Pediatric Dermatology

At Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, we realize that skin concerns aren’t just for adults. Our youngest patients can be affected by some of the same conditions as our adult patients, and there are also some conditions that are unique to children. Our Board Certified Dermatologists treat skin disorders in children from infancy through adolescence – setting children up for strong, healthy skin as they grow.

Conditions Our Pediatric Dermatologists Treat

Our pediatric dermatologists treat a wide range of skin conditions and disorders in children of all ages. A few of the more common conditions we see are detailed below.

• Birthmarks
• Port-Wine Birthmarks
• Hemangiomas
• Rashes & dermatitis
• Acne
• Acne Scars & Scar Treatment
• Vitiligo
• Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dermatology

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are very common and vary in size, color, and severity. Especially when they are visible to peers, birthmarks can be the source of teasing and self-esteem issues in children. We employ the latest laser treatments to diminish the appearance of birthmarks on any area of the body.

Port-Wine Stains

A port-wine stain, or capillary vascular malformation, is a type of birthmark that is red in color. Port-wine stains appear at birth, and can vary in color from pink to a deep purple. Appearing at birth, port-wine stains can be found on any part of the body, but the most common areas we see them are the face, neck, chest, and the top of the shoulder. Port-wine stains can be effectively treated with the Vbeam^® laser, and some patients may require multiple sessions or maintenance sessions if the birthmark recurs.

Learn More About Port-Wine Stains

Hemangiomas

A hemangioma is another type of birthmark, and they usually appear in the first weeks of a baby’s life. Hemangiomas get their red appearance from extra blood vessels in the area, and unlike port-wine stains, hemangiomas appear as raised, rubbery bumps. In most cases, hemangiomas fade over time, and are often not visible by the child’s tenth year. However, if a hemangioma interferes with functions like breathing or seeing, they may need to be treated by a dermatologist. If a hemangioma begins to bleed, becomes sore, or appears infected, a dermatologist should be consulted.¹

Learn More About Hemangiomas

Rashes

Rashes are a common skin condition in children. A rash, sometimes referred to as dermatitis, can come in a variety of forms depending on the source of the rash. The most common rashes in children are:

• Atopoc Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common childhood rash that can cause skin that is inflamed, dry, and itchy.²
• Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by an allergic reaction or direct contact with a substance, such as poison ivy.³

Acne

Acne is an especially common skin condition in adolescents due to hormonal fluctuations. While the occasional pimple may be a nuisance, severe acne can cause emotional distress and significantly affect a child’s self-esteem.⁴ We offer prescription treatment for acne, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, medications, topical treatments, and medical-grade skin care products.

Learn More About Acne

Acne Scars & Scar Treatment

Our young patients are especially prone to scars, whether they are caused by an injury or by acne. Scars can initially appear reddish and thick, but usually fade with time. Still, some scars remain visible even after healing is complete. Acne scars can appear red or brown, and sometimes cause depressions in the skin. Scarring varies from person to person, and is dependent on factors like age and the location of the scar.

Using the latest minimally-invasive laser therapies, we can treat all types of scars, including acne scars.


Learn More About Acne Scars & Scar Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dermatology

When should a child see a dermatologist?

There are a number of reasons a parent may consider seeing a pediatric dermatologist for their child:

• Allergic reactions
• Diaper rash that does not respond to at-home treatment
• To treat contagious conditions, like wards, lice, or nail fungus
• To treat birthmarks for cosmetic reasons
• If a birthmark, like a hemangioma, appears broken or infected
• Sudden issues, like rashes
• Conditions that require monitoring, like eczema
• To examine and monitor moles, especially moles that change color or shape or have uneven edges
• To treat acne
• To treat scars

In general, if your child has a skin condition that concerns you, it is always wise to consult with a pediatric dermatologist.

Are skin conditions common in children?

Skin conditions are more common in children than many parents may think. According to research published by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, “up to 30 percent of pediatric primary care visits involve a skin-related problem.”⁵

Contact Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center

If you have a concern about your child’s sudden or chronic skin condition, the experienced pediatric dermatologists at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston can help. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.

¹ Mayo Clinic. Hemangiomas. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemangioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352334. Accessed August 29, 2022.
² Mayo Clinic. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). Available: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjC6_mtjO35AhWGmmoFHeFOC8kQFnoECB4QAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fatopic-dermatitis-eczema%2Fsymptoms-causes%2Fsyc-20353273%23%3A~%3Atext%3DAtopic%2520dermatitis%2520(eczema)%2520is%2520a%2Cirritating%2520but%2520it%27s%2520not%2520contagious.&usg=AOvVaw3PqdzDd89nqmVYpFtLSwDj. Accessed August 29, 2022.
³ Mayo Clinic. Contact Dermatitis. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742. Accessed August 29, 2022.
⁴ Indian Journal of Dermatology. The Psychosocial Impact of Acne Vulgaris. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029236/. Accessed August 29, 2022.
⁵ Castelo-Soccio L, McMahon P. Pediatric Dermatology. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Mar; 10(3): S8–S15. PMCID: PMC5367868PMID: 28360970. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5367868/#:~:text=CUTANEOUS%20PROBLEMS%20OCCUR%20frequently%20in,involve%20a%20skin%2Drelated%20problem.&text=Common%20among%20these%20problems%20are,%2C%20contact%20dermatitis%2C%20and%20acne. Accessed August 29, 2022.