Paediatric Dermatology London

What are skin conditions in children?

Babies’ and young children’s skin is very delicate, therefore prone to a variety of skin conditions. Luckily, with the help of an expert dermatologist, many of these can be easily brought under control and treated.

There are a number of common baby and childhood skin conditions that you may have heard of.

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Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is the most common skin condition in children and babies. It often develops during infancy, but sometimes appears later in life, in childhood, adolescence or even into adulthood. Eczema is characterised by the appearance of redness, skin rash, blisters, flaking skin and scales. It can also be very itchy. A baby with eczema can find the condition hugely distressing and may struggle to sleep due to the itching. When scratched, bacteria may get into the skin, leading to infection.

Eczema can affect any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the hands, fingers, the creases of the elbows and the backs of the knees.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This particular form of dermatitis is usually found on oily parts of the body such as the face, scalp and chest. It is also commonly found in babies, with the yellow scaly patches on the scalp commonly known as cradle cap. It can also be found in the nappy area.

Unlike eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not usually itchy and disappears on its own after three or four months of age.

Baby acne

Baby acne is characterised by tiny red or white bumps or pimples that appear on a newborn’s skin, most commonly on the nose, cheeks and forehead.

Also known as neonatal acne, baby acne affects around 20 percent of newborns. Baby acne is temporary and usually clears up on its own without treatment.

Milia

Sometimes mistaken for baby acne, milia are tiny white bumps that may develop on a baby’s face. They appear when dead skin cells are caught in tiny pockets of skin and may appear within a few weeks of birth. You can’t prevent milia and they usually disappear on their own after a few weeks or months.

Teen acne

More than 85 percent of teenagers will experience this condition. This common skin complaint is characterised by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and hard, deep lumps. Teen acne commonly affects the face, neck, shoulders, chest, back, and upper arms.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin condition that is very contagious but, luckily, not usually serious. It is very common in babies and young children. Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters which burst to leave crusty, golden-brown patches. These may be itchy and sometimes painful. Impetigo can also spread to other parts of the body.

Impetigo usually infects skin that's already damaged, for example, eczema that has been scratched.

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis)

Despite the name, ringworm of the scalp is not actually caused by a worm but a fungal infection. This particular skin condition is characterised by circular marks on the skin, often with flat centers and raised borders. It doesn’t usually infect children under two, but it’s highly infectious, so if one person in a household has it, it is highly likely to be passed on via person-to-person contact or by sharing combs, pillows, towels or hats.

Alopecia areata

This particular skin condition is caused by a defect in the immune system that causes it to attack and destroy healthy hair cells, leading to patchy bald spots on a child or baby’s head. Research shows that it is very rare in children aged under six months, but there have been reported cases. It can be spontaneous or triggered by stressful life events. In most cases the hair will grow back fully, although the time frame for this can vary.

Warts and verrucas

Warts and verrucas (warts that grow on the soles of the feet) and extremely common in children. They can be spread easily if not treated.

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The cost of Paediatric Dermatology

Consultations From

£ 250

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We successfully treat hundreds of paediatric cases each year. Our team of ten highly experienced specialist dermatologists have been handpicked to form one of the best independent dermatology units in the country

Our paediatric dermatology specialists have the highest levels of training and qualifications

We work with major bodies and organisations to ensure standards are maintained. These include The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Medical Council (GMC)

Our purpose-built dermatology clinic is conveniently located off Sloane Square, Chelsea

What are the symptoms of skin conditions in children?

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of skin condition. Symptoms of skin conditions in babies and children may include:

Rash
Itching
Redness
Swelling
Weeping
Raised bumps (white, red or pink in colour)
Scaly skin
Cracked skin
Flaking skin
Hair loss
Scabs
Blisters

Depending on the type of condition, the child may also experience other symptoms such as headaches or fatigue. If your child is experiencing other symptoms, you must tell your dermatologist.

How are children’s and baby skin conditions diagnosed?

It is important that skin allergies are diagnosed properly so they can be treated appropriately.

When you book a consultation with one of the Cadogan Clinic’s expert dermatologists, you will be asked questions about your child’s medical history and about potential allergens that they may be coming into contact with. This will help the dermatologist build up a picture of when and where the skin is being exposed to potential allergens. The dermatologist will also want to carry out a physical examination of your child. Depending on the symptoms, diagnosis may include blood tests and patch testing. In patch testing, a tiny amount of suspected allergens are introduced to the skin and left to see if any reaction occurs. This diagnostic method does not involve any needles.

How are they treated?

Treatment for baby and child skin conditions depends on the diagnosis. Some conditions can be treated using over-the-counter creams or lotions, such as emollients, moisturising treatments which are applied directly to the affected area of skin on a daily basis to reduce water loss and cover the skin with a protective film to keep allergens at bay.

Certain conditions, such as impetigo, will need to be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medication in the case of ringworm of the scalp. Treatment also varies depending on the age of the baby or child.

Lifestyle changes can also help to improve eczema and dermatitis and lessen the likelihood of flare-ups. Identify and avoid triggers, for example, certain soaps or synthetic fibres in clothing. Certain foods, such as cows milk and eggs, are known to trigger eczema symptoms. However, you should not eliminate food from your child’s diet without first consulting a medical professional.

To reduce the likelihood of scratching, which may lead to an infection, keep your child’s nails short. Babies may benefit from wearing scratch mittens.

What to expect during your consultation

You will meet with one of our highly trained dermatologists at the Cadogan Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for an in-person assessment of your skin.

Your consultant will discuss the following with you at this consultation:

The best options for treatment for you given your psoriasis condition, and the results that you would likely achieve with each treatment
An explanation of the treatment or treatment plan
Go through your past medical historyAnswer any questions you may have

3 Easy Steps

Visit the Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for your in-person consultation with one of our dermatologists
Start your treatment plan
Return to the Clinic to see your dermatologist - if required - to monitor the progress of treatment

Cadogan Clinic. A strong tradition of innovation

Founded in 2004 by world renown dermatologist Dr Susan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

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Paediatric Dermatology Specialists

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.

Our Surgeons

Dr. Andreea Anton

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Meena Arunachalam

Dermatologist

Dr Aveen Connolly

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Tamara W Griffiths

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Mia Jing Gao

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Wisam Alwan

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Maham Khan

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Soudeh Mashayekhi

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Hayley Leeman

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Susan Mayou

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Sophie Momen

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Amélie Seghers

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Kristina Semkova

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Nisith Sheth

Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon

Dr Thomas Tull

Consultant Dermatologist

How To Find Us

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW

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One of our friendly staff will be delighted to help with your enquiry.

0207 901 8500

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