Skin concerns like allergies, eczema, and dermatitis are some of the most common childhood health issues. These conditions can lead to uncomfortable itching, rashes, and hives. And when your child isn’t feeling well, all you want to do is help them feel better as soon as possible.
If your child struggles with a skin condition, they may need a pediatric dermatologist. We offer adult and pediatric dermatology services at Vibrant Dermatology in Canton, MA.
What Can a Pediatric Dermatologist Treat?
Pediatric dermatologists must know how to communicate with children and take a child-friendly approach to care. In addition, a doctor who is trained in pediatric dermatology will be on the lookout for signs of typical childhood skin concerns. Certain conditions are more common among children, such as:
Skin Allergies
One of the most common issues that pediatric dermatologists treat is skin allergies. These often appear in early childhood, when children are the most likely to encounter potential triggers as they play, try different foods, and wear new fabrics for the first time.
Your child may have an allergic reaction that results in itching, rashes, or hives due to these triggers.
Allergies can lead to a condition called contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis develops when skin comes into contact with a substance that triggers the immune system, resulting in hives and rashes that are sometimes mistaken for eczema. A pediatric dermatologist can diagnose contact dermatitis and provide the proper treatment.
Acne
Another concern addressed in pediatric dermatology is acne. Acne is most common in older teenagers, but it can start to appear as early as 12 years old.
Preventing and managing acne early on is important because it can minimize the risk of acne scarring later on. Pediatric dermatologists also help teach kids the importance of following a healthy skin care routine.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that is frequently found in children. It usually occurs due to contact with an irritant or allergen, such as soaps, shampoos, pollen, or even food. When your child comes into contact with one of these potential triggers, it can lead to rashes and itching.
Over-the-counter treatments and at-home remedies are rarely effective when it comes to treating eczema. Many parents find that their child needs more thorough treatment from a pediatric dermatologist.
Birthmarks and Moles
You may think that birthmarks and moles are not a cause for concern, but they should still be examined by a dermatologist. A pediatric dermatologist can evaluate your child’s moles and birthmarks to make sure there are no abnormalities.
Moles should also be monitored as the years go on to ensure that nothing changes. Abnormal changes in a mole are a sign of skin cancer, and a dermatologist can detect these changes early on.
When Should You Take Your Child to a Pediatric Dermatologist?
When your child shows symptoms of a skin condition, it’s important to seek treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening. If your kid is showing any of the following symptoms, it could be time to see a pediatric dermatologist:
- Itching
- Redness
- Hives
- Rashes
- Swelling
- Moles
- Birthmarks
- Scarring
- Scabs
These symptoms can range in severity from mild and intermittent to chronic and severe.
Some childhood skin conditions go away on their own, but others may require medication or other treatments. A dermatologist can recommend a course of treatment to minimize the potential for scarring, infections, and other complications.
Pediatric Dermatology Treatments
You may be wondering what kind of treatments a pediatric dermatologist can provide. Dermatology specialists aim to treat both the causes and symptoms of skin conditions. Treatment might involve a combination of approaches to relieve your child’s condition, such as:
Topical Medications
One of the most frequently used treatments in dermatology is topical medication. Specialized ointments, creams, and lotions can all be applied to treat rashes, skin infections, and more.
These products can also alleviate symptoms like itching and redness. Topical treatments may also be prescribed for patients with severe acne blemishes to reduce breakouts and control oil production.
Oral Medications
Topical treatments are often used in conjunction with oral medications when addressing a skin disorder.
Oral medication can treat your child’s skin from the inside out by reducing inflammation, strengthening their immune system, and reducing allergy symptoms. These medications may be prescribed for short-term or long-term use, depending on the condition and symptoms.
Medicated Cleansers
While gentle soaps and body washes are available over the counter, they may not be enough to resolve your kid’s skin condition. Ongoing rashes, itching, and redness may require a medicated cleanser to make your child more comfortable.
Medicated cleansers are often used in cases of severe eczema. They are also used to address severe acne breakouts by reducing oil production.
Allergen Elimination
Many of the skin concerns that children experience are due to allergies. Your child may be allergic to anything from certain foods to specific fabrics.
A pediatric dermatologist can work with you to develop a plan that eliminates allergy triggers from your child’s daily routine. This plan may include nutritional counseling to design a diet plan that excludes allergens and food-related triggers.
Adult and Pediatric Dermatology in Canton, MA
Are you in need of a pediatric dermatologist for your child? At Vibrant Dermatology, we offer both adult and pediatric dermatology services for patients in Canton, MA, and surrounding areas.
We are ready to diagnose your child’s skin condition and develop a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. To schedule an appointment for your child, contact us online or by phone.
