Children’s skin is not simply adult skin in a smaller size. It is thinner, more reactive, and still developing — which is why a rash that looks alarming on a toddler may be routine, and why a treatment that works well for an adult may be too harsh for a five-year-old. At Pensacola Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide dermatology care for children and teens, from infants with stubborn eczema to high schoolers frustrated by acne.
Families across Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Pace, Cantonment and the surrounding Gulf Coast come to us for a clear diagnosis, a plan parents can actually follow at home, and a visit that does not leave a child dreading the next one.
Skin Conditions We Treat in Children & Teens
Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is one of the most common reasons families bring a child to see us. It often starts in infancy as dry, itchy patches on the cheeks, scalp or the folds of the arms and legs, and the Gulf Coast’s heat, humidity and salt water can make flare-ups harder to control. We focus on identifying what is setting off the itch, building a simple bathing and moisturizing routine, and using the gentlest effective treatment to break the itch-scratch cycle so your child can sleep through the night. Learn more about eczema treatment.
Teen Acne
Acne usually arrives with puberty, and for teenagers it is rarely just a skin issue — it affects confidence, photos, sports and social life. Over-the-counter washes are a reasonable first step, but when breakouts are deep, painful or leaving marks, waiting it out risks permanent scarring. We build treatment plans a teen will realistically stick with, and we talk directly to them, not just to the parent in the room. Learn more about acne treatment.
Warts & Molluscum Contagiosum
Both are viral, both spread easily among siblings, classmates and swim teams, and both are extremely common in childhood. Molluscum’s small, dome-shaped, flesh-colored bumps are frequently mistaken for warts or bug bites. Many cases eventually clear on their own, but treatment is worth considering when the spots are spreading, painful, on the face, or when a child is being kept out of activities because of them. We match the approach to the child’s age and tolerance rather than defaulting to the most aggressive option. Learn more about wart & molluscum removal.
Rashes, Hives & Skin Allergies
Contact rashes from new soaps, detergents, nickel jewelry, sunscreen or playground plants are a regular part of childhood. So are hives that appear after an illness or a new food. The challenge is usually not treating the rash — it is figuring out what caused it so it stops coming back. We evaluate the pattern, timing and location of the reaction and, when it is warranted, pursue allergy testing to give families a definite answer. Learn more about skin allergy treatment.
Birthmarks, Moles & Growths
Most birthmarks and childhood moles are entirely harmless, and the majority need nothing more than periodic observation. What matters is knowing which ones deserve a closer look: a mole that is changing faster than your child is growing, a spot that bleeds or itches persistently, or a birthmark in a location that may affect vision, feeding or movement. A baseline skin exam gives you a documented starting point to compare against as your child grows. Explore our medical dermatology services.
Psoriasis in Children
Psoriasis can begin in childhood and is often misidentified as eczema, cradle cap or a fungal infection, which delays effective treatment for months. In younger patients it frequently shows up on the scalp, elbows, knees or in the diaper area, and it may follow a strep infection. Getting the diagnosis right is the first and most important step. Learn more about psoriasis treatment.
When Should a Child See a Dermatologist?
Your pediatrician handles a great deal of skin care very well. It is worth adding a dermatologist to the team when:
- A rash has not improved after two to four weeks of treatment, or keeps returning once treatment stops.
- Itching is disrupting sleep, school or sports.
- Acne is deep or painful, or is starting to leave marks and scars.
- Spots are spreading to other areas of the body — or to siblings.
- A mole or birthmark is changing in size, shape or color.
- A skin condition is affecting your child’s confidence or willingness to participate.
- You simply want a specialist’s read on whether what you are seeing is normal.
What a Visit Looks Like for a Younger Patient
Appointments are unhurried and low-pressure. We explain what we are doing before we do it, in language the child understands, and we keep parents involved in every decision. Many visits are a conversation and a skin exam — nothing more. When a procedure is genuinely needed, we walk both of you through it beforehand, including what your child will feel, so nobody is caught off guard.
You will leave with a written plan: what to apply, how often, what to avoid, and exactly when to call us if things are not improving. Because school and sports schedules do not bend easily, we do our best to keep families on time.
Helpful Things to Bring to the Appointment
- Photos of the rash at its worst — skin conditions have a habit of clearing up in the waiting room.
- Every product currently being used, including soaps, shampoos, lotions and sunscreens.
- A short timeline: when it started, what makes it better or worse.
- Anything already tried, prescription or over-the-counter, and whether it helped.
- Your insurance card and your pediatrician’s information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see children and teenagers?
Yes. Our board-certified dermatologists provide care for patients of all ages, including children and teens. If you are unsure whether your child’s concern is something we should evaluate, call us at (850) 477-4447 and our team will help you decide.
Do I need a referral from our pediatrician?
That depends on your insurance plan. Many plans allow you to schedule directly, while some HMO plans require a referral first. Check with your insurer before your visit, or call our office and we will help you sort it out.
My child’s eczema flares every summer. Is that normal here?
It is very common along the Gulf Coast. Heat, sweat, humidity, chlorine and salt water all irritate skin that is already prone to eczema. A seasonal adjustment to your child’s routine — different products, different timing, a plan for after swimming — usually makes a meaningful difference.
Should we treat molluscum or just wait it out?
Both are reasonable. Molluscum typically resolves on its own, though it can take many months. We generally lean toward treating when the bumps are spreading quickly, sitting on the face, becoming irritated or inflamed, or keeping your child out of activities. We will give you a straight recommendation for your child’s specific situation.
Is my teen too young for prescription acne treatment?
Age alone rarely decides this. What matters is the type and severity of the acne, how it has responded to over-the-counter products, and whether scarring is beginning. Many effective options are appropriate for teenagers, and we will explain the trade-offs of each before you decide.
How do I know if a mole on my child needs attention?
Children grow, and their moles grow with them, so change alone is not automatically a concern. Have a mole examined if it looks noticeably different from your child’s other moles, changes rapidly, has an irregular border or uneven color, or bleeds or itches persistently.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit in Pensacola
If your child’s skin has you searching for answers, we are glad to take a look. Call (850) 477-4447, text (850) 821-3369, or message us through our secure Klara chat to request an appointment. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.