Children's dermatology

About

We provide a comprehensive dermatology service for children with skin conditions. Our patients are strongly supported by specialist dermatology nurses who provide continuing education and advice to help children and their parents to manage their skin condition.

Our dermatology services include: skin biopsies, minor procedures, phototherapy ultraviolet light treatment (PUVA), iontophoresis (for excessive perspiration) and a dermatology day unit.

Conditions we treat

• eczema/atopic eczema
• dry skin conditions
• pruritus (itching)
• vitiligo (depigmentation of sections of skin)
• psoriasis
• dermatitis (skin inflammation)
• congenital naevus (brown birthmark)
• haemangiomas (birthmarks)
• acne
• warts
• veruccas
• skin infections

Further online resources

• NHS Choices – skin rashes in children

Children's dermatology clinic

We offer six dedicated clinics each week located at St Mary’s Hospital.

Address

Paediatric dermatology department
Paediatric outpatients
Sixth floor
Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother (QEQM) building
St Mary’s Hospital
Praed Street
London W2 1NY

Contact information

Phone: 020 3312 6218/6318
Phone: 020 3312 6953 for the paediatric dermatology secretary

Consultant paediatric dermatologists

Dr Caroline Hewitt

Patient information

Before your appointment

You should attend all appointments with your child if they are under the age of 16.

Please bring along any medications, creams or topical treatments you are currently using on your child's skin and please bring your child’s ‘red book’.

Please also remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

• your full address and telephone number(s)
• your appointment card and appointment letter
• your GP’s name and address
• a list of questions you may want to ask your consultant

During your appointment

Our dermatology clinics are run in the paediatric outpatients department on the sixth floor of our Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother (QEQM) building. Please allow up to two hours for your visit with us.

At your first dermatology appointment, you will be seen by one of our specialist dermatology doctors who will take a detailed history of symptoms and examine your child’s skin.

Depending on your child's condition, your child may be required to undress down to his or her underwear to allow the doctor to see the extent of the problem. In some cases it may be necessary to take a skin biopsy to help diagnose his or her condition.

Further investigations may be required such as blood tests, skin biopsy, skin swabs for mycology and cryotherapy.

Treatment for most skin conditions will usually include topical moisturisers and ointments. We can also provide a range of medications and skin therapies.

After your appointment

You will receive a follow-up appointment if appropriate.

Referrals

GPs

Please use NHS e-Referrals to refer a patient to our children's dermatology service.

Urgent referrals

For urgent problems contact the on-call dermatology registrar via switchboard on 020 3312 6666.