Pediatric dermatologist, Dr. Alexander Gross, understands that certain skin conditions may present differently in children than they do in adults. For many dermatologists, an accurate diagnosis can be challenging for a general dermatologist not accustomed to the nuances of children’s skin. Not so for Dr. Gross, as he has specialized during his 20+ year dermatological medical career in treating children’s skin diseases.
Whether you’re concerned about your newborn’s rash, your teenager’s chronic acne or want to find out whether your third-grader’s skin problems might be a sign of a serious underlying condition, you need a specialist who has the proficiency and know-how to meet the unique needs of young patients.
Pediatric Skin Conditions Treated:
- Acne – This, of course, can be a major problem for teenagers. Acne treatment ranges from topical medicines to oral antibiotics to Accutane, which is a medicine reserved for treatment of severe recalcitrant acne. There are many nuances in the treatment of acne, and it is important for the dermatologist to help the patient find a regimen that not only works, but that fits within his or her lifestyle.
- Warts – These are a common viral infection of the skin. Although they are not dangerous, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. We use various methods to remove them, ranging from over-the-counter recommendations to blistering agents to liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (freezing) and electrosurgery (burning). Some methods are more appropriate than others in different age groups of children, and Dr. Gross will advise you of what would be the best for your child.
- Molluscum – Molluscum contagiosum is another common viral infection of the skin that is similar to warts. Instead of a warty appearance, the lesions are smooth and shiny and are usually small. Like warts, they are not harmful, but can continue to spread if left untreated. They can be treated with a blistering agent, curettage (scraping with a small round instrument) or cryotherapy (freezing). Dr. Alexander Gross is experienced with the appropriate use of all of these methods in different age groups.
- Eczema – It is characterized by very itchy, dry, red, scaly skin. It is especially important for children with moderate to severe eczema to be followed regularly by a dermatologist, because other complications can arise, such as bacterial and viral infections of the skin.
- Birthmarks – It is important that birthmarks be evaluated in the newborn period when present because early intervention can be important.
- Skin Infections – Skin infections that pediatric dermatologists commonly treat include impetigo, which is a bacterial infection of the skin, and tinea capitis, or “ringworm” of the scalp, which is a fungal infection. Impetigo can be treated with either topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity. Scabies is a mite infestation that can cause an extremely itchy rash and is very contagious. This can be treated safely even in very young infants with a prescription cream.
- Hives -Urticaria, or hives, is a problem in which red, itchy, and swollen areas show up on the skin. It usually happens as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medicines. Though, sometimes the cause may be unknown. Hives can vary in size from one-half inch to several inches in size. Hives can show up all over the body or just on one part of the body.
- Psoriasis
- Diaper Rash – Diaper rash is usually an easily treatable problem, but some cases are resistant to traditional therapy. These are the cases in which a pediatric dermatologist can be very helpful. Different types of diaper rash can require different types of treatments, and sometimes more serious diseases can masquerade as diaper rash, so an evaluation by Dr. Alexander Gross can be very important.
Pediatric Dermatologist
The Georgia Dermatology Center in Cumming, GA treats these skin conditions and others that begin in childhood or are unique to the pediatric age group. Skin problems in children, whether minor or life-altering, can affect many aspects of their lives, including their development and self-esteem. Dr. Gross and his staff are specially trained to understand how to communicate with children to make them feel as comfortable as possible when treating their skin problems and to make them feel as confident as possible about how their skin conditions affect their daily lives.
Dr. Alexander Gross is a double board certified dermatologist by the American Academy of Dermatology.