If your child possesses a skin condition like psoriasis, a birthmark, warts, or eczema, a pediatric dermatologist will have the expertise and experience necessary to treat and support your child. These dermatologists rely on advanced treatment methods to treat many different pediatric skin conditions. Pediatric dermatologists will treat your child from birth until the end of their adolescence.
What Training Do These Dermatologists Have?
As medical doctors, pediatric dermatologists have undergone a significant amount of training. These dermatologists have spent four years in medical school, one year doing an internship, one year participating in a fellowship, and three to five years doing their residency. Once these dermatologists complete their extensive training, they become sub specialty board certified through the American Board of Dermatology in Pediatric Dermatology.
What Treatments Do These Dermatologists Provide?
Dermatologists provide medical treatment for a large number of skin conditions. Some of the services that pediatric dermatologists provide include the following:
- Diagnosis of different skin conditions, such as pigmented birthmarks, hemangiomas, psoriasis, eczema, congenital skin disorders, hives, contact dermatitis, warts, vitiligo, and more.
- Provision of a prescription treatment for conditions that have an effect on the skin, nails, and hair.
- Minor surgical procedures like laser treatment of birthmarks, removal of cysts and warts, and skin biopsies.
Where Can I Find Pediatric Dermatologists?
Dermatologists practice in many different medical settings, such as children’s hospitals, community hospitals, university medical centers, and private practices. You can use a tool on the Society for Pediatric Dermatology website to find a pediatric dermatologist in your local area. Consider asking friends, relatives, and your physician for recommendations.
Why Your Child Should See Pediatric Dermatologists
One important thing to consider when it comes to medical treatment for children is that they are not always able to say what’s bothering them. Children aren’t always able to provide good answers to medical questions. In many cases, children aren’t particularly patient or helpful during medical examinations. Therefore, you should see a dermatologist who has a lot of experience when it comes to examining and treating children. Your child will feel more at ease and they will likely receive better care.
Not only do pediatric dermatologists use equipment designed especially for children, but they also have specialized experience and training. Pediatric dermatologists know what healthy development and growth looks like for a child. Some childhood medical disorders are rarely observed in adults. Infantile hemangioma blood vessel growths is one example of such a medical disorder. Psoriasis and other common conditions manifest differently in children in comparison to adults. Pediatric dermatologists have the knowledge and experience necessary to accurately diagnose and treat childhood skin diseases.
If you have additional questions about what a pediatric dermatologist is and why you should have your child see one, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Weill Cornell.
