If your child has a skin condition, such as a birthmark, eczema, warts, or psoriasis, a pediatric dermatologist has the experience and qualifications to treat your child. Pediatric dermatologists treat a wide variety of pediatric skin conditions using the latest available treatment methods. Pediatric dermatologists treat children from birth through adolescence.
What Kind of Training Do Pediatric Dermatologists Have?
Pediatric dermatologists are medical doctors who have had the following training:
- Four years of medical school
- One year of internship
- Three years of dermatology residency OR two years of pediatrics residency and three years of dermatology residency
- One year of pediatric dermatology fellowship
- Upon completion of training, pediatric dermatologists become subspecialty board certified in Pediatric Dermatology through the American Board of Dermatology.
What Types of Treatments Do Pediatric Dermatologists Provide?
Pediatric dermatologists provide medical care for a wide variety of skin conditions. They generally provide the following services:
- Diagnosis of various skin conditions, including hemangiomas and other vascular birthmarks, pigmented birthmarks, and congenital skin disorders, eczema or atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, vitiligo, hives, and warts to name a few
- Medical/prescription treatment for a wide variety of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails
- Minor surgical procedures, including skin biopsies, surgical removal of skin lesions (e.g., cysts, warts), and laser treatment of vascular birthmarks
Where Can I Find A Pediatric Dermatologist?
Pediatric dermatologists practice in a variety of medical settings, including children’s hospitals, university medical centers, community hospitals, and private practices. To locate a pediatric dermatologist in your area, please use the “Find a Pediatric Dermatologist” tool on the Society for Pediatric Dermatology website at www.pedsderm.net.
Pediatric Dermatologists — The Best Care For Children
Children are not just small adults. They are not always able to say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions or be patient and helpful during a medical exam. Pediatric dermatologists know how to examine and treat children in a way that puts them at ease, in kid-friendly offices using medical equipment designed for children.
With their specialized training and experience, pediatric dermatologists know what’s normal growth and development in a child, and when to worry. Many childhood medical disorders, such as infantile hemangioma blood vessel growths, are not seen in adults. Common conditions, such as psoriasis, may have unique symptoms in children. Pediatric dermatologists are experts in the correct diagnosis and management of childhood skin diseases, including proper pediatric medication management.
If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric dermatologist, you can be assured that your child will receive the best possible medical care.