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Pediatric Dermatology

Pediatric dermatology requires a specialized approach that is sensitive, warm, and supportive. Westlake Dermatology offers a broad range of dermatological services to support the skin health of patients of all ages, including newborn through age 18. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and skin care specialists in our locations throughout Austin, Dallas, Houston, Round Rock, and San Antonio focus on providing truly compassionate care and skin health management practices that will fit into your child’s busy lifestyle.

How Does Pediatric Dermatology Differ from General Dermatology?

Your child’s skin is delicate and unique, requiring specialized care to ensure their overall health and comfort. Younger patients, while facing similar dermatological issues as adults, require a different approach. Our physicians focus on diagnosing and utilizing the least invasive solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each child. Additionally, our team strives to partner with your family, providing ongoing education and support to both the child and their caregivers to promote a lifetime of optimal skin health.

Common Pediatric Dermatology Concerns

  • Acne: While acne can occur at any age, the hormonal shifts native to puberty cause many pre-teens and teens to suffer from acne. Untreated acne can result in long-term scarring. We offer some of today’s most effective and innovative acne treatments including light therapy and prescription medication in order to manage any level of severity of acne.
  • Rashes: While many rashes can resolve with minimal intervention, unexplainable or persistently occurring rashes may need to be addressed by a skin care professional. Our team is diligent in helping our patients diagnose, treat, and prevent dermatitis.
  • Eczema: It is estimated that nearly 1-in-5 children suffer from some form of eczema. Presenting as chronically red, dry, and irritated skin, they symptoms of eczema can be effectively managed through topical or oral medications along with the right skin care regimen.
  • Hair Loss: Alopecia Areata is one type of hair loss and occurs as the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in one or more circular bald patches. Our dermatologists can suggest topical and oral medications to reduce Alopecia Areata and support hair regrowth.
  • Warts: Caused by human papillomavirus, warts develop as small rough patches which can spread if untreated. Topical medications or cryotherapy can be used to address stubborn warts that are resistant to other treatment options.
  • Molluscum: Common in toddlers and elementary school aged children, Molluscum presents as itchy, flesh-colored bumps. While not harmful to one’s health, molluscum can be a source of constant irritation. Fortunately, there are variety of ways to address molluscum lesions and stop the condition form spreading.
  • Psoriasis: Symptom flareups result in dry, itchy, and irritated patches along the skin. While there is no cure for psoriasis, symptoms can be managed by avoiding flareup “triggers” as well as through various treatments that include light therapy, medication, and biologics.
  • Moles: We provide annual skin checks to monitor changes to existing moles and the development of new growths to prevent skin cancer.
  • Vitiligo: Presenting as irregular patches of white skin, vitiligo stems from the loss of pigmentation (color) in the skin. Vitiligo can be diagnosed and treated by phototherapy or by immunosuppressant creams or ointments.
  • Skin Infections: Extremely common to small children, our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating a variety of bacterial or fungal skin infections including ringwork and impetigo.

When Should My Child See a Dermatologist?

Many children will face common skin issues like acne, rashes, or warts over their lifetime. While some issues will respond to simple over-the-counter treatments, others persist and may increase in severity. We recommend seeing a dermatologist:

  • If your child struggles with severe acne
  • Develops a wart that is non-responsive to non-prescription medication
  • Routinely develops unexplainable rashes
  • Suffers from feelings of persistent skin itchiness or dryness
  • Develops new skin growths or moles
  • You notice any other skin irregularities