Because a child’s skin is delicate, sensitive, and highly permeable, it is especially prone to skin conditions. This is why if you’re a parent, you need to give your child’s skin tons of tender, loving care.
Whether your child has a skin problem or not, seeing a pediatric dermatologist can help you make sure your child’s skin is healthy and protected at all times. A pediatric dermatologist is a medical practitioner who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a full spectrum of conditions that affect children’s skin, hair, and nails.
If you’re looking to take your child to see a pediatric dermatologist, here are some of the questions worth bringing up at your appointment.
Q: What are the common skin conditions you treat?
Pediatric dermatologists treat a gamut of skin conditions that affect newborns, children, and adolescents alike. Listed below are some of the most common conditions:
- Dermatitis (skin irritation or inflammation)
- Eczema (a condition characterized by itchy, red, and inflamed patches of skin)
- Hives (outbreak of itchy, swollen bumps occurring as a result of allergies)
- Psoriasis (red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with scales)
Q: What kind of toiletries and skincare products does my child need?
If your child has dry or sensitive skin, you will need to get soap-free liquid cleansers with a pH of 5.5. Bland petroleum jelly or cocoa butter are best suited for kids with ultra-sensitive skin.
Bubble baths may be nice, but they shouldn’t be made a daily routine, as the chemicals and perfumes in bubble bath gels can irritate your child’s skin, especially on the genital region.
You need to get moisturizers that are fragrance-free and contain vegetable oil or lanolin, which are both effective at softening your child’s skin and keeping it hydrated.
Q: What can I do to protect my child’s skin from sunburns?
The most logical thing to do is to limit your child’s exposure to direct sunlight.
Avoid applying baby oils and skincare products that contain paraben (a group of preservative ingredients) onto your child’s skin, as these could attract and absorb UV rays.
As a general rule, dermatologists do not recommend sunscreens for babies under 6 months of age and advise against their constant use in children under 2 years of age. If your child is over 2 years of age, you can get sunscreens with an SPF 30 at minimum.
Q: Do children outgrow eczema?
It is estimated that two out of three children outgrow their eczema, albeit they may still have the tendency to have dry skin through adulthood.
Q: Are insect repellent creams safe to use?
Insect repellent creams contain an active ingredient called DEET, which is also found in pesticides.
Your best bet is either an herbal alternative or an insect repellent bracelet. You can make your own insect repellent solution at home, simply by mixing apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or witch hazel into 1:1 boiled water, then adding drops of lavender oil or peppermint oil. For easy and convenient use, put the solution into a spray bottle.
Highly Skilled Pediatric Dermatologist in South Florida
If you’re looking for comprehensive skincare solutions for your child, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ana Duarte at Children’s Skin Center. Dr. Duarte is a board-certified pediatric dermatologist with over 20 years of experience in providing high-quality care to children in the Southern Florida region.
We have several locations at which to serve you. You may contact our main office at toll-free (305) 669-6555 to book an appointment, or conveniently request one online.
