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What is Pediatric Dermatology?

With so many different specializations in all kinds of medicine, it can be difficult to keep track of which doctors treat what conditions.

As you likely know, dermatology refers to the branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats skin disorders. Within the field of dermatology, there are many specializations, including cosmetic dermatology, dermatophathology, immunodermatology, Mohs surgery for skin cancer patients, and more. The focus of this article is pediatric dermatology, which is another subspecialty in this field of medicine.

What is a Pediatric Dermatologist?

A pediatric dermatologist is a skin specialist who cares for children with skin disorders. Like other forms of dermatology, pediatric dermatology is largely performed in an outpatient clinical setting.

Pediatric dermatologists receive the same amount of education and training as traditional dermatologists, but choose to focus their expertise on working with children and common children’s skin conditions. Pediatric dermatologists often complete a pediatric residency, or complete a post-residency fellowship. Then, these doctors become certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

What Conditions do Pediatric Dermatologists Treat?

While other dermatologists treat conditions like acne or varicose veins, pediatric specialists tend to conditions common among children, including:

• Birthmarks
• Port wine stains
• Genetic conditions
• Congenital Nevi
• Eczema/Dermatitis
• Moles
• Rashes
• Ringworm
• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Vitiligo
• Warts
• Molluscum

These are just a few of the conditions pediatric dermatologists most commonly encounter. No matter the skin condition, if the patient is a child, a pediatric dermatologist will best know how to handle her unique needs.

What’s the Difference Between Pediatric Dermatologists and Other Dermatologists?

While both types of skin specialists are highly trained medical professionals, a pediatric dermatologist has more experience working with child-specific needs. Children are not just smaller versions of adults– they have unique physical, psychological, and social needs, and they cannot always communicate symptoms with a doctor.

A pediatric dermatologist can better recognize childhood skin illnesses, is more adept at interacting with children, and is more familiar with normal childhood development. A pediatric skin specialist can ensure your child is growing normally, and provide the proper medication dosages and treatments for infants and children’s unique physiology.

Where Can I find a Pediatric Dermatologist?

Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 14% by 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, so chances are you’ll be able to find a dermatologist in your area with a quick online search. While an online search might yield dozens of dermatologists near you, make sure that children and infants get the best pediatric care by checking for good reviews and proper board certification. If you live in the Boca Raton area of Florida, contact Clearlyderm today for high-quality pediatric dermatology services.