A mole is a growth on the skin. Almost all pediatric moles are benign, but they can rarely turn cancerous.

Your child can be born with moles, or they can develop moles over the course of their lives. It’s important to be aware of what moles your child has and where they are located.

Although you don’t generally need to worry about moles, any changes in the mole’s appearance should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist at Pediatric Dermatology of North Texas. In particular, look for changes in color and/or size.

Sometimes moles can occur in areas of the body that negatively impact appearance or your child’s self-esteem, such as on the face. Mole removal is available, even when the mole poses no health risk.

Does your child have a suspicious-looking mole? Our skilled dermatologists can screen the mole and your skin for malignancy concerns and discuss removal options.

What are the Symptoms of Moles?

On average, a person is likely to have as few as 10 to as many as 40 moles on the body. Most moles develop by age 50 and may disappear or change in appearance over time.

Moles can appear anywhere on the body. While the typical mole is simply a brown spot on the skin, other indicators of a mole include:

Color and texture. While most moles are brown, they can also be black, tan, red, or even blue-ish or pink.
Shape. They may be oval or round and may have one or more hairs growing from them.
Size. Moles vary in size, but many are no larger than the size of a pencil eraser.

Types of Moles

There are three types of skin moles:

• Common
• Congenital
• Dysplastic

Your dermatologist at Pediatric Dermatology of North Texas will alert you to any suspicious moles on your child. You should never attempt self-diagnosis on a mole.

A common mole is also known as a normal mole, and is a small growth with the colors, sizes, and shapes described earlier.

Congenital moles are moles that are present at birth. Affecting about one in every 100 individuals, these moles can be much larger, sometimes covering large areas of the torso, face, or a limb. Unfortunately, these moles have a greater risk of becoming cancerous.

Dysplastic moles, which are hereditary, are larger and shaped more irregularly than normal moles. Typically, if you have dysplastic moles, you likely have in excess of 100 moles on your body.

What Causes Moles?

Skin moles arise when skin cells grow in clusters. These cells, known as melanocytes, are found throughout your skin and produce melanin, the pigment that colors your skin.

Various complications can result for some people who have moles, such as:

• Having very large moles
• Having too many moles
• Having moles of irregular shapes or textures

When any of these complications occur, you run the risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer.

If your child has a mole that is giving them problems or has changed its size, shape, and texture recently, don’t ignore it. Contact your dermatologist at Pediatric Dermatology of North Texas right away to schedule a thorough examination of your child’s skin and moles.

Port wine stains (PWS) are common vascular birthmarks that present as pink to red discoloration on the skin.

Port wine stains remain constant throughout life and grow proportionally with the child’s growth.

Over time, these areas tend to darken and thicken, often with the development of nodules and the potential for anatomic disfigurement.

We certainly agree with our colleagues and the Vascular Birthmark Foundation’s (www.birthmark.org) statement:

“PWS should not be considered a cosmetic problem but a disease with potentially devastating psychological and physical complications.”

The cause of this birthmark is not well understood. PWS can present on any area of the body, with the majority located on the face.

Depending upon the size and location (e.g., large, facial, near the eye), PWS may be associated with complications. Your provider will discuss this topic with your family if applicable.

Treatment for Port Wine Stains

Pulsed dye laser therapy is considered the gold standard for the treatment of PWS. The wavelength of this laser specifically targets the hemoglobin within the vessels, causing selective vessel damage. Purple areas (i.e., purpura) are expected for 7-14 days following the procedure and can often be a good indicator of adequate laser energy for effectiveness.

To minimize the potential for increased thickness and nodular development of the PWS, we recommend that you begin laser therapy early to achieve the best results. In our practice, we usually start laser therapy at approximately 6 months of age, especially if general anesthesia is required, as this is considered a safe age for elective anesthesia.

Several treatments are typically required for maximal improvement and are typically spaced out every 3 months (often dictated by insurance companies).

Currently, our PWS patients are treated at the Cook Northeast Center (Hurst) with the Candela (V-Beam) pulsed dye laser equipped with a cryogen or dynamic cooling device (DCD). With the addition of the DCD, the risks of scarring or skin changes are significantly decreased.

Dr. Ghali has over 20 years of experience treating PWS with pulsed dye laser therapy. He works closely with pediatric radiologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, and other pediatric specialists in the management of PWS and other related vascular birthmarks.

