Being a parent is stressful enough as it is, which is heightened when your child is experiencing a rash, strange blemish, or other skincare concern. Here are some common pediatric skin conditions, what you can expect during an appointment, and how the best pediatric dermatologist in Tysons Corner, Virginia can help you and your child!
What Is a Pediatric Dermatologist? How Do I Find a Good One?
Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating hair, skin, and nail-related diseases and conditions. A pediatric dermatologist does exactly this for children. There are many different skin disorders your child may face throughout the years. So, it’s important to have an established dermatologist.
Children’s skin disorders or issues tend to be different from those of adults. Therefore they require specific types of age-appropriate treatments. If your child needs to visit a pediatric dermatologist, their primary care provider will likely refer them to one.
If that’s not the case, then there are many resources available for finding pediatric dermatologists, such as websites and even your insurance network will have a list of providers they work with.
What Skin Conditions Might My Child Potentially Face?
The skin conditions your child may face are vast and can be scary when you don’t have the appropriate resources to address them. Common pediatric skin conditions are broken up into four categories:
- Fungal Infections: Such as ringworm and tinea versicolor
- Parasitic Infections: Such as lice and scabies
- Rashes: Such as chickenpox, fifth disease, measles, roseola, and rubella
- Viral Infections: Such as pityriasis rosea, molluscum contagiosum, shingles, and warts
These are a few of the most common skin concerns your child may experience as they mature. Acne, eczema, alopecia, skin cancer, psoriasis, and more are more examples of what a pediatric dermatologist can prevent, diagnose, and treat.
While some of these conditions may resolve naturally or with at-home remedies, a professional opinion won’t hurt. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health and to visit a pediatric dermatologist if you have any concerns or questions.
What Should I Expect During My Child’s Appointment With a Pediatric Dermatologist Near Tysons Corner?
It’s only natural for you and your child to be nervous about an upcoming doctor’s appointment, though you don’t need to worry. Here’s what you can expect.
First, your child’s dermatologist will review their medical history, current medications or supplements, vaccinations, and more. Make sure to have this information on hand. Additionally, have documents prepared. For example, your medical records, insurance card, and social security number.
The second half of the appointment will include a physical exam. The exam will vary depending on the exact condition your child is facing. They will, of course, examine the rash, infection, or blemish itself, and determine from there whether a urine/blood sample, skin biopsy, or further questioning is necessary.
The final part of your child’s appointment is likely when they’ll receive a diagnosis and then prescribed treatment. This is when you’ll be able to ask any questions you’ve thought of during the exam as well. You may not always receive a diagnosis on the spot depending on the skin condition. But, the dermatologist will likely have an idea of what’s going on and let you know what testing is necessary to give the diagnosis.
A good dermatologist will ensure both your and your child’s comfort with age-appropriate communication, understanding, and respect towards your child. With their best interests in mind, they’ll open up an honest discussion about the skin condition, if an additional appointment or procedure is necessary, and what you can expect from potential treatments.
What Treatments and Preventative Measures Might My Child’s Dermatologist Recommend?
Treatment depends entirely on the exact skin condition your child is experiencing.
If your child requires a biopsy, you may not be recommended treatment until an analysis is completed and returned to their dermatologist. In the meantime, your dermatologist will suggest ideas to manage the condition until long-term treatment is available.
Treatments are designed to be as stress-free and safe as possible for your child. For example, a fungal infection may only require a special, medicated shampoo or topical cream to treat the infection. Rarely will your child require anything beyond oral or topical medication.
In rare instances of skin cancer or warts, your child may require medical procedures. Such medical procedures may include laser surgery, electrodesiccation, or Mohs surgery.
It’s important that you take the time to discuss preventative measures with your child’s dermatologist as well. While some skin disorders can’t be prevented, there are many ways to prevent other common skin conditions.
Prevention is key. The steps you and your child can take are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, including maintaining proper hygiene, eating healthy and staying hydrated, getting vaccinated for conditions such as chickenpox, and not sharing eating utensils or personal items with other children.
Where Can I Find the Best Pediatric Dermatologist in Tysons Corner, Virginia?
It’s time to take the mystery out of your child’s skin condition and meet with the best pediatric dermatologist in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Dr. Marjan Yousefi and her expert team understand the anxiety that comes with being a parent and searching for answers.
Allow us to give you the clarity you need with our stress-free environment and a patient-first approach. Contact us at 703-255-5070 to book an appointment with our experienced pediatric dermatologist today. We can’t wait to help you and your family address skin concerns head-on!
