Pediatric Dermatology

Our expert panel of pediatric dermatologists reviewed various topics in the field of pediatric dermatology including, hemangiomas, nail diseases, atopic dermatitis, inflammatory disorders, and skin lesions.

Drs Friedlander and Frieden began the pediatric dermatology session with a discussion on infantile hemangiomas (IH). Dermatologists need to continue to understand the incidence and pathogenesis of IH and when to recognize when intervention is required. A large prospective study showed that overall 4.5% of infants were affected by IH. Where do infantile hemangiomas come from? There are three theories: 1. Placenta embolization; 2. Somatic mutation in gene mediating endothelial cells (VEGF); 3. A hypoxic location elicits production of HIF.

How do we treat IH?

Over the last four years, Beta Blockers have emerged as a novel therapy for the treatment of IH. Guidelines were recently published for the use of propranolol in patients with IH. (Drolet et al. Pediatrics 2012 December 24. Epub ahead of print) A recent systematic review compared the improvement of IH with propranolol versus steroids and the results were 98 percent and 71 percent, respectively. The adverse events were also higher in the steroid group versus the propranolol group. All patient vital signs should be monitored when given propranolol; the most frequent side effect is hypoglycemia.

What if propranolol is not an option? The topical beta blocker, Timolol (which has been use for years in glaucoma patients with great safety), has encouraging results and appears to be well tolerated. This has been effective in facial lesions particularly around the eye.  For lesions near the eye in neonates 1 drop BID is the generally accepted dose.

Other therapy for IH includes corticosteroids, systemic therapy, pulsed dye laser, cryotherapy and Imiquimod.  An important concept with the overall management of hemangiomas is that management is not a “one size fits all” approach and therapy needs to be individualized.

Hand-Foot-Mouth and Beyond…

Over the last few years, atypical cases of HFMD have been reported to the CDC. Many of these cases looked like eczema herpeticum, but oral erosions and palmar lesions looked like HFMD. Coxsackie A-6 infection seems to be a virus that is now appearing in clinical practice. Fortunately, multiple PCR panels are commercially available and can aid dermatologists in the detection of these worrisome viruses.

What about onychomycosis?

Dermatologists need to remember that fungal nail infections DO affect children and the incidence may be increasing due to occlusive foot lifestyle and genetics. **Utilizing a curette is a good way to obtain a nail specimen in a child without provoking fear or fuss. Terbinafine 5mg/kg/d is an effective systemic therapy used to treat onychomycosis as well as fluconazole. Data has also shown that that children, with Onychomycosis not involving the matrix, can be effectively treated with topical ciclopirox lacquer.

Atopic Dermatitis

Dr Eichenfield addressed atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population. Key takeaway messages included:

What is the association between filaggrin and AD? Not all patients have filaggrin mutations and fillagrin mutations vary in AD patients from country to country. However, filaggrin expression decreases with inflammation even in AD patients without filaggrin mutations. When treating these patients, address the barrier, i.e., hydration.   How do we best treat pediatric AD patients? Anti-inflammatory treatment is effective and proper education can help to improve therapeutic outcomes.  It is also important to remember that microbes are not just bacteria, inflammation decreases diversity and increases staph infection; bleach baths and other products can be used as reasonable adjuvant therapy.  Mental health conditions, such as ADHD, are associated comorbidities among AD patients. Family attention and appropriate screening may be necessary.  In conclusion, don’t forget about allergy in AD patients; selective testing for foods may be beneficial.

Inflammatory Disorders

Dr Cordoro discussed inflammatory disorders in pediatric patients and what to do when creams aren’t enough to effectively manage these conditions. Because of the lack of data and treatment guidelines currently available for the pediatric population, managing these disorders with systemic and biologic therapies can be challenging for dermatologists. Different factors can affect and determine the appropriate therapeutic choice.

Practical Pearls for the Use of Systemic Therapy in the Pediatric Population
  • Let explosive –onset psoriasis evolve a bit before committing to systemic therapy
  • When you need speed, choose cyclosporine
  • Oral retinoids are often the best initial choice for sever guttate and pustular psoriasis in children
  • Is there a place for biologic therapy in children with psoriasis? The answer is yes.
  • Remember to assess which is worse: the disease or the treatment. Do not withhold treatment because “nothing is approved for use in children”