Dr. Gilberto Alvarez del Manzano is well-known for his expertise in treating children. He tries his best to make sure his young patients feel safe in his office. In treating pediatric dermatology, some of the conditions we treat are:
ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema. It is a chronic skin disorder that makes skin dry and itchy and can present as a rash. It mostly happens to babies and children that have a family history of asthma and allergies. The actual cause of atopic dermatitis is no known cause.
There is no cure for this disorder, but it can be controlled and treated. To treat it, you can use moisturizing lotions, stop scratching so much and stay away from harsh soaps. Our dermatologist will speak with you about how to take care of your skin. They may also prescribe medications to treat this disorder. Treatment can help alleviate symptoms and ease discomfort, which will help prevent skin infections from constant scratching.
BIRTHMARKS
A birthmark can be present when a baby is born, or it can appear after birth. A pigmented birthmark can be of different sizes and colors. It can range from tan spots to darker spots with hair. Most birthmarks are harmless, but some could turn into skin cancer.
If a birthmark consist of blood vessels can appear red, purple, or pink. The marks can be flat or stick out like a soft reddish bump. The most common type of birthmark is infantile hemangiomas. These birthmarks often present at birth or soon after. They grow quickly during an infant’s first six months.
These types of birthmarks need to be monitored because of how quickly they grow. While they are growing, they can bleed and or press up against other structures. Our doctors will examine the birthmark. Depending on the type, size, location, and how severe it is, they speak with you about the correct treatment.
ECZEMA
Eczema is a group of inflamed skin condition that rashes. These rashes are chronic, relapsing and itchy. The different types of eczema include:
- atopic dermatitis
- contact dermatitis
- dyshidrotic eczmea
- nummular eczema
Common in children, eczema is found in families. Children with eczema can develop hay fever and asthma. It can also be found in infants and may flare up during the winter. It presents as dry, scaly patches on the cheeks and the scalp and will begin to ooze and crust over.
In older children and adults, the rash is usually found on the inside of the knees, elbows, neck, hands, and feet. Usually, children and infants outgrow their eczema as they get older.
Flares may happen periodically, and the eczema could get worse. Dry skin, contact with fragrances, rough materials, allergies, illnesses, and stress can cause eczema to get worse. To manage it, at-home skincare is crucial. Some treatment options include anti-inflammatory products that can ease itching and symptoms.
RASHES
Rashes are common in children. These rashes may itch, or they may not. Many things can cause rashes in children. Vaccines, infections, foods, and different medications can cause changes in skin color or texture. Children that have atopic eczema will usually have itchy and scaly rashes.
Most rashes will go away on their own. If the rash causes itching, severe discomfort and lasts a long time, a dermatologist should examine it. Rashes that cause the skin to ooze or blister the skin may be infected, and it should be seen by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
MOLLUSCUM
A skin virus called, Molluscum contagiosum presents as painless white bumps. These white bumps can appear anywhere on the body and is most common in children.
Usually, they appear on the torso or the extremities. It can be made worse by scratching and is spread by skin-to-skin contact. While some children may develop lesions, others will have many white bumps all over their bodies.
This virus can last from 6 months to 2 years. The lesions may begin to itch or spread. If this is the case, treatment is available. Our doctors can discuss any treatment options available including, topical medications and procedures to remove molluscum.
WARTS
Skin growths or warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. There are many strains of HPV. The strains that cause warts on the hands and feet are different from the strains that cause genital warts. Warts can respond differently to some treatments. And some may go away entirely on their own.
Warts can cause pain, or make you uncomfortable, and they can unpleasing to look at. Warts are treated in different ways. For self-treatment, over-the-counter products with salicylic acid.
A dermatologist can remove with liquid nitrogen, acids, or electrodesiccation. Surgery is recommended if the wart is large, painful, or if it doesn’t respond to any other treatment.
