At the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, our dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, nail and hair problems in children, from newborns to teens. We provide a range of services to manage simple and complex pediatric skin conditions including:
- Acne
- Birthmarks
- Eczema
- Hair loss and scalp issues
- Hemangiomas
- Moles
- Molluscum
- Nail changes
- Pigment problems
- Port wine stains
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Skin infections
- Skin manifestations of rheumatologic disorders and genetic syndromes
- Vascular birthmarks
- Warts
Treatment Options
At Comer Children's, our dermatology specialists will develop an individualized treatment plan that is appropriate for your child's medical history and symptoms.
In addition to, or in place of medication, we may offer special treatment options, including:
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is an effective treatment technique for many skin conditions. This outpatient treatment exposes the affected area of skin to measured doses of artificial light for a prescribed amount of time. Ultraviolet light rays decrease rapid cell growth, which reduces the inflammation that causes skin lesions (abnormal growth or appearance).
Our pediatric dermatology specialists administer three types of phototherapy:
- Ultraviolet light B (UVB) therapy is offered in broadband or narrowband delivery — that is, a wider or more targeted wavelength spectrum. UVB therapy is a highly effective full or partial body treatment for psoriasis, vitiligo and other inflammatory skin disorders.
- Excimer laser therapy is a highly precise method for treating psoriasis and vitiligo without causing damage to healthy skin surrounding the affected areas. This technique offers several benefits, including shorter and fewer treatment sessions.
- Psoralen and ultraviolet light A (PUVA) therapy requires the use of psoralen, a medication that the patient takes or applies in order to maximize the effects of UVA rays on the skin. PUVA therapy can be a highly effective treatment option for psoriasis and vitiligo.
Laser Therapy
- Pulsed dye laser therapy is an outpatient technique that usesa concentrated beam of yellow light to destroy abnormal blood vessels. This form of laser therapy is effective in the treatment of spider angiomas, port wine stains and other vascular lesions.
- Laser treatment for hair removal is an outpatient technique that uses a concentrated beam of light to destroy hair follicles in areas of unwanted hair growth.
Surgery
Some severe skin conditions, such as certain types of birthmarks or growths, may require surgical treatment. If your child is a candidate for skin surgery, our experts will work closely with pediatric plastic surgeons to provide the most appropriate and effective treatment options.
