Pediatric Dermatology

At North Texas Dermatology, we treat the whole family. We’re experienced with pediatric dermatology and enjoy working with children!

Start early and educate your kids about the effects of sun damage to their skin. Help younger children apply sunscreen and give older children a bottle of sunscreen lotion SPF 30 or higher to use when they play outdoors. Lightweight clothing with SPF for swimming or outdoor activities is now widely available.

We treat the following conditions (and more) for your child:

Acne Birthmarks Eczema Hair Loss

Rashes Moles Molluscum

Psoriasis Ringworm Warts

Acne

Our dermatologists treat childhood acne – mild, moderate, or severe. Dermatologists determine if the patient has clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples, or deep tender cysts that may cause scarring. Treatment may include topical medication, oral medication and possibly microdermabrasion or extraction of clogged pores.

Birthmarks

• Birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of superficial blood vessels or pigment cells. Different types of birthmarks include:
• Port wine stains are reddish-purplish discolorations on the skin caused by swollen blood vessels. They may be removed with laser therapy.
• Hemangiomas or strawberry marks are flat red marks that appear in the first weeks of life. They may enlarge significantly with time. Early diagnosis and monitoring is important because laser treatment can be used in certain instances.
• Spider angiomas are small, annoying red spots. They may be removed in the office by cautery or laser and usually require only one treatment.
• Brown birthmarks are present at birth. Certain types of these birthmarks respond well to laser treatment while others don’t. Usually a test treatment is carried out prior to laser treatment.
• Congenital melanocytic nevi are brown moles that are present at birth. They should be monitored on a routine basis because they carry a slight risk of becoming cancerous over time.

Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) usually begins between two and six months of age with dry, sensitive skin that becomes red and itchy. It may start on the forehead, cheeks or scalp and spread to the trunk, creases of the elbows, knees and wrists. If scratched, the rash may become raw, crusted and infected.

Approximately one third of children with this condition will have eczema as adults. There is no cure, although treatments may control and prevent inflammation and itching. Kids with eczema should bathe less frequently, apply unscented moisturizers liberally, and may be prescribed a steroid (cortisone) cream or anti-itch medication.

Hair Loss (alopecia areata)

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune skin disease resulting in hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on the scalp and rarely can progress to total scalp hair loss or complete body hair loss. Treatments include topical medications or injected steroids.

Moles

Congenital moles are present at birth and are more likely to develop into melanoma than acquired moles. Parents should make the dermatologist aware of a child’s congenital moles and consult them for any suspicious changes.

Molluscum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin more common in children than adults. If the lesions are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to surrounding skin. Treatment is recommended when children have lesions on their face, when older kids are embarrassed by the condition or when molluscum interferes with the treatment of eczema. Treatment in the office may include scraping the bumps, applying a blistering agent, or liquid nitrogen treatment. A topical cream may also be prescribed.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is occasionally found in children. It may be diagnosed during an appointment, but in some cases a skin biopsy may be required. Psoriasis causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but can appear on other parts of the body.

Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the immune system. It can last a long time, even a lifetime, with symptoms disappearing and reappearing. Infections, stress, dry skin and certain medications may trigger psoriasis. Treatments include creams, oral medications, injected medications and light therapy.

Rashes

Common childhood skin rashes include ringworm, chicken pox, eczema, measles, insect bites, diaper rashes and yeast infections. Dermatologists determine the cause of the rash and prescribe the appropriate topical or other treatments.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a very common infection caused by a skin fungus, especially in warm, humid climates. A dermatologist may easily recognize ringworm by its ring-shaped rash. To confirm the presence of the ringworm fungus, they will probably look at a skin scraping under a microscope.

Most cases of ringworm are treated with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams or ointments. If ringworm is not cured with topical medication or if it is widespread, the doctor may prescribe antifungal pills.

Warts

Warts, caused by the human papilloma virus, are a common skin problem in children. The common wart is a small, hard, rough bump that usually occurs on the hands and fingers. Other types of warts include genital warts, flat warts and plantar warts. Treatment may include freezing with liquid nitrogen, topical application of blistering agents, or home application of salicylic acid.