Paediatric Dermatology

Dermatology Services For Infants & Children

Some skin conditions including certain rashes and skin infections affect children more than adults.

Dr Rose Mak treats different skin, hair and nail conditions in children. Dr Rose Mak enjoys working closely with you and your child and helps educate parents so they are better enabled to understand underlying skin conditions and how they can help manage their child’s skin condition effectively.

Paediatric Dermatology Services Include:

  • Infantile and childhood eczema management
  • Acne management
  • Skin infection treatments such as:
    Tinea, molluscum contagiosum, viral warts

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a very common inflammatory skin condition characterised by red, itchy rashes that are roughened and scaly. It is common in infancy and childhood but may occur in all ages.

A combination of genetics and environmental factors are important in the development of eczema.

Eczema can be worsened by stress, sweating, weather changes and certain fabrics such as synthetic and wool which may irritate the skin. If left untreated, eczema may impair quality of life and lead to frequent skin infections.

Treatment For Eczema

  • Emollients and soap free cleansers
  • Topical steroids and non-steroids anti-inflammatory creams
  • Oral antihistamines to relieve itchy symptoms
  • In severe cases, oral steroids, wet wraps, phototherapy or oral anti-inflammatory medicines may be required.

Skin infections in children are commonly due to the fact that a child’s immune system is still developing, and infections can spread easily amongst children as they are often in close proximity with other children.

Common Skin Infections In Children Include:

Bacterial Infection

Impetigo is a common acute bacterial skin infection affecting young children and is highly contagious hence early treatment is important. Impetigo often affects children with eczema. The condition is characterised by honey-coloured crusts on the face and hands although other body sites may also be involved. The diagnosis is clinical and can be confirmed by bacterial swab. Treatment include topical and oral antibiotics, antiseptic body washes and good skin hygiene.

Viral Infection

Molluscum contagiosum and viral warts are common viral infections in children. Molluscum contagiosum are small pinkish spots with a central pit. Treatment include medicated creams, freezing with liquid nitrogen and topical treatments to irritate the molluscum spots which in turn activates the body’s immune system to fight the molluscum virus.

Viral warts may take on many forms. Treatments may include medicated cream, freezing with liquid nitrogen and topical treatments that encourage the immune system to recognise and destroy the skin cells infected with the wart virus.

Fungal Infection

Ringworm, or tinea, is a common infection caused by a fungus and is highly contagious. The condition may affect the body, scalp, feet and nails. When affecting body skin, typical lesions are characterised by ring-shaped red, scaly patches often with central clearing. The risk of contracting ringworm may be increased by contact with other children or pets with ringworm. Treatment can include topical and oral antifungal medications.