Paediatric dermatology

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Paediatric Dermatologist treat a variety of skin conditions such as -

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo
• Skin infections including warts, molluscum, and school sores
• Rashes and itchy spots
• Rare genetic disease known as Genodermatoses

The treatment of birthmarks are managed by our laser dermatologist experts, Dr Davin Lim and Dr Shobhan Manoharan.

Skin conditions that appear at or near birth are referred to as ‘birthmarks’. These may range in colour from red to brown. Treatment will depend on the type of birthmark and the age of the patient.

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Spider naevi - are red dots that appear in young children, and can occur in awkward areas such as below the eye, or on the nose. They also commonly arise in pregnancy. The good news however, is that they respond very well to V-Beam laser treatment. Often only one treatment is needed. The sensation is much like a tiny rubber band flicking on the skin. Treatment age will depend on co-operation of the child. The majority of children over the age of 9-10 tolerate this procedure very well!

moreEpidermal naevus (Warty birthmark)

Epidermal naevi and sebaceous naevi - are birthmarks commonly seen on the face. They tend to be more prominent with age, and may resemble warts. Treatment with ablative laser can diminish the appearance of these lesions. Most children undergo laser treatment for this condition closer in the teens, when they are more self-conscious. These types of birthmarks will need treatment every few years as they tend to grow back.

Café au lait patches and Becker’s naevi* - are brown coloured birthmarks that do not respond as predictable as other birthmarks to laser treatment. Your laser dermatologist can give you a diagnosis and advise in regards to the success of treatments.

Port wine stain birthmarks* - are present at birth and tend to darken and thicken over time. Laser treatment early in the course of these birthmarks can reduce the colour and avoid the social stigma often encountered at school. For babies, toddlers and children, laser treatment is conducted under General Anaesthetic. This procedure is not conducted at Westside Dermatology due to anaesthetic reasons. We do offer Vascular laser treatment for children over the age of 8, as most will tolerate laser at this age.

**The laser experts at Westside Dermatology often perform a ‘test patch’ to a birthmark before performing full laser treatments. This test patch gives both dermatologist and patients and idea of how well the skin reacts to the laser procedure. In the majority of cases multiple laser treatments are needed.

Haemangiomas or strawberry birthmarks - appear in the first few weeks of life. Haemangiomas go thru a phase where they can grow rapidly, then stabilize, eventually diminishing in size. The majority will disappear by puberty. Flat haemangiomas can be treated with Vascular laser, however this treatment should be done in a Hospital under the supervision of an anaesthetist.

Port wine stains - are present at birth and darken with time. Westside Dermatology do not perform laser procedure on children under the age of 8 as they will require a general anaesthetic. Treatment is well tolerated in patients over 8 years of age.

Note - as practice policy, infective warts are not treated by laser at Westside Dermatology.

"Jacob’s been suffering from eczema for many years and kept getting infections.  Dr Herat was the first doctor to take the time to explain the condition to us in detail and gave us a written plan to keep his eczema in control.  He’s the best he’s been in years."  Janelle S. (mother)

"Dr Cominos is so friendly and gentle with Emily that she actually looks forward to her dermatologist appointments now!" Sally K. (mother)