Pediatric

Dermatology

Looking for the best pediatric dermatology care in Boston?

Our Board-certified dermatologists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of skin conditions affecting children and adolescents. Conditions we commonly treat include warts, acne, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, cysts, diaper rashes, birthmarks, fungus, molluscum, vitiligo, skin infections, vascular marks (hemangiomas/angiomas), rashes, lumps and other bumps. We also pierce ears!

Liquid nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is a very cold spray that gets rid of warts and some other skin growths.

It stings a bit when it is applied. It can be applied either with a canister (most common) or a q-tip. After treatment the area will get red, swollen and may even form a blister. The site can be sore for a couple of days following the treatment. Warts can take multiple treatments to get rid of particularly on areas like the feet or hands.

Cantharadin

This is “Beetlejuice” and causes absolutely NO pain at the time of application. It is applied to the wart or molluscum lesion with a Q-tip and then the lesion is covered with tape that has to be removed 1-4 hours after application depending on the site being treated. Within several hours the treated sites typically get red, swollen and often blister. The blisters can be irritating or sore for a couple of days.

Bleomycin

For very stubborn or large warts, diluted bleomycin is often used. This is a chemotherapy-type medicine that destroys rapidly dividing cells (like warts). It is injected directly into the wart with one stick or a multi puncture technique may be used. Because of the possibility of multiple injections, the area often needs to be numbed first with injected anesthesia (lidocaine). Following the treatment the area can get red, swollen and then often turns black.

Ear Piercing

Getting your ears pierced can be exciting but also a little scary. So here’s what you can expect. A topical numbing cream will be placed on your ear lobes to numb the skin.

Afterwards, the skin is cleaned well and the doctor will mark the site where the earrings should go. The doctor often measures to ensure symmetry, but since no earlobes are exactly the same it is more important for them to look symmetric than to have the exact same measurements. You and your parent(s) will have an opportunity to move the position at this point. Once you and the doctor agree on a site, the doctor will pierce your ears. You will feel some pressure and then a quick pinch as the ear is pierced. Some patients say it feels “hot” for a few minutes afterwards but that sensation goes away quite quickly. Ear piercing is only done by doctors in our office.