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Paediatric dermatology
- Expert care from leading specialists
- Dedicated paediatric service
- A safe and reassuring environment for your child
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Paediatric dermatology at HCA UK
Why choose us?
While common in children of all ages, skin problems can be a worry for you and distressing for your child. Our paediatric dermatologists have helped thousands of children with a fast diagnosis and effective treatment for common and rare conditions, including those that affect your child’s hair and nails.
We also have a dedicated birthmark service at The Portland Hospital, where the team offers the latest treatments to minimise the appearance of birthmarks, including laser therapy. Our paediatric dermatology specialists will do everything it takes to make the diagnosis, treatment and management of your child’s condition as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
We also have a dedicated birthmark service at The Portland Hospital, where the team offers the latest treatments to minimise the appearance of birthmarks, including laser therapy. Our paediatric dermatology specialists will do everything it takes to make the diagnosis, treatment and management of your child’s condition as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
Our paediatric dermatologists regularly see young people, from infants to teens, with a range of common skin conditions such as:
- Acne and spots
- Birthmarks
- Eczema
- Skin infections
We can help with a wide range of more complex, sometimes systemic, skin conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Hives, often caused by underlying allergies
- Vitiligo, which can result in a loss of skin pigment
- Hyperhidrosis, which results in extreme sweating
- Hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition that causes painful lumps under the skin
Yes, we can. Our dedicated birthmark service at The Portland Hospital is run by our paediatric dermatology experts. It offers the very latest treatments to minimise the appearance of birthmarks, including laser therapy.
Next-day appointments
Access to a consultant within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Putting your child's needs first
Our complete breadth of expertise focused on your child
DERMATOLOGY SERVICES
We treat your child, not their condition
We believe every child deserves highly personalised care, focused on their specific needs, no matter how complex.
Our experienced paediatric dermatologists work as part of wider, expert teams doing everything it takes to deliver the best outcomes for your child. That includes working closely with paediatric consultants in related medical specialties, such allergists and plastic surgeons.
From diagnosis, through to treatment and onward care, we can help with a wide range of conditions, including:
Our experienced paediatric dermatologists work as part of wider, expert teams doing everything it takes to deliver the best outcomes for your child. That includes working closely with paediatric consultants in related medical specialties, such allergists and plastic surgeons.
From diagnosis, through to treatment and onward care, we can help with a wide range of conditions, including:
Acne and spots
Whether it’s a few spots on their face, or more widespread coverage on their back and chest, acne can be distressing for your child. Depending on your child’s case, we can help them with topical creams, tablets including antibiotics or – in rare cases – stronger medication.
Alopecia
Alopecia, or hair loss, is usually caused by an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata. Other possible causes include medication, hormonal changes or genetics. Our dermatological specialists will work with you to understand the cause and create a personalised and effective management plan.
Birthmarks in childhood
A birthmark is a coloured mark that can occur anywhere on your child’s skin. They come in a variety of forms and are usually harmless, but some may need treatment.
Eczema
If your child’s skin feels dry, scaly, flaky and itchy or becomes weepy, crusty and painful, they may have eczema. While it’s regarded as a long-lasting condition, eczema can often be effectively managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Psoriasis
Like eczema, psoriasis is a common condition, usually starting in a child’s teenage years, or even later. We can work with you and your child to create a plan to manage it, which can include topical treatments to reduce inflammation, light therapy, tablets or injections.
MEET THE TEAM
Meet Dr Bisola Laguda, one of our expert team
All our paediatric dermatologists are as experienced at taking care of your child’s wellbeing as they are at looking after their skin. That includes making sure that children are comfortable asking questions, so they always feel informed and safe.
Join Alfie and Ettie on a journey of dermatological discovery as they find out more about the human body’s largest organ with one of our specialists, Dr Bisola Laguda.
Join Alfie and Ettie on a journey of dermatological discovery as they find out more about the human body’s largest organ with one of our specialists, Dr Bisola Laguda.
Locations
Where can my child have treatment for their skin condition?
When your child needs treatment for skin conditions, we’re here for them – and you – at a number of locations.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
The Waterfront Business Park, Beaufort House Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS Hertfordshire
Golders Green Outpatients
Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Paediatric dermatology FAQs
Eczema affects about one in five children at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common conditions that our specialists treat. Symptoms include skin that feels:
- Dry and scaly
- Flaky and itchy
- Weepy, crusty and painful
While eczema is regarded as a chronic condition, the good news is that it can often be effectively managed with medication as well as lifestyle and dietary changes for your child.
Worried about your child’s symptoms? Get in touch now and you could be speaking to one of our expert consultants in as little as 24 hours.
There are two main types of psoriasis:
- Plaque psoriasis, which is chronic and long lasting
- Guttate psoriasis, which often appears after a throat infection
This common condition usually starts in a child’s teens, or even later. Our specialists can create a plan to manage your child’s psoriasis, no matter which type they have. That might include topical treatments to reduce inflammation, light therapy, tablets or injections.
Acne often occurs during adolescence as a result of hormonal changes. While many children may have a few spots on their face, in more severe cases, these may spread to their back and chest, which can be distressing. Depending on its severity, your child’s acne is usually treated with:
- Topical creams
- Tablets including antibiotics
- In extreme cases, a medication called Isotretinoin
If your child is losing an unusual amount of hair, it might be due to alopecia. This is usually caused by an autoimmune condition, called alopecia areata. It can also be due to medication, rubbing, hormonal changes or genetics.
Our dermatological specialists can work with you to understand the cause and create a management plan, which might include emotional support for your child.
Seeing a specialist is a good idea if you have any concerns.
Our dermatological specialists can work with you to understand the cause and create a management plan, which might include emotional support for your child.
Seeing a specialist is a good idea if you have any concerns.
Birthmarks are broadly categorised into two types: vascular and pigmented.
Vascular birthmarks result from abnormalities in the blood vessels. They include:
- Salmon patches (pink/red patches, often on the back of the head or neck).
- Hemangiomas (a raised red or purple lump on the skin).
- Port-wine stains (dark red or purple marks that don’t fade).
Pigmented birthmarks arise from excess pigment. They include:
- Café-au-lait spots (light brown, flat patches).
- Mongolian spots (flat, blue-gray patches).
- Congenital moles (these can appear in your baby’s first year).
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.