Pediatric Dermatology

Alopecia (hair loss)

Children can lose their hair for a variety of reasons, including hormone changes, stress, fungal infection, autoimmune disorders, or constantly being pulled tight in buns, braids or other hairstyles. While some causes of hair loss are temporary in nature, others can be difficult to treat or even permanent.

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)

These infections are caused by the same types of fungi responsible for common skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. The first noticeable sign is usually a small, discolored patch near the tip of the nail. But as the fungus spreads, the entire nail may become discolored, thickened, and misshapen. Because the nail provides a physical barrier that protects the fungus from topical medications, oral antifungal medications are usually necessary to treat nail fungus.

Acne

Pimples, bumps, and lumps that appear on the skin when the skin’s pores (tiny openings that hold hair follicles or release oil and sweat) become clogged with oil, dead skin, or other debris. If your child’s acne is severe, painful, or isn’t responding to treatment at home, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications.

Acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa)

This condition causes painful boils in sweaty areas of your child’s body, such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. It is an autoimmune disorder that attacks hair follicles.

Birthmarks

Colored spots on skin, typically caused by either an overgrowth of pigment-producing skin cells (pigmented birthmarks) or an abnormal collection of blood vessels (vascular birthmarks). Common examples include café-au-lait spots (coffee-colored patches of skin) and port wine stains (reddish splotches caused by abnormal collections of small blood vessels near the surface of skin).

Moles (nevi)

Small, colored spots on skin that occur when melanocytes, the cells responsible for giving skin its pigmentation, cluster together. Most moles are harmless, but moles that are already present at birth (congenital nevi) or have certain distinguishing characteristics (such as a large or asymmetrical shape, irregular border, inconsistent coloration, or tendency to change over time) are more likely to become cancerous.

Nevus sebaceous

This is a birthmark, usually located on the scalp or face, formed by a cluster of overgrown, oil-producing sebaceous glands. Hair will not grow from a nevus sebaceous.

Pyogenic granuloma (lobular capillary hemangioma)

Fleshy, raised tumors on the skin that can quickly grow up to half an inch in diameter. They are usually pink, red, brown, or purple. Although they are not cancerous, they may ooze or bleed easily and can get infected if your child picks at them.

Skin rash

Patches of red, bumpy, scaly, itchy skin. Possible causes include infections, exposure to allergens or certain chemical substances (contact dermatitis), and chronic medical conditions like eczema (which weakens the skin’s ability to retain moisture and repel infections) and psoriasis (an autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to multiple too quickly). Newborns are also especially susceptible to certain rashes, such as heat rash (caused by sweat becoming trapped under skin).

Vascular anomalies

This includes any abnormal development of blood vessels (arteries, veins, or capillaries) or lymph vessels. Many vascular anomalies result in harmless birthmarks, but others can cause pain, bleeding, swollen lumps, or frequent infections. There are two main categories. Vascular malformations occur when vessels form in an unusual arrangement — for example, clusters of extra capillaries close to the skin. They grow proportionally as a child ages. Vascular tumors, like hemangioma, are caused by rapid, uncontrolled growth of blood vessel cells.

Vitiligo

This autoimmune condition causes patches of skin to lose their pigmentation, becoming significantly lighter or whiter than your child’s natural skin tone.

Warts

Raised, flesh-colored bumps that often contain a visible dark spot in the center. They are caused by a viral skin infection, often appear on the hands or feet, and are extremely common in children.