Nemours pediatric dermatologists (skin specialists) offer a full range of care for children with a wide variety of disorders that affect the skin, hair, and nails. Our doctors are board certified and trained in both pediatrics and dermatology, giving them specific expertise in the dermatologic needs of children, which can be quite different from those of adults. Working hand in hand with specially trained nurse practitioners, they provide comprehensive care for patients referred to Nemours by pediatricians, family doctors, and specialists within hospitals.
Among the conditions we treat are:
- acne
- atopic dermatitis (eczema), a common hereditary condition that causes chronic dry skin and an itchy scaly rash
- contact dermatitis (caused by direct skin contact with an irritating substance)
- hives
- birthmarks (discolored or raised areas of skin noted shortly after birth)
- hemangiomas and port wine stains (types of birthmarks)
- nevi (moles), caused by pigment producing cells
- infections of the skin
- warts
- vitiligo (smooth white spots or patches on the skin)
- psoriasis (a chronic disease that causes parts of the skin to become scaly and inflamed)
- hair loss
- nail disorders (related to infection or other body system disorders)
- genetic and body system disorders that include skin problems, such as neurofibromatosis (which causes tumors to grow beneath the skin)
We provide comprehensive evaluations of children in the inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department setting, and we offer the latest in diagnostic testing and treatments. Some examples include:
- cultures – lab tests that help determine if a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection is causing a skin condition
- biopsy – the removal of a small piece of skin or nail so it can be analyzed in a lab
- cryotherapy – used to freeze skin lesions
- pulsed dye laser treatment – to treat spots involving blood vessels and some other specific conditions of the skin
We also partner with specialists from other Nemours divisions to provide the best care for your child. Our dermatologists and nurse practitioners are committed to educating our patients and families about their specific diagnoses and all available treatment options, as well as about their long-term skin health. We place a lot of emphasis on teaching children about sun safety because research shows that good sun protection habits established during childhood can help prevent skin cancers later in life.