Innovations in Pediatric Dermatology.

The field of pediatric dermatology has developed extensively over the last few decades. There are dedicated journals, conferences on the topic, and several textbooks exploring the area in detail. There are fellowship programs in pediatric dermatology and recognized local, national, and international experts in the field, many with further subspecialty expertise. There has been an exponential growth in published research, and the growing literature is informing clinical practice. Much of this new information has influenced our understanding of and management of not only rare or complex pediatric cutaneous conditions, but many of the common skin lesions seen in general pediatrics. In this issue of Pediatric Annals, we explore some of the newer information and approaches for several of the most common skin conditions encountered by the pediatrician. The authors walk the reader through steps to recognize lesions that need further attention and discuss available treatment options. Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent condition that is often a challenge to manage. The article, “Atopic Dermatitis: Update for Pediatricians,” by Katherine Grey and Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness explores some of the key contributing factors to eczema and explains how to address them through management strategies. The general pediatrician is well-positioned to manage most cases and provide the much-needed education families require to successfully manage eczema. Contact dermatitis used to be an entity largely attributed to adults with the assumption that children rarely experienced these conditions. In the article, “Contact Dermatitis in Pediatrics,” Drs. Janice L. Pelletier, Caroline Perez, and Sharon E. Jacob examine both irritant and contact dermatitis and highlight how these conditions are not at all rare in children and can be easily missed. Readers will learn how to recognize and understand when to suspect possible contact dermatitis. Melanocytic nevi are so ubiquitous that virtually every patient can present with them. Pediatricians will often be asked to assess nevi, but may feel ill-equipped to recognize lesions or patients who are at risk. The article, “Melanocytic Nevi in Children: A Review,” by Drs. Rebecca Levy and Irene Lara-Corrales describes which congenital nevi are at risk of malignant progression and which should be suspected of having associated health conditions, as well as how to monitor them. The role of identifying acquired nevi at risk of concerning features and the role of prevention are also examined. Finally, there are few changes as big in the dermatology field as the change in management for infantile hemangiomas. Because they are common lesions, it is important for the pediatrician to be aware of these changes. Although most infantile hemangiomas do not require treatment, the article, “Vascular Lesions,” by Dr. Marla N. Jahnke identifies which lesions might benefit from treatment, monitoring, and referral; she also outlines the newest paradigm for management, and other common vascular lesions. Both primary care and consultant pediatricians will encounter patients with these common skin conditions on a daily basis. Clinicians will be called upon to recognize and to manage these conditions as well as provide anticipatory guidance and counsel patients and families about etiology, monitoring, and management. This issue provides an update on common skin conditions and equips practicing pediatricians with the tools for providing optimal patient care.