Pediatric Dermatology In Boca Raton, FL
Skin conditions can have a significant impact on a child's or teen's sense of well-being. Depending on the severity of a child's dermatologic disease, they may struggle at home and at school, affected in their ability to reach their full potential. A pediatric dermatologist is a dedicated professional that becomes an integral part of a child's healthcare team when skin problems develop. We are proud to offer kind and compassionate care to children in the Boca Raton area.
What is pediatric dermatology?
Pediatric dermatology focuses on a host of common skin conditions that can develop in infants, children, and teens. It is not uncommon for children to experience skin changes. However, when issues recur or persist, a pediatrician may recommend a visit to a pediatric dermatologist who has the extensive clinical training that is required to accurately diagnose, treat, and manage conditions affecting the skin.
At what age can a child start seeing a dermatologist?
A child can see a pediatric dermatologist at any age that a skin condition develops. This board-certified specialist is familiar with hundreds of skin diseases, as well as conditions caused by contact irritation. Receiving prompt care from a dermatologist can mean that a child's experience with a skin disease, rash, or other dermatologic condition is minimized, and also that parents can gain peace of mind knowing that their child's health and well-being are receiving proper care.
What are the most common conditions treated by pediatric dermatologists?
Pediatric dermatologists treat a wide variety of skin conditions. Some of them are temporary and related to an allergy or contact irritant, some are genetic. While our team has the education and training to diagnose and treat hundreds of dermatologic diseases, a few stand out as more common. These include:
- Â Acne
- Â Infections of the skin or nails
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Contact dermatitis
- Rashes
- Hemangiomas
What should you look for in your child's dermatologist?
Every dermatologist is a specialist who can accurately recognize and treat or manage skin conditions. When seeking care for your child, you also want to look for a dermatologist who understands how skin conditions may present in infants and children and also how those conditions may affect the patient's emotional experience. A pediatric dermatologist is skilled at putting children at ease in the clinical office setting. In this way, you might look for the same qualities in a dermatologist as you would in a pediatrician.
Conditions We Treat Our board-certified dermatologists are knowledgeable about a wide variety of skin diseases and offer comprehensive care as needed. Some of the conditions for which infants, children, and teens may see us include:
Acne
Millions of teens struggle to win the battle against acne. This common condition can have devastating effects on a teen's sense of confidence so, when it becomes difficult to control with over-the-counter methods, acne should be treated clinically. A dermatologist's goal in treating acne is twofold. First, we want to bring the condition under control and reduce future breakouts. Then, we want to provide care as needed to treat acne scarring.
Rashes
Children are prone to rashes and may develop this skin irritation for any number of reasons. A rash may develop as a reaction to a chemical, detergent, food, or even medication or a virus. If a rash persists for more than a few weeks or it becomes severe, it is advantageous to consult with a dermatologist.
Eczema
Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, can occur at any time in childhood and may last well into adulthood. This chronic condition may go through times of remission and flare-ups of red, itchy patches on the skin. It is believed that eczema has a genetic component and may run in families in which multiple members have either eczema or allergies. There is no cure for this condition but, with proper care and medication, it can be managed.
Hemangiomas
Red, non-cancerous growths called hemangiomas may develop in newborn infants and may require treatment if they do not shrink or disappear naturally. Some hemangiomas grow large, sometimes rapidly, and present concerns for surrounding tissue. In most situations, hemangiomas are simply monitored. Growths that enlarge quickly or are located near the eyes or mouth may require clinical treatment. Dermatologists treat these conditions and more utilizing proven modalities that are safe and comfortable for children of all ages. Treatments are developed around each patient based on their condition, age, and other factors.
Are pediatric dermatology treatments covered by insurance?
Dermatology visits and treatments may be covered by insurance. However, it is important for every patient to understand the particulars of their insurance benefits before scheduling care. Some health insurance plans (HMOs) are structured around a primary care physician. If you have HMO insurance, your child's primary care physician may have to refer you to a dermatologist. If you have PPO insurance, you may have more flexibility in choosing a dermatologist for your child, but it is wise to contact your insurance provider directly for current information regarding not only referral requirements but also coverage amounts. In many cases, patients are still responsible for some portion of their service fees, be it a co-payment or deductible.
Another factor in determining coverage is medical necessity. This is typically not an obstacle in pediatric dermatology, but it should be understood. The general practice among all insurance providers is to extend coverage to services that are deemed medically necessary. Examples include treatments for chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, acne treatments, treatment for fungal infections, warts, hives, and rashes, and some annual skin exams.
Schedule a Consultation
It’s difficult to watch your child struggle physically and emotionally with a skin-related disorder. At Rendon Center in Boca Raton, our team of experienced, compassionate dermatologists offers comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and management services for skin conditions affecting children, teens, and adults of all ages. To schedule a visit, contact us at 561-750-0544