About Vitiligo

What is it?

Vitiligo is the patchy loss of your skin’s natural color. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that determines your skin’s color, is damaged or destroyed. Vitiligo affects about 2 percent of Americans and develops in people of all skin colors; however, if you have dark skin, the contrast between the dark skin and the lighter areas of color loss is more noticeable. Moreover, this condition is often unpredictable. Some may personally experience only small patches of pigment loss, but for others, the condition may be much more widespread. It can be temporary for some and permanent for others. In extreme cases, it can alter a hair or eye color and/or develop inside the mouth.

What causes it?

The exact causes of vitiligo are unknown, but several possibilities are thought to be major contributors. Among these include immune system dysfunction, certain viruses, stress, sunburn, injury, and exposure to certain chemicals. As mentioned, symptoms include the development of white patches of skin, often with reddish-brown boundaries. These white patches can appear on many areas of the body, including the forehead, eye area, lips, mouth, hands, arms, elbows, underarms, knees, feet, neck, and torso.

Treatment for Vitiligo

This condition is unpredictable, and the treatment response is variable among patients. There is no cure for vitiligo, but some treatments may help the skin pigment return.

While there are no treatment options “approved” for vitiligo, we have had success with:

• Topical steroids
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors
• Narrowband UVB light therapy
• Other uniquely compounded therapies

Our approach & expertise

We know that sudden or unusual changes in your pigmentation, such as with vitiligo, can cause social and emotional distress. As your knowledgeable pediatric skin healthcare providers, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. We will work with you and your child to find the best solution.

Eczema is a broad term used to describe a range of pediatric skin conditions characterized by rashes, itchiness, and redness.

It’s estimated that over 31 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of eczema. Episodes of eczema may be chronic, one-time issues, or continual.

Whatever kind of eczema your child is experiencing, you can rely on our professional team of clinicians to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Visible redness or irritated patches on the skin may look concerning, but eczema is not contagious. There is no known cure for eczema, however, there are effective treatments and relief for symptoms available.

What are the Symptoms of Eczema?

If you have eczema, various parts of your body can develop rashes and dry, itchy skin. Usually, this occurs behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your hands, feet, and face. However, remember that eczema is not contagious.

The most common symptom of eczema is itching, which in turn leads to scratching and rubbing the skin, increasing the irritation. Other symptoms include:

• Skin patches that are rough and leathery
• Red and raised bumps on the skin known as hives
• Scaly skin patches
• Skin that is swollen and sore
• Skin color changes.

Types of Eczema

There are many different types of eczema, diagnosed both by symptoms and where it occurs on the body, including:

• Atopic Dermatitis. The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may disappear or become much milder by adulthood. Linked to allergies, many people with this condition also suffer from hay fever and asthma.
• Contact Dermatitis. Resulting in red, irritated skin, contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance to which it is allergic, such as latex, certain types of metal, or chemicals. Certain skincare ingredients and makeup, plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, or even tobacco smoke can sometimes trigger contact dermatitis.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema. More common in women than men, dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters forming on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. Stress is thought to be a primary trigger for outbreaks.
• Hand Eczema. Only affecting the hands, this form of eczema is common among hairdressers, cleaning personnel, and others whose hands are regularly exposed to various chemicals.
• Neurodermatitis. Very similar to atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis presents as thick, scaly patches of skin that are very itchy, even when you are sleeping.
• Nummular Eczema. Causing round, coin-shaped spots on your skin, nummular eczema is known for making the skin extremely itchy and is often triggered by insect bites.
• Stasis Dermatitis. Somewhat uncommon, stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened leg veins onto the skin, causing itching and redness.

What Causes Eczema?

When skin cannot retain moisture very well or has a disrupted barrier that lets moisture from the skin evaporate too freely, eczema often occurs.

Some of the most common causes of eczema include:

• Environmental factors such as pollen or mold
• Allergies such as hay fever
• Asthma
• Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
• Synthetic or wool fabrics
• Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
• Pet dander
• Chemicals and solvents

Treatment for Eczema

If your child suffers from eczema and want to get more information about various treatments and other aspects of their condition, talk to your dermatologist today.

Acne is a common, benign skin condition characterized by localized breakouts in the form of postures, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Although acne is most common in teens, adults may also experience episodes of acne breakouts.

