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What is a Pediatric Dermatologist?

A doctor in a white coat interacts with a baby held by a woman, both looking engaged in a medical setting. A doctor in a white coat interacts with a baby held by a woman, both looking engaged in a medical setting.

If your child has a skin condition, such as a birthmark, eczema, warts or psoriasis, a pediatric dermatologist has the experience and qualifications to treat them. Pediatric dermatologists care for children from birth through adolescence, using the latest treatment methods to manage a wide range of skin conditions.

What kind of training do pediatric dermatologists Have?

Pediatric dermatologists are medical doctors who have had the following training:

  • Four years of medical school

  • One year of internship

  • Three years of dermatology residency OR two years of pediatrics residency and three years of dermatology residency

  • One year of pediatric dermatology fellowship

  • After they complete training, pediatric dermatologists become subspecialty board certified in Pediatric Dermatology through the American Board of Dermatology.

What types of treatments do pediatric dermatologists provide?

Pediatric dermatologists provide medical care for a wide variety of skin conditions. They generally provide the following services:

  • Diagnosis of various skin conditions, including hemangiomas and other vascular birthmarks, pigmented birthmarks and congenital skin disorders, eczema or atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, vitiligo, hives and warts to name a few

  • Medical/prescription treatment for a wide variety of conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails

  • Minor surgical procedures, including skin biopsies, surgical removal of skin lesions (e.g., cysts, warts) and laser treatment of vascular birthmarks

Where can I find a pediatric dermatologist?

Pediatric dermatologists practice in a variety of medical settings, including children’s hospitals, university medical centers, community hospitals and private practices.

To locate a pediatric dermatologist in your area, you can use the "Find a Pediatric Dermatologist" tool on the Society for Pediatric Dermatology website at www.pedsderm.net.

Pediatric dermatologists: the best care for children

Children are not just small adults. They are not always able to say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions or be patient and helpful during a medical exam. Pediatric dermatologists know how to examine and treat children in a way that puts them at ease, in kid-friendly offices using medical equipment designed for children.

With their specialized training and experience, pediatric dermatologists know what’s normal growth and development in a child, and when to worry. Many childhood medical disorders, such as infantile hemangioma blood vessel growths, are not seen in adults. Common conditions, such as psoriasis, may have unique symptoms in children.

Pediatric dermatologists are experts in the correct diagnosis and management of childhood skin diseases, including proper pediatric medication management.

If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric dermatologist, you can be assured that your child will receive the best possible medical care.

More information


Last Updated
3/18/2026
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Dermatology (Copyright © 2026)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.