Dermatology is the area of health that diagnoses and treats problems with the skin, hair, and nails. At Seattle Children’s, our team cares for children and teens who have many different kinds of skin, hair, and nail conditions. We have a lot of experience treating common conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, warts, and port wine stains. Our team is specially trained to treat children, teens, and young adults up to age 18 in a setting that is safe and comfortable for them.
As part of Seattle Children’s medical team, we work closely with other experts in the hospital. Other team members include healthcare providers in vascular anomalies, plastic surgery, rheumatology, and immunology.
Common Skin Conditions Treated
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that causes pimples. Pimples form when channels connecting oil glands in the skin to pores on the top - called follicles - become clogged. Almost everyone gets acne at some time, but it is most common in teens and young adults. Acne can cause scarring, but treatments may help minimize or prevent this.
Alopecia
Alopecia is a medical condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body. Usually, hair is lost from the scalp when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, which is where hair growth begins.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease. It is the most common type of eczema. Eczema is a term that refers to many kinds of skin problems. It can cause a rash that most often appears inside the elbows, behind the knees, on hands and feet, and on the face. Atopic dermatitis happens to a lot of babies and children, and it can be a problem for a long time. It causes dry, itchy skin that gets worse if you scratch it.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are caused by fungi that live on our skin, hair, and nails. Fungi called dermatophytes cause common skin infections like ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch. Fungi called Candida cause diaper rash. All of these conditions can be itchy and uncomfortable.
Hemangiomas
A hemangioma is a spot on the skin. There are different kinds. Some look red and are in the top layers of skin. Some look blue and are deeper in the skin. Some are a mixture of both. Hemangiomas may fade over the years. Some hemangiomas do not need treatment. Others can cause problems with vision, breathing, and feeding, or disfigurement.
Moles
Moles are growths on the skin. They can be flat or raised and are usually pink, tan, or brown. Moles are very common. If your child has a mole that looks different from others (atypical) or changes over time, it should be checked by your child's healthcare provider.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum, or molluscum contagiosum, are smooth, pearly, flesh-colored skin growths caused by a virus. They begin as small bumps and may grow as large as a pencil eraser.
Neurofibromatosis (NF)
Neurofibromatosis (NF) can affect many parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, skin, and other body systems (neurocutaneous). NF can cause growth of non-cancerous tumors on nerve tissue, producing skin and bone changes that are not typical.
Tuberous Sclerosis
Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disease that causes non-cancerous tumors to grow in the brain and on other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. It usually affects the central nervous system and can cause symptoms including seizures, developmental delay, behavioral problems, skin differences, and kidney disease.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are flat, usually pink or red, marks with irregular borders. Most birthmarks go away by themselves by the time your child is 18 months of age. Birthmarks on the back of your child’s neck may stay for years, but they are harmless. If your child has a mark on their skin, it is a good idea for them to see a healthcare provider who knows a lot about birthmarks. Sometimes, a mark that looks like a birthmark is something different. For example, some marks could be port wine stains or hemangiomas. Those are two conditions that need more care.
Warts
Warts are harmless skin growths caused by a virus. Warts can grow on any part of your child's skin.
Treatments and Services
Pulse Dye Laser Treatment
Pulse dye laser treatment is a high-tech way to treat skin conditions like hemangiomas and port wine stains. It uses a specific wavelength of light to destroy blood vessels that cause these conditions. The yellow light is designed to destroy only the parts of the skin that are red. Other skin is not harmed.
Surgical Procedures
Our team treats some skin problems using surgical procedures. These procedures are done in the clinic or operating room. We have a lot of experience removing skin growths (called excisions) like moles on your child's chest, arms, or legs. It might be important to remove moles if they make it more likely for your child to get skin cancer.
Telemedicine
We offer Telemedicine for new and return patients in dermatology.
Collaboration and Access to Care
The dermatology team at Seattle Children's recognizes that families are often anxious to have conditions like acne, warts, and molluscum addressed more quickly than they can be seen. To address this, Seattle Children's has established a partnership with the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic (OBCC).
Seattle Children's Dermatology at OBCC
Established in 1970, OBCC is a community-based children’s clinic that provides primary care services, dental, nutritional, mental health, and basic needs services to babies, children, and teens in Seattle’s Central and Southeast neighborhoods - regardless of a family's ability to pay. Historically, OBCC has provided care to mostly low-income and people of color in the community.
The idea to establish a dermatology clinic at OBCC began three years ago with Dr. Shaquita Bell, Interim Senior Medical Director for OBCC and Clinical Professor for the University of Washington Division of General Pediatrics. She approached Dr. Boos about exploring ways to expand access to dermatology care at OBCC. "As a pediatrician 15 years into practice, who sees skin conditions every day, it is obvious that access to high quality dermatologic services is a burden for our patients and families," says Dr. Shaquita Bell. "Black, Indigenous, and LatinX children are more at risk for some skin conditions because of racism, environmental racism, and access to care. Bringing these services to people will help eliminate barriers and improve equity of care. It eliminates many steps that get in the way, including scheduling and transportation."
The partnership aims to expand access to dermatology care for underserved communities. "On our first day, parents were already expressing that they were glad that they didn’t have to go to multiple sites for medical care and could continue coming to a clinic site that felt familiar and safe for them," says Dr. Boos.
What Is Pediatric Dermatology?
Referral Process
Submitting a complete referral may help your patient be seen more quickly because our scheduling team will have the information needed to determine when and by whom they should be seen.
Eczema Care Resources
Pediatric eczema is a common complaint that can be managed in primary care in many milder cases. Dermatology has many eczema care resources - including several in Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese - that providers may also find to be an excellent resource.
Expertise in Diverse Skin Types
Medical conditions may present differently in skin with more pigment, making experience in treating pigmented skin essential. At Spectrum Dermatology of Seattle, our expert providers offer comprehensive medical dermatology services for adults and children.
Preventative Care
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent skin cancer and to catch it at a highly treatable stage. The American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society both recommend annual skin checks for all adults.
Specialized Treatments
We offer PRP/PRFM treatment for intimate wellness for women. Also known as “Blue Light” therapy, this is a highly effective, FDA-approved treatment for pre-cancerous skin lesions called “actinic keratoses”. Usually covered by insurance, this procedure corrects DNA damage, prevents skin cancers in the treated area, and improves the health and appearance of the skin. This specialized area of skin can be affected by a variety of skin conditions, often overlapping to create a complex clinical picture. This may include rashes, growths, and infections.
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