Children have very sensitive and fragile skin which makes them particularly susceptible to developing various skin conditions. That is why as a parent or caregiver, you must give your child’s skin lots of tender and loving care.
When it comes to caring for your child’s skin, consulting a pediatric dermatologist is your best bet. A pediatric dermatologist is a healthcare professional who is qualified to treat the skin conditions of children, from birth to adulthood.
If you are considering taking your child to see a pediatric dermatologist for their skin problems, you might have many questions in your mind. Remember, there are no silly or wrong questions when it comes to your child’s health. You should feel free to share your concerns and seek clarification.
Here are some frequently asked questions that parents ask pediatric dermatologists along with their answers.
Question #1 What Are Common Skin Problems in Children?
Children tend to have more sensitive skin compared to adults. This is because children have thinner skin, developing immune systems, and increased exposure to certain environmental factors compared to adults.
Most commonly, children are affected by the following skin conditions.
- Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which red, itchy, and dry patches form on the skin.
- Acne is a common skin problem, especially during puberty.
- Diaper rash is the irritation of the skin in the diaper area due to long exposure to friction and wetness.
- Warts, which are small rough bumps caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Contact dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin resulting from an allergen and irritant, leading to red, itchy, and blistered skin.
- Hives are characterized by raised red bumps on the skin caused by an allergic reaction.
- Psoriasis is a condition where the skin has red, flaky, or scaly patches.
- Birthmarks, are harmless spots on the skin that may fade over time but sometimes can be signs of a health problem.
Question #2 What Should I Include in My Child’s Skin Care Routine?
A good skincare routine is essential for maintaining and improving the health of your child’s skin. The key elements that you should include in your child’s skin care routine are gentle cleansers, gentle hypoallergenic moisturizers, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Regular bathing is crucial, so bathe your child two to three times per week depending on their age and activity level or as needed.
Question #3 Are Over-the-counter Skin Care Products Safe for My Child?
Generally, over-the-counter skin care products for children are safe. Nonetheless, as a parent or caregiver, it is essential to exercise caution when selecting over-the-counter skin care products for your child.
Before buying a skincare product for your child, you should ensure that the formula is designed specifically for your child’s age group, is hypoallergenic, and does not have any harsh chemicals, alcohol, or strong exfoliants. Before using any new skincare product on your child’s sensitive skin, you should perform a patch test on a small area of the skin to check for any adverse reaction to the product.
Question #4 What Strength of Sunscreen is Best to Use for My Child?
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 30 to 50. This provides protection from UVB and UVA sun rays. The key to sunscreen is actually how often you re-apply. If you are swimming, sweating, or getting wet you should re-apply every 20 to 30 minutes. If you are in direct sunlight, you should apply every 2 hours. Think of it this way, after about 2 hours your sunscreen isn’t working even if you’ve applied SPF 100.
Question #5 Will My Child Outgrow Eczema?
Eczema is an ongoing skin condition that occurs due to a deficiency of the skin barrier. The good news is that in some children and newborns, eczema starts to go away by the time the child reaches the age of four years. However, some children continue to have eczema symptoms as they grow up. Therefore, it is difficult to anticipate which child will outgrow eczema.
Seeking treatment for eczema and keeping eczema flare-ups under control is one of the best ways to control the condition.
Pediatric Dermatologist Near Me at Happy Skin
If you have any concerns about your child’s skin or want to maintain the health of their skin, visit our expert pediatric dermatologist here at Happy Skin. Our highly trained and child-friendly pediatric dermatologist will evaluate the issue in question and provide any necessary treatment right away.
If you would like to know more about our pediatric dermatologist or would like to schedule a one-on-one consultation with us, call today at (602) 837-3376 or reach out via our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
