Paediatric Dermatology

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 or adolescence. 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.

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 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.

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.

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

In the teenage years, Acne is normally caused by hormonal fluctuations and in minor cases may clear up without treatment or with over-the-counter products. In more severe instances prescription treatments or medication may be required.

Impetigo is a bacterial 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.

Despite the name, Ringworm of the scalp is not actually caused by a worm but a fungal infection. This skin condition is characterised by circular marks on the skin, often with flat centres 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.

This condition is caused the immune system attacking and destroying 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 that grow on the soles of the feet) and extremely common in children. They can be spread easily if not treated.