With kids out of school, it’s time for fun, sun and a lot of activities. It’s also time to schedule a summer skin check and stock up on sunscreen!
At Water’s Edge Dermatology, we are experts in spotting and treating all kinds of pediatric skin, hair and nail conditions, which is why we are encouraging a summer skin health screening for all children.
Potential Skin Issues in Children
Damage from pediatric skin cancer, acne, warts, eczema, rashes and sun damage could have a destructive impact on a child’s life if left undetected and untreated. That’s why we are sharing these quick facts about potential skin issues in children.
Skin Cancer: Skin cancer in children is on the rise. Though the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer – pediatric melanoma – represents only about 1% of new melanoma cases diagnosed each year in the U.S., malignant melanoma is the most common skin cancer in children and teens. It has increased about 2% each year since 1970. Fair-skinned, light-haired children are at the highest risk, but it’s a good idea for all children to get checked out annually.
Acne: Acne is the most common skin problem in the country. It often begins in puberty but can also affect adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even into their 50s. Most acne appears on the face, but it can also show up on the shoulders, upper arms, chest, neck and back. While acne is not curable, your Water’s Edge dermatologist can create a plan that helps treat and prevent breakouts.
Warts: Warts are noncancerous skin growths that are caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Warts are usually skin colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can also appear dark in color or flat and smooth, depending on their location. In children, warts can disappear without treatment over several months to years. However, warts that are bothersome, painful or rapidly multiplying should be treated. Water’s Edge providers use a variety of treatments, depending on the type of wart and the age of the patient.
Eczema: Eczema is often called “the itch that rashes”. Eczema appears in itchy patches that can be widespread or limited to a few areas like the back of the knee or inside of the elbow. Between 10% and 20% of children develop eczema, and at least 80% of these children will have it before the age of five. If your child has eczema, it’s important to see your Water’s Edge provider and have the condition treated.
Rashes: Skin rashes are very common all year round, but especially in the summer months where the warm weather can cause rashes that irritate skin. Active children can develop a heat rash or get into poison ivy and other plants that may cause rashes. For some children, insect bites can cause an allergic skin reaction, while other children might be exposed to bacterial or viral skin infections that cause rashes. Your Water’s Edge provider can correctly diagnose and treat any skin rash your child may develop.
Sun Damage: Damage from the sun’s rays affects children as well as adults. Sun protection should begin in infancy and continue throughout life. We get about 80% of our total lifetime sun exposure in the first 18 years of life. So, protecting your child’s skin from the sun is very important to prevent skin cancer later in life. Be sure you are using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wear a t-shirt and hat when in the sun. Also, keep your children out of the sun in the middle of the day from 10am-3pm when the sun’s rays are most intense.
We Care About Skin Health
At Water’s Edge, we care about skin health and early detection of skin illnesses in children. As Florida’s premiere dermatology practice, our team delivers the highest standard of skin care and dermatology services. We are ready, willing and able to help ensure the health of your children’s skin.
Schedule a summer skin check for your children by clicking on the link below, and we will get you set up for an appointment at any one of our 36 offices near you. Schedule a summer skin check now.
