A baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive which makes it more susceptible to irritation, rashes, and infections. To prevent these issues and keep your baby comfortable, you will want to maintain good skin health for your baby.
Also, healthy skin acts as a shield that can effectively minimize water loss, regulate temperature, and reduce the risk of abrasions. This barrier function is particularly important for babies, whose immune systems are still developing.
The doctor you will want to see to help with these basics is a skin doctor for kids. Just as it sounds, these doctors specialize in caring for the baby’s skin. On this page, we clarify the specific diseases that may warrant a visit with your baby to the pediatric dermatologist in Singapore but first;
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What is the most Common Skin Disease in Children?
The training that your pediatric dermatologist in Singapore receives focuses on skin conditions in children. To ensure healthy skin for children, a question that many parents frequently ask is; what is the most common skin disease in children?
The most common skin disease in children is eczema. Eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis, affects infants and children, often appearing as dry, itchy skin. It commonly starts on the face in infants and may spread to other areas like the elbows, knees, neck, hands, and feet in older children.
Treatment for eczema involves using medications or skin creams. You may also be advised to ensure that your young one avoids skin irritants, and also be directed to implement other measures to heal the skin, reduce itching, and prevent infection.
It’s important to note that eczema is not contagious. In most cases, it is influenced by environmental and genetic factors.
What Diseases do Pediatric Dermatologists Treat?
As you now understand, the key specialization of your pediatric dermatologist in Singapore is the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions in children. Thanks to their specialized training, these specialists handle a wide range of dermatological issues unique to infants, toddlers, and adolescents. Here is a quick summary of some of the most common diseases that pediatric dermatologists treat;
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Acne
Characterized by pimples, blackheads, and cysts, acne is a common skin condition among teenagers. Pediatric dermatologists often treat acne using topical creams.
Depending on the acne and your baby’s unique condition, the baby may also be prescribed oral medications or a combination of both. Pediatric dermatologists also guide skincare routines to manage acne and prevent scarring.
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Alopecia
Alopecia refers to hair loss, which can be distressing for children. For treatment, your pediatric dermatologist in Singapore will begin by evaluating the underlying causes of alopecia.
Causes can range from autoimmune disorders to fungal infections, etc. After an assessment, they will recommend appropriate treatments which may include topical medications, injections, or in some cases, hair transplantation.
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Benign tumors and cysts
Children can also develop benign tumors or cysts on the skin. Examples include hemangiomas or epidermal inclusion cysts.
A pediatric dermatologist can assess the growths on your baby’s skin to determine if they require treatment. Treatment options are varied but may include observation, medication, or surgical removal, depending on the size and location of the tumor or cyst.
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Birthmarks
Birthmarks are common in infants and children. And, they can vary in size, shape, and color.
Pediatric dermatologists assess birthmarks to determine if they require monitoring or treatment. Some birthmarks, such as port-wine stains or hemangiomas, may benefit from laser therapy or other interventions to reduce their appearance.
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Blistering disorders
Blistering disorders like the pemphigus or bullous pemphigoid, are rare. But still, they are serious skin conditions that can affect children.
When seeing a pediatric dermatologist in Singapore for blistering disorders, they will work closely with other specialists to diagnose and manage these disorders. Treatments may involve medication to suppress the immune system and reduce blister formation.
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Bacterial skin infections
Bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo or cellulitis, are common in children. This is especially true for those with compromised skin barriers.
For bacterial skin infections, your pediatric dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics to treat these infections. To prevent recurrence, they may recommend topical antiseptics or quite simply, improved hygiene practices.
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Disorders of the hair and nails
Pediatric dermatologists also treat conditions that affect the hair and nails. Good examples here include alopecia areata or fungal nail infections.
They cannot only perform diagnostic tests to identify the underlying causes of these disorders. They can also offer appropriate treatments which may include topical medications or lifestyle adjustments.
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Eczema and dermatitis
Eczema and dermatitis are inflammatory skin conditions that often begin in infancy or early childhood. Pediatric dermatologists provide comprehensive care for these conditions too.
Management of these conditions usually includes identifying triggers and prescribing topical steroids or immunomodulators. For parents, your pediatric dermatologist may advise you on proper skincare routines to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
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Fungal skin infections
Fungal skin infections, such as ringworm or candidiasis, are common in children. This is especially true for those who frequent communal areas like swimming pools or gyms.
Your pediatric dermatologist in Singapore can diagnose these infections based on clinical presentation. For management, they may prescribe antifungal medications, both topical and oral, to treat them effectively.
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Genetic skin conditions
Pediatric dermatologists also manage genetic skin conditions, such as ichthyosis or epidermolysis bullosa, which can significantly impact a child’s quality of life. These specialists provide supportive care, genetic counseling, and access to clinical trials or innovative therapies to improve outcomes for children with these rare disorders.
The list above only summarizes some of the common conditions that your pediatric dermatologist can help with. If you’re worried about your baby’s hair, skin or nails, see a pediatric dermatologist for assessment. Also, your GP may recommend an assessment if they notice changes they’re convinced that a pediatric dermatologist can help with.
Wrapping Up
Pediatric dermatologists help with a lot of conditions that affect the health of your baby’s skin. Thanks to their specialized training in pediatric dermatology, you can count on them to help you know for sure what is causing any changes in your baby’s skin.
Get your Baby’s Skin Checked
Have you noticed changes on your baby’s skin that are worrisome? Get in touch with our team today for an assessment and guidance. Use the details below to schedule an appointment;
The Dermatology Clinic – Dr. Uma Alagappan | Adult and Pediatric Skin Specialist
321 Joo Chiat Pl,
#05-01A Parkway East Specialist Hospital,
Singapore 427990
OR
290 Orchard Road
09-01/02 Paragon Medical Centre,
Singapore 238859
+65 6517 9760
+65 6320 0310