Pediatric Dermatology – Specialized Care for Kids

Certain skin conditions may present differently in children than they do in adults, which can sometimes make diagnosis challenging for general dermatologists not accustomed to the nuances of children’s skin.

Whether you’re concerned about your newborn’s rash, your teenager’s chronic acne or want to find out whether your third-grader’s skin problems might be a sign of a serious underlying condition, you need a specialist who has the proficiency and know-how to meet the unique needs of young patients.

Double board certified Alexander Gross, M.D. has been treating children fro infants to teens for skin problems for over 25 years. His experience and specialized understanding of pediatric dermatology makes him trustworthy of treating your child for any skin condition.

Dr. Gross is able to diagnose, treat and provide follow up care for a multitude of conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails in infants, children, adolescents and teens. These conditions range from the common to the rare and from the simple to the complex.   Laser therapies and skin surgeries are also performed in the office with topical or local anesthesia, when appropriate. For patients who are too young or the procedure too extensive, Dr. Gross may refer your child to a specialist in the area.

ECZEMA

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterized by very itchy, dry, red, scaly skin. Eczema can be mild or severe and depending on the degree, may have significant effects on a child’s lifestyle and self-esteem. Not only does the condition affect the child, it may affect the whole family. A good skin care regimen is very helpful in minimizing the effects of the disease. It is especially important for children with moderate to severe eczema to be followed regularly by a dermatologist, because other complications can arise, such as bacterial and viral infections of the skin.

SKIN INFECTIONS

Skin infections that Dr. Gross commonly treats include impetigo, which is a bacterial infection of the skin, and tinea capitis, or “ringworm” of the scalp, which is a fungal infection. Impetigo can be treated with either topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity. Tinea capitis must be treated with an oral antifungal. Scabies is a mite infestation that can cause an extremely itchy rash and is very contagious. This can be treated safely even in very young infants with a prescription cream.

ACNE

Acne, of course, can be a major problem for teenagers. Acne treatment ranges from topical medicines to oral antibiotics to Accutane, which is a medicine reserved for treatment of severe recalcitrant acne. There are many nuances in the treatment of acne, and it is important for the dermatologist to help the patient find a regimen that not only works, but that fits within his or her lifestyle.

WARTS

Warts are a common viral infection of the skin. Although they are not dangerous, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Dr. Gross uses various methods to remove them, ranging from over-the-counter recommendations to blistering agents to liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (freezing) and electrosurgery (burning). Some methods are more appropriate than others in different age groups of children, and Dr. Gross will recommend which one is best for your child’s condition.

Pediatric Dermatology
teens dermatology
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