Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Poole Dermatology.
Why and When Should You Visit a Pediatric Dermatologist?
You’ve probably found yourself noticing something on your child’s skin that looks a bit off. Was that there before? Should I be concerned? We get it! This can be stressful! It can also be stressful not knowing if something is worth a trip to your pediatrician or dermatologist.
The biggest misconception we find is that everyone always thinks that children are basically mini-adults. The truth is that childrens’ skin conditions often exhibit completely differently than they do in adults and typically have very different treatment options! Children also tend to have an even greater array of skin ailments than adults. Their immature immune system makes them more susceptible, with most of these skin issues starting to pop up during the toddler years.
Although there are often products that can be found over-the-counter that claim to treat a wide variety of children’s skin ailments, we find it extremely important to visit your dermatologist to ensure that you are taking the correct approach and find the right treatment for your child’s skin!
Here is a guide of some common skin conditions that are best evaluated and treated by a pediatric dermatologist:
Infants and Toddlers:
- Atopic Dermatitis: “Eczema”, dry, scaly, very itchy, sensitive, easily irritated skin.
- Birthmarks: There are many different types of birthmarks, such as Port Wine Stains and Congenital Nevi, most of which require Pediatric Dermatology expertise to properly diagnose and treat.
- Diaper Dermatitis: Bad diaper rashes can be quite common, very irritating, and hard to control without proper evaluation and care.
- Hemangiomas: Benign blood vessel overgrowth in the first 6 months.
- Infantile Acne: Looks like acne, but occurs in the first year.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: “Cradle cap”, a flaky scaly, itchy scalp
Toddlers and School-Age Children:
- Atopic Dermatitis: “Eczema”, dry, scaly, very itchy, sensitive, easily irritated skin
- Impetigo: Skin infection that spreads easily, common in young kids and people with eczema.
- Molloscum Contagiosum:Wart-like bumps that spread easily and irritate the skin, can cause boils and scars
- Warts: Tend to spread and be unsightly or painful.
Tweens and Teens:
- Acne: Not just unsightly and cosmetic, acne often results in permanent scarring and can contribute to depression.
- Atopic Dermatitis: “Eczema”, dry, scaly, very itchy, sensitive, easily irritated skin.
- Psoriasis: Red, thick, scaly, itchy plaques that may be associated with arthritis.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Scaly, flaky, itchy, irritated scalp.
- Warts: Tend to spread and be unsightly or painful
Poole Dermatology is here to support you with your pediatric and adult hair, skin, and nail needs. If you would like to learn more about this practice visit their website or call their office for more information. You can also schedule an appointment online!
About the Team:: Dr. Poole and Dr. Charles know Pediatric Dermatology!
You’ve probably heard the name Poole Dermatology before! Dr. Poole (Founder of Pool 
Dermatology), Dr. Charles, and his physician assistant, Alicia Haslauer, have been a pivotal part of the medical community and children’s lives in the greater New Orleans area for decades. Dr. Poole’s dedication and expertise in pediatric dermatology resulted in the development of the Pediatric Dermatology teaching program at the Children’s Hospital New Orleans, where he served as Chief of Dermatology and was the Founder, Director, and Laser Specialist for the Vascular Anomalies Center for 18 years.
In 2018, Dr. Kristy Charles joined Poole’s team, bringing additional availability and
expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services. As a local and graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine (where she graduated first in her class and was elected president of a prestigious national medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha) she has quickly established herself as the go-to dermatologist in the area.
Together Dr. Poole, Dr. Charles, and PA Haslauer have treated tens of thousands of children over the last few years and specialize in a range of childhood issues from molloscum, warts, acne, eczema, and psoriasis, hemangiomas and port wine stains, the later of which require special care and consideration when treating. A good pediatric dermatologist not only is an excellent diagnostician but also has the ability to make children and parents feel at ease in their clinic. As parents themselves, Dr. Poole, PA Haslauer, and Dr. Charles are known for just that.
