Pediatric Dermatology

Newborns are prone to many types of skin rashes, which may be alarming to parents. Although most rashes are harmless, several other rashes can indicate severe infections and constitute emergencies. Rashes associated with life threatening situations include bacterial sepsis, meningitis, herpes and autoimmune diseases like Kawasaki’s syndrome. As a parent, it is important to be aware of the potential severity of such rashes and the vulnerability of newborns and understand that expert opinion and immediate care are paramount.

Birthmarks are common forms of changes in color or structure of the skin. Birthmarks can be present at birth or develop within the first few weeks of life. Most birthmarks are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Birthmarks can appear anywhere on the body, including the face.

Most birthmarks are harmless and will fade away on their own without treatment. Many may indicate the presence of another condition and alert us to careful monitoring of our patients, serving as markers or warning signs of systemic diseases. Others, especially vascular lesions, cause significant cosmetic concerns as the child grows older. Most important is the correct interpretation of “birthmarks” by an experienced dermatologist who can place them in the right context. The appropriate interpretation precedes any treatment or removal.  Various treatment options are available if your child needs to have a birthmark removed for any reason.

Eczema is a common skin condition that also goes by the names atopic eczema, dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. The condition, which is especially common in children, causes red patches to appear on the skin that are scaly, itchy, and dry.

Cradle Cap (seborrheic dermatitis) is a harmless condition common in infants. Red, scaly patches can develop on the skin of the baby’s scalp and will usually disappear within several weeks. Cradle cap is not contagious and fortunately, it does not create discomfort for the baby. This skin condition is not due to poor hygiene or allergies and will not leave scars.

An infantile hemangioma birthmark is a red nodule of extra blood vessels in the skin, (most infant hemangiomas are capillary hemangiomas). This type of birthmark usually grows during the child’s first year, and slowly recedes over time. By age ten there is almost no evidence the hemangioma’s existence.

A hemangioma can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly appears on the face, scalp, chest or back. Treatment of a hemangioma usually isn’t needed, unless the nodule interferes with vision or breathing.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that often starts in early childhood (although people of all ages can be affected). Over 50% of infants with atopic dermatitis grow out of the condition by age two. While atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that does not have a cure, our board-certified dermatologists can diagnose, control and provide solutions to treat this concern.

Atopic dermatitis can get worse when the skin comes into contact with irritating substances such as harsh soaps and scratchy, tight-fitting clothing. Friction can also be a contributing factor, especially when affected children start to crawl.

• Eczema
• Warts
• Head Lice
• Hives
• Poison Ivy
• Impetigo
• Rashes
• Sunburns
• Complex skin conditions