Paediatric dermatology 

Paediatric dermatology 

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Paediatric dermatology is a branch of dermatology that specializes in diagnosing and treating children’s skin, nail, and hair diseases.   The conditions treated by these specialists range from birthmarks to cancer, psoriasis to eczema, dry skin to infections, etc. in the new-born to adolescent age group.

These specialized Paediatric dermatologists are able to deal with the complicated situation of dealing with speech-less infants empathetically and compassionately.

Sometimes, they need to coordinate with the paediatrics in need of delivering comprehensive skin care that complements the child’s development without any hindrances.

Paediatric Skin infections

Some of the common skin conditions treated by paediatric dermatologists are –

Paediatric Skin infections

Paediatric dermatologists treat a wide range of skin infections of different origins like – bacterial/ viral/fungal and are managed with topical or oral medication. Sometimes, light therapy or excision procedures (surgical) are considered. They work closely with parents by guiding and counseling them in managing their child and skin condition at home.

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Some of the most frequently treated skin conditions are as follows -

  • Contact dermatitis
  • Heat rash (Prickly heat)
  • Eczema
  • Hives/insect bites
  • Dry skin
  • Cradle cap
  • Chickenpox
  • Measles
  • Scabies
  • Fungal infections (tinea)
  • Impetigo
  • Warts
  • Hand-foot-mouth disease
  • Ringworm infection
  • AcnBirthmark
  • Haemangiomas
  • Molluscum contagiosum
  • Psoriasis
  • Bacterial infections
  • Vitiligo

A: Treatment options for pediatric skin conditions may include topical medications, oral medications, light therapy, and surgical procedures. Treatment plans will vary depending on the individual child's condition and medical history.

  1. Depending upon the skin condition, paediatric dermatologists consider different and multiple treatment options including the self-care lifestyle and counselling to the parents. The treatment options are as follows –
  • Topical medication – cream/ointment/lotion
  • Oral medication – tablet/syrup/gummies
  • Light therapy
  • Surgical procedures
  • Dietary advice

Modification in lifestyle

A: Pediatric dermatologists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and a residency in dermatology. They then go on to complete additional training in pediatric dermatology through a fellowship program.

Q: Is pediatric dermatology covered by insurance?

A: Pediatric dermatology services are typically covered by health insurance. However, it's important for families to check with their insurance provider to understand what services are covered and what out-of-pocket expenses they may be responsible for.

 

  1. Health insurance companies cover chronic health conditions. So, an authority from an insurance company will be able to clarify on coverage of diagnostic and treatment aspects of skin conditions.

 

  1. After completion of a medical degree, one has to undertake the following residency to get qualified as Paediatric dermatology –

-  A three-year residency in dermatology

OR

- A two-year paediatric residency followed by a three-year residency in dermatology

- Paediatric dermatology fellowship for one year

A: Parents should consider taking their child to see a pediatric dermatologist if they have a skin condition that is not responding to over-the-counter treatments, if the condition is causing discomfort or pain, or if there are concerns about the appearance of the skin.

Most childhood skin conditions are harmless and are likely to go away on their own. However, there are some skin conditions that warrant a doctor’s visit, preferably an skin expert in pediatric dermatology.

 

Allergic conditions that continue to recur or worsen

Autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis

Contagious skin conditions such as impetigo and molluscum contagiosum

Pigmented marks that are changing in color, shape or size (moles, freckles, other growths)

Eczema that continues to spread or is not controllable with OTC medications

Open skin (sores, cuts, or abrasions) that are not healing as expected

A: Treatment options for pediatric skin conditions may include topical medications, oral medications, light therapy, and surgical procedures. Treatment plans will vary depending on the individual child's condition and medical history.

A: During a visit to a pediatric dermatologist, the doctor will typically examine the child's skin and ask about their medical history. They may also perform tests or biopsies to help make a diagnosis. Treatment options will be discussed with the family and a plan will be developed to manage the child's condition.

A. Paediatric dermatologists are trained to pick up the sign and symptoms of any disorder from the child’s behaviour and responses apart from being questioned on a particular aspect. So, paediatric dermatologist initiates an interaction with the patient and parents to understand the condition and tries to pick up the clue. The doctor can recommend some tests or biopsies for diagnostic purposes and formulate a personalized treatment plan for the child.