Acne

This is the most common skin disease of childhood, affecting almost everyone to some degree. In severe cases, there can be permanent scarring. Fortunately, many effective treatments are available to bring this distressing condition under control. Rarely, acne can be seen in infants and young children. Specialized treatment programs will be developed to lessen the impact of this condition.

Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own hair follicles. Small roundish hairless areas of the scalp or other body areas appear rapidly, and can progress to total hair loss. All age groups including infants can be affected, and treatments include steroid injections and topical medications. Children too young to tolerate injections will be offered age-appropriate treatments.

Atopic Dermatitis

This is a type of eczema that begins in early childhood, and is usually associated with asthma, skin infections, and a variety or other signs and symptoms. It is at its worst in winter months, when the air becomes cold and dry. While not curable, there are many safe and effective treatments for this condition, and is an active area of clinical research. Infants and young children cannot be treated with powerful medications, so safer alternatives will be offered.

Birthmarks

The two most common types of birthmarks are pigmented moles (nevi) and vascular growths (hemangiomas and port wine stains.) Moles are potentially dangerous growths that should be evaluated on a regular basis, particularly after puberty. Hemangiomas and port wine stains can be disfiguring and painful, and can be successfully treated with lasers. The world’s most advanced pulsed dye laser is available at our office to maximize treatment success, and minimize discomfort.

Impetigo

This is a common skin infection generally limited to young children. A yellowish discharge is often seen over an area of eczema. Prompt treatment with topical or oral medications is necessary.

Molluscum Contagiosum

This is a type of wart virus not related to common warts, and generally occurs as groups of small bumps on the surface of the skin. Treatment consists of cryotherapy, and sometime a scraping treatment.

Scabies

This is a very itchy rash caused by invisible parasites that live in the skin, and can be seen from infancy to the elderly. Very contagious, and often tricky to diagnose, effective treatments exist.

Warts

These are viral growths that can occur on any part of the body, although they are particularly common on the hands and feet. Several visits for treatment with cryotherapy or lasers will generally eliminate these growths.