Book a full-body* preventative cancer MRI screening today!
close icon
LONDON: 020 7079 2100
ESSEX: 01245 801234
About Us

Paediatric Dermatologists London and Essex

Is your child dealing with a skin condition that’s causing troublesome symptoms? If so, our team can offer your child the support they deserve.

Our specialist paediatric dermatologists are trained to manage and treat skin conditions in children so you can feel confident that your child is in the ideal place.

Book your consultation

What is paediatric dermatology?

Paediatric dermatology involves diagnosing and treating skin conditions in children. Paediatric dermatologists can treat many varied skin conditions, such as acne, rashes, eczema and warts.

While children can develop similar skin conditions to adults, they can experience these differently. For example, a child with acne may be more emotionally distressed. 

Our specially trained paediatric dermatologists make dermatological care for children as comfortable and non-frightening as possible.

Book your consultation

Experts in children’s dermatology

Phoenix Hospital Group is committed to providing children with compassionate, comprehensive care for their skin issues. We offer care for many conditions, from routine to complex, ensuring they receive the correct treatment for their needs. 

We’re highly experienced in managing and treating paediatric skin conditions. We can offer your child the bespoke treatment plans they need for their diagnosis, relieving their symptoms. 

Experts in children’s dermatology

Common paediatric skin conditions

Some of the most common skin conditions we see in children include:

  • Acne – persistent spots can develop on the face, neck, chest and back. These spots can be painful and affect your child’s self-confidence.

  • Eczema – this chronic skin condition can cause redness, itching and inflammation that significantly affects your child’s wellbeing and esteem.

  • Childhood rashes – rashes in children can occur for many reasons, and our team can ensure they receive the correct diagnosis.

  • Moles and birthmarks – many children are born with moles or birthmarks, and while they may not cause physical discomfort, they can affect their emotional wellbeing. 

While these are some of the more common skin conditions, your child may also struggle with other issues, such as warts, allergies and vitiligo. 

We can help if you have concerns about your child’s skin and would like to see a specialist. Our highly experienced team can offer your child personalised dermatological care for their unique needs, all in a calming, comfortable environment. 

Book today
Common paediatric skin conditions

Paediatric dermatology services we offer

Treatment for dermatological conditions depends on the condition and the individual child. Our paediatric dermatologists approach skin condition management holistically. 

We want to understand your child’s medical history to establish the cause and the condition’s impact on their confidence and mental health. We will also try to use the least invasive, most child-friendly approach to treatment. 

Here are some of the treatments we use to help treat the wide variety of skin conditions we see. 

Acne

A ladder of treatment is likely for acne, so the ideal one for your child will depend on their health and acne severity. Initially, their treatment may be with prescription creams or a specific skincare routine. If the acne doesn’t respond, doctors may prescribe oral medicines, such as antibiotics or Roaccutane, for more severe acne.

Rashes

The most likely advice for a child with rashes is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Depending on the severity and cause, we may prescribe antibiotics. We can also refer them to inpatient care if we suspect something more serious.

Moles and birthmarks

Incidents of skin cancer in children are infrequent, so it is unlikely that your child’s moles or birthmarks are anything to worry about. 

However, we can check and monitor moles and birthmarks to reassure parents. This therapy will involve taking photos of the mole or birthmark and comparing them year by year. We can also provide skincare advice about protecting their skin from the sun.

Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition and treatment will depend on the child and the severity of the condition. We can treat eczema in numerous ways, including moisturisers, topical steroid creams, antibiotics and dressings. We may also advise helping your child avoid specific allergens that might contribute towards eczema flare-ups. 

Consultation and diagnosis

Consultation

Your child’s initial consultation with our paediatric dermatologist usually lasts around 30 minutes. We expect you to stay with your child as a chaperone during the consultation. 

The doctor will start by exploring your child’s medical history and listening to the child or the parent explain their condition or symptoms. They will then examine the skin. 

We encourage parents to help make this as comfortable for their children as possible. For example, we can examine the affected area while they sit on your lap.

Diagnosis

Following the examination, we will discuss the likely diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan. We’ll aim to arm you with a toolbox to help administer treatment for your child, providing easy-to-digest instructions and information leaflets about the condition. 

Treatment

At this point, we may refer your child to a relevant specialist, such as an allergy specialist. 

Your doctor will arrange an appropriate follow-up consultation to make sure the treatment works and make any necessary adjustments.

Book an appointment today
Consultation and diagnosis

Our specialists

Dr Justine Kluk

Dr Justine Kluk

Specialty: Dermatology

Dr Hayley Leeman

Dr Hayley Leeman

Specialty: Dermatology

Dr Ravi Ratnavel

Dr Ravi Ratnavel

Specialty: Dermatology

Dr Lucy Thomas

Dr Lucy Thomas

Specialty: Dermatology

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When should I take my child to see a paediatric dermatologist?

Usually, we recommend seeing a GP first, who may recommend getting a dermatologist’s opinion. A referral may be necessary if something seems unusual, they need specific tests, or if the GP needs help with finding a diagnosis or finds that your child hasn’t responded to first-line treatments. 

Some parents may wish to skip the wait to see an NHS dermatologist and come to us directly. 

How can I prepare for my child’s appointment with a paediatric dermatologist?

You should keep several things in mind before your child’s dermatology appointment.

The first is how to prepare your child for their upcoming appointment. Some children are frightened by the idea of going to see the doctor, so it is essential to explain what will happen while reassuring them that you will be with them the entire time.

Parents should also remember that the dermatologist will want to examine the area. So, your child may have to remove a piece of clothing, and we would appreciate your support in helping your child feel as comfortable. 

It would help to tell the secretary about any phobias your child has. You should also bring your child’s paediatric red book containing their immunisation history, and any other relevant documents, such as your GP referral letter and test results. Be ready to discuss any allergies your child may have.

What dermatology tests will my child need?

We offer many dermatological tests for children and explain which ones they may need during their consultation. 

Some of the dermatology tests your child may need are: 

  • Skin biopsy – a small sample of skin that’s taken for further assessment
  • Skin prick testing – gently pricks the skin with allergens to check for any reaction 
  • Patch testing – we place an allergen onto the skin to confirm or rule out an allergy
  • Scraping and culture – we gently scrape the affected areas to collect cells, which we send off for analysis

Do you treat children of all ages?

Yes, children of any age can see our paediatric dermatologists. Skin conditions can affect any age, and paediatric dermatologists are experienced in treating children of all ages.

Are dermatology treatments safe for my child?

All the treatment options we offer are safe for children. We’ll always provide non-invasive treatments first, wherever possible. Your child’s comfort and wellbeing are our priority, so we’ll put their safety first.

Book your consultation

If a GP has recommended seeing a dermatologist for your child’s skin condition, or you simply want to see a specialist straight away, book an appointment by calling our London team on 0207 079 2100 or our Essex team on 01245 801234.

Alternatively, you can contact us by completing the enquiry form below.

 

Make an Enquiry

    we will never share your details and will only send you information about our healthcare services

    By submitting an enquiry you confirm that you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

    CALL US NOW
    LONDON: 020 7079 2100
    ESSEX: 01245 801234