Dermatology

Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology

Doctor and patient

Children’s skin is different from adult skin. It is often more sensitive and is subject to hormonal fluctuations that rarely affect adults.

If your child has any skin, nail, or hair problem—from diaper rash to adolescent acne—Mount Sinai can help. Our dermatology experts have extensive experience and training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric skin issues.

We take a personalized approach to all of our patients. We focus on providing treatments that meet the specific developmental, cultural, and personal needs of children from birth through late adolescence. We are aware that some skin conditions—and certain treatments—can affect a young person’s self-esteem and confidence. Some children might need support if they have a condition that gives them an unusual appearance. We also take into account your child’s school schedule.

We have special expertise in treating patients of all races, ethnicities, and skin tones. Certain skin conditions disproportionately affect people of color, while others require special evaluation techniques and treatments. Our services offered at the Skin of Color Center are personalized and culturally sensitive.

We take care to determine whether your child’s skin condition reflects some internal disease or condition, or whether it makes the child more vulnerable to other health concerns. For instance, a child with eczema might be prone to food allergies.

Whenever possible, we select the least painful and least stressful approach. We use ultraviolet light and laser treatments and immunotherapy, and offer numbing creams when appropriate. We know, for instance, that young children may be particularly fearful of needles. We do not want a skin condition, or treatment, to produce stress or anxiety. Patient education is also an important part of what we do.

Conditions We Treat

At Mount Sinai, we provide a wide range of skin care. We see these conditions most often among our young patients:

  • Acne
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
  • Hair loss (alopecia)
  • Infections such as molluscum contagiosum and warts
  • Pigmented and vascular birthmarks
  • Psoriasis
  • Ringworm
  • Skin cancer
  • Vitiligo

Your child is never too young to be checked for skin cancer. If you have any concerns at all, bring your son or daughter to see a dermatologist. If there is a problem, we can treat it more effectively the earlier it is caught.

Treatments We Offer

The types of treatments we provide most frequently include:

Our treatments are offered at multiple Mount Sinai locations.

Why Mount Sinai

Our pediatric specialists work with a variety of other pediatric experts to address all of your child’s needs. We may consult with doctors specializing in allergies, infectious diseases, oncology, rheumatology, plastic surgery, and others. We also have expertise in caring for skin of all shades. We focus on your child’s psychological concerns as well as the physical issues associated with skin problems.

As part of an academic center, Mount Sinai uses advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment therapies, including immunotherapy approaches that stimulate your body’s immune response. As our patient, your child may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial for the very latest in skin care. We are here for you.

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