- About Pediatric Dermatology
A pediatric dermatologist cares for children (newborns through adolescents) with skin disorders. Pediatric dermatologists treat children in the outpatient clinic setting, but may also care for hospitalized patients. Many perform surgical procedures such as laser therapy and cutaneous surgery. Pediatric dermatologists diagnose a wide variety of skin disorders including birthmarks (vascular and pigmented), skin infections, dermatitis (atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis), melanocytic nevi (moles), genodermatoses (inherited skin disorders), acneiform eruptions, rare forms of skin cancer, drug eruptions, viral exanthems, and collagen vascular disorders.
- What is diaper dermatitis?
Diaper dermatitis, or diaper rash as it is more commonly known, is not a diagnosis but rather a category of skin conditions affecting the diaper area. There are four types of diaper dermatitis, including:
• Irritant contact dermatitis.
• Overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans).
• Allergic contact dermatitis.
• Inflammatory skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis.
The most common type of diaper dermatitis is irritant contact dermatitis, associated with skin exposure to either urine or feces (or both) for a long period of time. Irritant contact dermatitis usually appears as bright red, sometimes slightly swollen, or even blister-like patches in the diaper area. Prolonged irritant contact dermatitis can increase the risk of infection in the affected area.
The primary treatment and prevention of irritant contact dermatitis includes frequent diaper changes to prevent extended contact with moisture and barrier creams and ointments, most commonly containing zinc oxide. A mild topical steroid ointment or cream can also be very helpful in more quickly reducing the inflammation.
- What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that can occur at any time in life. It often starts early in childhood and may not diminish until early adulthood. Over half of infants with atopic dermatitis grow out of the condition by age 2, though many adults will continue to have sensitive skin and some continue to flare throughout life.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, which means that it cannot be cured but it can be treated and controlled with proper guidance from a dermatologist.
The condition is most common in families who have a history of seasonal allergies and asthma. Though food allergies are more common in children with atopic dermatitis, foods are rarely the cause of atopic dermatitis flares.
Atopic dermatitis can get worse when the skin comes into contact with irritating substances such as saliva; harsh soaps; and scratchy, tight fitting clothing. Friction can also contribute, especially when affected children start to crawl.
- What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
• Red, very itchy dry patches of skin.
• Rash on the cheeks that often begins at 2 to 6 months of age.
• Rash oozes when scratched.
Symptoms can become worse if the child scratches the rash and openings in the skin can become infected.
• Red scaly rash on creases of hands, elbows, wrists and knees and sometimes on the feet, ankles and neck.
• Thickened skin markings.
• Skin rash may bleed and crust after scratching
- What are wartsand and molluscum contagiosum?
Warts result from an infection with a virus, and are common in children of all ages. Warts commonly appear as hard bumps on fingers, hands and feet.
Molluscumcontagiosum is a similar type of infection caused by a different virus. It causes pink or skin- colored smooth bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. They are not harmful and will generally go away on their own in a couple of years, but treatment can help them go away more quickly.
Common and flat warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), while molluscumcontagiosum warts are caused by a pox virus. Warts usually spread through direct contact. It is also possible to pick up the virus in moist environments such as in showers and locker rooms.
How can warts be prevented?
Certain precautions can be taken to reduce the chance of getting warts, including:
• Wearing rubber sandals or shoes in public shower areas or swimming pools.
• Avoiding direct physical contact with those who have visible warts.
• Practicing good hygiene.