Pediatric Dermatology

Some teens seek out indoor tanning facilities year-round: before dances, prom, graduation, athletic matches and other events that are important on the teenage social calendar. However, an ever-growing body of literature demonstrates a strong link between indoor tanning and an increased risk of melanoma, particularly among young people. Legislation to ban tanning among young people and encouragement of sunless tanning options are becoming increasingly common ways to prevent the use of tanning beds and decrease rates of melanoma among young people.

Patient Presentation

A full-term African-American female was born with an ichthyosiform dermatitis following Blaschko’s lines that spared only her face (Figure 1). An ultrasound of the fetus at 29 weeks’ gestation revealed shortened long bones (arms and legs). Chromosome analysis was normal. X-rays performed on day 3 of life confirmed the ultrasound findings and also revealed stippled epiphyses at numerous sites (Figure 2). On physical examination, the right lower extremity was longer than the left. 

This month's Clinical Tips column features advice on bad habits, talking with pediatric patients and more.

This three-part series of articles will examine the psychological impact of scars in children from a variety of medical problems. The first part of this series focused on scars from dermatologic conditions; this second installment will focus on scars from burns.

While dermatologists may not be in the standard lineup of healthcare professionals who treat pediatric patients with burn scars, the specialty does have the potential to be of significant help. Dermatologists and reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons within the specialty can improve the physical look and feel of the scar, which, in turn, often leads to an improvement in the child’s psychological state.

The unique properties of the skin in babies and young children necessitate careful selection and consideration of skincare products.

The emotional and mental issues that a child can have about a scar are far-reaching and variable. There are a multitude of dermatologic conditions that can cause scars in children, and these scars may have a comorbid psychological effect.There are also a number of factors that influence an individual’s perception of his or her scar and the emotional issues tied to it.

This three-part series of articles will examine the psychological impact of scars in children from a variety of medical problems. The first part of this series focuses on scars from dermatologic conditions.

In 2003, the United States Preventive Services Task Force concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to provide advice about counseling to prevent skin cancer. Now, an updated recommendation from the USPSTF states that children, adolescents and young adults ages 10 to 24 should be counseled about how to minimize their risk of skin cancer, using an approach that focuses on the negative aesthetic aspects of tanning and excess sun exposure.