Definition of a Pediatric Dermatologist

A pediatric dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating infants, children and teens suffering from problems with skin, hair and nails. Because they have been trained in two specialties, the care of children and the care of skin, pediatric dermatologists can match medical treatments to an infant or growing child's special physical, developmental and psychological needs.

Scope of Pediatric Dermatology

• Pediatric dermatologists treat common childhood problems, such as diaper rash, warts, acne and birthmarks. They also treat genetic disorders, such as eczema, infections like impetigo, as well as other diseases and viruses that affect the skin.

Medical Subspecialty

• Until the early 1970s, children with skin problems were treated by their pediatricians or dermatologists. The relatively new subspecialty of pediatric dermatology was officially launched in 1975 when a group of doctors and scientists led by Samuel Weinberg, prominent New York dermatologist, formed the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. This international organization promotes education and research into childhood skin disease.

Certification

• Pediatric dermatology became a certified subspeciality in 2004, when the American Board of Medical Specialties began offering doctors the opportunity to participate in training, take an exam and earn a certificate recognizing their expertise in the field. In the beginning of 2010, there were 162 certified pediatric dermatologists practicing in the United States. Doctors with licenses in pediatrics and dermatology were also grandfathered in and awarded certification.

In Demand

• The number of children who visit a doctor for skin problems and disorders dramatically outweighs the number of practicing pediatric dermatologists, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's statistics. Rashes, inflammations, allergic reactions and other skin problems are the main reason 10 percent of all children visit a primary care doctor. With infants, skin problems are the reason for roughly 25 percent of all doctor visits. The CDC recommends that children see their regular pediatrician for common skin ailments.

Lower Salary

• Despite the growing need for more pediatric dermatologists, fewer doctors are pursuing certification. Some doctors within the field have suggested that the lack of interest may be due to lower salaries. The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that in 2008, the average salary for a dermatologist is ranges from $288,000 to $386,000 while pediatric dermatologists earn an average of $204,000. One major reason for that different may be that pediatric dermatology does not require as many medical procedures as general dermatology.