Your child may have a skin condition or concern that requires a unique touch to treat. Dr. James Ralston and the rest of the Dermatology of McKinney team are your heroes that your child deserves. Thousands of parents trust us for the most comprehensive pediatric dermatology near Plano, TX.
Learn more about common skin conditions in children with this quick read.
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Infant – 4 years
Eczema is a common chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, red, scaly patches, often on the face, scalp, elbows, and knees. Treat this condition regularly with moisturizing and medicated creams. Diaper rash (from wetness/friction) and contact dermatitis (from irritants like soaps or foods) are common in infants because their skin is so sensitive. Irritated skin can leave young children prone to infections like:
- Molluscum Contagiosum. This contagious viral infection causes small, flesh-colored bumps with a central dimple.
- Warts. HPV-related skin growths can be common on the hands and feet.
- Impetigo. This contagious bacterial infection causes red sores with honey-colored crusts, often around the mouth and nose.
5 Years – Adolescence
While easily detectable and treatable during infancy, atopic dermatitis (eczema) can persist in school-aged children and adolescents. This concern appears in skin creases, the neck, hands, and feet. Side effects like chronic itching and irritation can heavily impact sleep, school, and social life.
To relieve these concerns, we prescribe effective skincare, advanced treatments, and systemic therapies. While we can treat these concerns, they can persist throughout one’s life without proper ongoing care.
- Viral skin infections are common in school-aged children due to frequent close contact.
- Warts (verruca vulgaris) at this stage of life are typically caused by HPV-related, benign growths, often seen on the hands and feet. Warts can be contagious and persistent, which may require multiple treatments.
- Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that can cause small, flesh-colored bumps with a central depression. It’s also highly contagious and spreads through skin-to-skin contact or shared items, putting the rest of your family at risk as well. While it typically self-resolves, it can take months or years without proper intervention with advanced pediatric dermatology near Plano, TX.
- Chronic acne is one of the most common dermatological concerns throughout adolescence. Hormonal changes lead to increased sebum (oil) production, clogged pores, and inflammation, causing blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and/or nodules. Acne can also significantly impact self-esteem, social confidence, and other emotional concerns well into adolescence and even adulthood.
Adolescence – Adulthood
Chronic acne may continue to come back for adolescents because of natural hormonal shifts. This condition also impacts many adults, especially women, in their 40s.
Lifetime sun exposure significantly increases the risk of skin cancer from late adolescence into adulthood. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) commonly appear on sun-damaged skin. Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, can develop at any age, so early detection is crucial.
Dermatologists educate patients on sun protection, perform screenings, identify suspicious lesions, and manage precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) from sun damage.
Safer Skin for Life
The Dermatology Center of McKinney is proud to provide the best dermatological care for people of all ages and walks of life. At every age, how you care for your skin matters. For the ideal pediatric dermatology near Plano, TX, thousands of families trust our team. Contact our office to see why, or try out our online treatment planning tool to get expert insights delivered to your inbox.