The worst part about acne is its appearance. Since acne most frequently occurs on the face, breakouts can cause extreme embarrassment and lead to a lack of self-confidence.

Acne is highly treatable by our dermatologists.

What are the Symptoms of Acne?

Since there are many types of acne, symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity.

Generally, the most common symptoms of acne include:

• Whiteheads: These are pores that are both closed and plugged.
• Blackheads: These happen in pores that are plugged, yet still open.
• Papules: These are small bumps that are red and tender to the touch.
• Pimples: Commonly known as pustules. These are papules, but they have pus at their tips.
• Nodules: These are painful lumps under the skin that are solid and typically large.
• :Cystic lesions. These are defined as pus-filled lumps under the skin that are quite painful.

Types of Acne

The two most common forms of acne are:

• Noninflammatory
• Inflammatory

Within these categories are subcategories. For example, noninflammatory acne is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, both of which rarely cause swelling and usually respond to over-the-counter medications.

As for inflammatory acne, this includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. This type of acne is more difficult to treat since it involves infections that are deeper underneath the skin.

What Causes Acne?

When acne appears, it is due to four main factors that may work in combination with one another. These include:

• Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil
• Excess production of oil
• Inflammation
• Bacteria

Along with these factors, other things can trigger an acne attack or worsen existing acne. Among these are:

• Hormonal changes
• Medications
• Stress
• Diet

When hormonal changes occur during puberty or midlife, androgen production increases and can trigger or worsen acne. Also, medications containing testosterone or corticosteroids can make acne worse.

Treatment for Acne

You may have spent a lot of time trying various treatments to get rid of your acne. But the best treatment for all types of acne is dermatologic treatment.

 

Psoriasis is a treatable skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy patches on the surface of the skin.

Psoriasis varies in intensity from individual to individual and from episode to episode. It’s possible to have long intervals of time in between flare-ups.

Treatment for psoriasis is largely centered around the management of symptoms because there is no known cure for this condition. Psoriasis may be experienced along with other conditions associated with immune disorders.

Our compassionate team of dermatologists will work with you and your child to create a management and treatment plan for psoriasis.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Primary symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red patches of skin
• Dry patches on skin
• Scaly areas of skin
• Itching
• Pain
• Burning sensation
• Silvery discoloration on skin

Note that some symptoms can arise out of psoriasis that are not directly connected with the skin. These include:

• Achy, swollen, and/or stiff joints
• Thickened finger or toenails
• Pitted or ridged finger or toenails

Types of Psoriasis

There are many kinds of psoriasis, depending on where it is located on the body, how it presents, and its seriousness. They are:

• Plaque psoriasis: Silverish, or white-ish patches over red, inflamed areas of the skin. This is the most common type of psoriasis.
• Pustular psoriasis: Presents as pus-filled white blisters and wide swaths of red, swollen skin in localized areas.
• Inverse psoriasis: Shows as bright pink, shiny patches of skin, usually in warm, moist areas like the groin, under the breasts or armpits.
• Guttate psoriasis: Presents as tiny, flat, pink spots alone or in clusters.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: This type can be life-threatening. It generally covers large areas of the body and may appear very much like a sunburn. Often accompanied by a fever and a feeling of illness.

Certain types of psoriasis are very benign and go away on their own, while other types can be life-threatening. This is why it’s so important to always have your psoriasis diagnosed and analyzed by your dermatologist.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The symptoms of psoriasis may come and go mysteriously. However, with attention and focus, certain life events or behaviors may be found to be a trigger to episodes of psoriasis. Common triggers for psoriasis episodes include:

• Overindulgence in sugary foods and alcohol
• Increased stress
• Traumatic events
• Other illnesses, such as flu or cold

It is thought that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking itself. It is believed that the immune system overreacts to stimuli, resulting in the visible skin outbreaks mentioned above.

Certain people are more likely to develop psoriasis, especially those with:

• Family history of psoriasis
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
• Chronic depression
• Chronic anxiety
• Psoriatic arthritis

Treatment Options For Psoriasis

Your dermatologist will carefully diagnose and analyze your child’s particular type of psoriasis in order to determine the best treatment for their situation. With proper dermatologic treatment, your child could soon enjoy fewer or less severe outbreaks of psoriasis. Relief is just a visit away.