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Paediatric Dermatology

Overview

What is Paediatric Dermatology?

Paediatric dermatology, falling under dermatology, deals with diagnosing and managing skin, hair and nail conditions in infants, children and adolescents. Fundamentally different from an adult's, a child's skin is more delicate, more reactive, undergoing significant changes as they grow. With this, a distinct approach to both diagnosis and treatment is needed.

A paediatric dermatologist is a consultant dermatologist that has additional skill in managing the unique dermatological needs of young patients. Experts in distinguishing between common, self-limiting rashes and more serious conditions, they also understand how skin diseases can affect a child's development, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. Their expertise is varied; they manage ubiquitous issues like eczema and acne and diagnose and treat complex genetic, infectious and inflammatory skin disorders that present in childhood.

Types of Paediatric Skin Conditions

Varying with a child's age, the range of conditions seen in paediatric dermatology is vast. Inflammatory conditions include atopic eczema also known as dermatitis, cradle cap, medically known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis and contact allergies are quite common. Presenting as warts, molluscum contagiosum, impetigo, fungal infections like ringworm and viral exanthems, infectious skin diseases are frequently seen.

Birthmarks are also managed under this specialty. This includes vascular lesions like infantile haemangiomas also known as strawberry marks and port-wine stains, as well as pigmented moles. Acne vulgaris in teenagers is commonly treated as are hair disorders such as alopecia areata. Genetic skin disorders and conditions triggered by environmental factors common in the UAE can all be helped.

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Even though many childhood rashes are temporary, knowing when to seek specialist advice is important for a child's comfort and health. If a child has eczema that's not well-controlled with basic creams, is causing sleep disturbance or appears infected, consulting a paediatric dermatologist near you is important. Any birthmark that's rapidly growing or changing, especially in infancy, warrants expert evaluation. Persistent or severe acne should be professionally managed as it may lead to scarring.

Clear indicators of a skin issue can be things like widespread, severe or unusual rashes, recurrent skin infections, or any skin condition causing significant distress, itching, or pain to the child. Hair loss in patches, chronic nail problems or a suspected allergic skin reaction are also valid reasons for a specialist consultation. Essentially, if a skin condition is affecting a child's daily life, physical comfort or emotional wellbeing, it would be time to seek the opinion of a dedicated paediatric dermatology specialist.

Doctors look into the careful history and perform a gentle, thorough examination of the skin. A paediatric dermatologist is skilled in examining children in a way that minimises fear and obtains the necessary clinical information. Diagnosis is primarily visual and clinical, relying on the specialist's trained eye to recognise patterns and morphology, which in many cases, is sufficient.

We may use a dermatoscope when further investigation is needed, which is a handheld device that magnifies and illuminates the skin helping examine moles or rashes in greater detail. A simple skin scraping, swab or fungal culture can identify the causative organism for suspected infections. A small skin biopsy may be recommended in rare cases where the diagnosis remains unclear. This is performed with appropriate local anaesthetic and utmost care for the child's comfort.

  • Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Atopic Eczema, Contact Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap), Urticaria (Hives).
  • Infections: Viral, Bacterial and Fungal.
  • Birthmarks & Vascular Anomalies: Infantile Haemangiomas, Port-Wine Stains, Congenital Melanocytic Naevi, Salmon Patches.
  • Acne & Disorders of Oil Glands: Acne Vulgaris, Neonatal and Infantile Acne.
  • Hair & Scalp Disorders: Alopecia Areata, Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm), Trichotillomania.
  • Genetic & Congenital Disorders: Ichthyosis, Epidermolysis Bullosa and other rare conditions.
  • Other Conditions: Vitiligo, Pityriasis Rosea, Lichen Sclerosus, and skin manifestations of systemic illness.

At NMC, compassion, clear communication and clinical excellence guide our paediatric dermatology department. For both the child and the parents, we understand that skin conditions can be a source of anxiety. They can also affect self-esteem. Our approach is always family-centred where we take time to explain diagnoses and treatment plans. Starting with robust moisturising routines, medicated creams and other non-invasive therapies, we prioritise gentle, effective management.

We offer advanced treatments including timely laser therapy or oral medications indicated for conditions like haemangiomas. Our focus extends beyond the physical symptoms to the emotional impact. We provide support and practical advice for managing chronic conditions like eczema at home and school. Our integrated teams across the NMC network in the UAE deliver care that's reassuring and expert whether a child requires a one-off consultation for a rash or long-term management of a chronic skin disease.

Our team consists of consultant dermatologists with a dedicated focus on paediatric skin health. They bring a wealth of experience from leading international institutions, coupled with a deep understanding of the environmental factors affecting children in the UAE climate. Supported by child-friendly nursing staff, they create a calming clinical environment.

With unparallelled diagnostic acumen, our consultants also have an exceptional ability to connect with children and build trust with families. They listen carefully to parental concerns, involve them in decision-making and provide clear, realistic management roadmaps. Our specialists within the NMC network provide accessible, expert care tailored to a child's unique needs helping families searching for a trusted paediatric dermatologist in Dubai, a paediatric dermatologist in Abu Dhabi or anywhere across the Emirates.

FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

As they get older, many children do see significant improvement or outgrow eczema, often by school age or during adolescence. The primary goal of management is not just to wait it out. Actively controlling symptoms, preventing flare-ups and minimising discomfort and sleep disturbance during childhood are important.
Topical corticosteroids are a very safe and essential treatment for many inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, when used correctly under the direct guidance of a paediatric dermatologist. The key is using the correct strength for the affected body area and for the appropriate duration. To ensure safety and efficacy, alleviating common fears about their use, your specialist will provide clear, precise instructions
A vast majority of moles in children are benign and removal is not typically necessary. Unless a mole starts showing concerning features like changes in size, shape, colour or texture. Also, if it’s in a location where it is repeatedly injured or is causing significant psychological distress. Your paediatric dermatologist will monitor any atypical moles. They will discuss the pros and cons of removal if it is ever recommended.
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