We understand how important the skin health of your child is. We also understand how a trip to the doctor can be daunting for your child. Our friendly team can help manage your child’s skin, hair, or nails, always with a twinkle and a smile, so you can be assured of exceptional care for the whole family.
Eczema is the most common childhood condition that we see at our clinic. It causes a lot of distress to the child and indeed the whole family, manifesting as persistent itching, resulting in disruption of daily activities and even sleepless nights. A lot of parents are understandably concerned about the use of steroid creams on their child. We will strive to devise a management plan where we first treat your child’s condition effectively with minimal steroid use and more importantly, guide you on how to minimise flares of this chronic condition. The aim would be to educate the whole family on how to restore the skin barrier, manage flares and optimise the child’s environment so you become an expert carer for your child’s condition.
Skin infections in children are also common. As their immune system is immature and they often play in close proximity with other children, skin infections can spread easily in schools and at home. Viral infections such as warts and molluscum can be managed with a variety of treatments including topical creams, freezing or more aggressive procedures. The treatment options will be discussed with you and the most appropriate management devised based on the severity of the condition and the age of your child. We also use different numbing strategies prior to performing any procedure so that your child will be as comfortable as possible. Bacterial and fungal infections are also sometimes seen and these are best treated with either topical or oral medicines and good hygiene.
Allergies in children may manifest as frequent sneezing, rashes, hives or tummy discomfort. Any child may develop allergies, but they are more common in children with a family history of similar allergies. Early identification of childhood allergies will improve your child’s quality of life and reduce the number of missed school days.
Common allergy triggers in children include:
Your experienced dermatologist will take a thorough history to ascertain any possible allergies. She can also arrange for specific allergy testing if appropriate. These may include a skin prick test, patch test, or blood test (RAST test).
If an allergy is determined, avoidance will be recommended. Other medications can also be advised to reduce any symptoms.
Atopic eczema is the most common paediatric skin condition seen in our dermatology clinic. It often presents as itchy red rashes that are rough and scaly, typically affecting the face, neck, elbow and knee creases. The rashes may develop blisters or become infected. The skin condition, if not well controlled, may also affect sleep or school work.
We recommend seeing a dermatologist early in order to make an accurate diagnosis and to receive effective treatment. We will be able to confidently walk you through any potential exacerbating factors, identify any allergens, and advise on how to avoid triggers.
Effective treatment includes:
Eczema can often be frustrating to treat with intermittent flares. We will help you to understand your child’s condition and educate you on how best to manage and prevent flares effectively.
Children may be born with many different types of birthmarks. Common birthmarks include moles, café-au-lait macules, Mongolian spots, Naevus of Ota or vascular (red) birthmarks.
Birthmarks may present in many different colours, shape or size. It is important to see a trained dermatologist to accurately diagnose the birthmark so that advice can be given about the progression of the birthmark and whether treatment or further investigations are required.
Viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) are common viral infections affecting children.
Bacterial infections such as folliculitis or impetigo are common in children. Folliculitis appears as multiple small “pimples” around hair-bearing areas. Impetigo present as crusted, scabbed over patches that may be weepy or sore. This is more often seen in children with eczema. Such infections can spread to other children easily, therefore early treatment is recommended. Treatment is by topical or oral antibiotics, antiseptic washes and good hygiene.
Fungal infections are common in our hot, humid climate. Candida infections are often seen in moist, warm areas such as the nappy area. The affected areas can become red, painful with surrounding red spots. These can sometimes be mistaken for “pimples” and wrongly treated with antibiotics. Another common fungal infection seen is pityrosporum folliculitis, which may look like back acne to the untrained eye. This can cause itchy red spots on the chest and back, which worsen in hot, sweaty environments. Treatment is by topical and oral anti-fungal medicines, in addition to keeping cool and dry.
Lots of newborn babies suffer from scaling of the scalp commonly known as cradle cap or infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
This usually presents as greasy appearing scaly patches that may sometimes become quite thick.
It may also spread to affect the face or body. The baby often appears undisturbed by the rash, even when the rash is widespread.
Occasionally, the rash can clear up spontaneously.
Oils or ointments can be applied to soften the scales prior to shampoo.
Gentle medicated shampoos may be prescribed to loosen and remove the scales.
A mild steroid lotion may be applied for a short course if necessary.
This is a very common skin irritation seen in many infants, specifically affecting the areas covered by nappies or diapers
This is due to irritation of the delicate baby skin from prolonged contact with urine, faeces or over occlusion.
Occasionally, there may be an intercurrent fungal infection as well.
Simple hygiene measures can sometimes clear the skin irritation.
If it remains persistent, do consult your dermatologist early. Treatments may include gentle cleansers, skin emollients and mild prescription topical creams.