Pediatric Dermatologist Specialist

Why choose a pediatric dermatologist?

Children and teens develop many of the same skin conditions found in adults. However, children also develop skin disorders that don’t typically affect adults. Additionally, common conditions such as psoriasis often have different symptoms in children than adults. 

Pediatric dermatologists are extensively trained to correctly diagnose and treat the unique presentation of skin diseases in children and teens.

Pediatric dermatologists also know how to relieve childrens’ anxiety. These highly trained pediatric specialists know how to detect symptoms in children who may not be old enough to answer medical questions, and they know which treatments and medications are safe for children.

What conditions do pediatric dermatologists treat?

The pediatric dermatologists, including Philip Fried, MD and Shira Weider, MD, at West Derm Center treat the full range of skin and nail conditions that can develop in children and teens. A few of the most common pediatric problems treated by pediatric dermatologists include:

• Hemangiomas
• Pigmented birthmarks
• Congenital skin disorders
• Eczema 
• Contact dermatitis
• Skin infections
• Vitiligo
• Psoriasis
• Hives
• Warts
• Acne
• Ringworm
• Nail disorders

In addition to diagnosing and treating these and other conditions, the team at West Derm Center devotes time to teaching children and teens about skin care and proper hygiene. They work with young patients to instill good habits that help them maintain healthy skin as they get older.

Do pediatric dermatologists treat skin cancer in children?

Skin cancer is rare in children, but the incidence of melanoma — the deadliest type of skin cancer — is increasing in children at a rate of about 2% a year. The top two causes of skin cancer in adults are blistering sunburns during childhood and cumulative exposure to UV light over the years. The best prevention begins at an early age.

It’s essential to protect your children with sunscreen and clothes that block ultraviolet (UV) light. Even if their risk of skin cancer is small, the sun-protection habits they follow at an early age significantly reduce their chances of getting skin cancer as they get older. 

Moles often turn into melanoma, but a variety of skin lesions with different colors, shapes, and qualities can become cancerous.

If you have any concerns about skin problems in your children, call one of the West Derm Center offices to talk with a team member or use the convenient online scheduler.