comfortable at every step. There are no surprises or tricks!
Visiting the doctor might feel scary for some people, but there isn't a reason to be concerned.
Do You Have Any Other Advice for Parents?
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Most of our skin damage in our lifetime happens before we are 20. Parents can help their children set healthy habits for protecting their skin now!
What's the Best Part About Being a Pediatric Dermatologist?
People that go into pediatric dermatology choose their field because they like treating kids. Children are a lot of fun! They can also pose some challenges that aren't present with adult dermatology patients. Kids (especially small ones) can be unpredictable and you can't reason with them in the same way that you can with an adult.
That's why those of us in pediatrics generally have a high level of patience.
Where Do You See Your Patients?
On Thursdays, I see pediatric dermatology patients at our Mt. Lebanon office on 100 N Wren. On other days of the week, I practice out of our Washington location and see both pediatric and adult patients.