Pediatric dermatology includes the diagnosis and management of common and uncommon skin conditions that affect infants, children and adolescents. Our staff has participated in clinical trials for medications now used to treat children's skin conditions.

We take a special approach with the children in our care, performing exams and procedures in a reassuring manner designed to minimize the patient's anxiety and discomfort. Our office provides a warm and caring atmosphere, and the lines of communication are always open for our younger patients and their parents as well.

We promote sun-awareness behavior in children of all ages and provides guidance for a lifetime of healthy skin, hair and nails, including the evaluation and treatment of:

• Acne
• Warts, molluscum contagiosum and other viral and bacterial skin infections
• Birthmarks and acquired growths, including moles, hemangiomas, port wine stains and other vascular malformations

Acne

Acne affects most teens, but it can affect people of all ages. Acne is not a life-threatening condition, but the lesions associated with the condition are upsetting and can be disfiguring. It is important to seek treatment for yourself or your teen, as there are many options available to reduce the embarrassment and scarring associated with acne. (Read more about Pediatric Dermatology at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center.)

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are areas of discolored skin on a baby's body at or shortly after birth. Over eighty percent of babies have some kind of birthmark. Vascular birthmarks are caused by blood vessels that have accumulated below the surface of the skin. Pigmented birthmarks - usually brown, gray, bluish, or black - result from an abnormal development of pigment cells. Most birthmarks are harmless and non-cancerous, but a physician should examine your child's birthmarks, especially if one begins to change or grow. (Read more about Pediatric Dermatology at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center.)

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum (or MC) is a viral infection of the skin which appears as flesh-colored, pearly, dome-shaped bumps. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact or sharing clothing or towels. The lesions may last for weeks to months or even years. They are generally not painful but may itch or become irritated. Many cases of molluscum clear up naturally within a year or less, but as long as the skin growths are present, there is a possibility of transmitting the infection to another person. Therefore, if you suspect you or your child has this infection, it should be evaluated by a dermatologist. (Read more about Pediatric Dermatology at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center.)

Warts

Warts are caused by a virus. Warts are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch. Warts can grow anywhere on the skin, but most often occur on the hands. Plantar (foot) and genital warts are also common. Treatment may include freezing or removing the wart, topical medications, or injection of medication to hasten resolution of the wart. (Read more about Pediatric Dermatology at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center.)