Skincare isn’t just for when you run into a problem as an adult. In fact, much of great skincare starts as a kid, which means your kids should be practicing safe, healthy skincare as well.
Here to teach us about why skin care is important for everyone in the family is our own Dr. Elisabeth Tracey.
What is the most common skin condition in kids?
For some parents, taking care of their kids’ skin simply entails putting on SPF when going outdoors. However, for many there are additional skin conditions that can be cause for concern.
These are the most common skin conditions for young children:
- Rashes – rashes may pop up at any time, and it’s helpful to have an accessible and knowledgeable dermatologist that can see you quickly when that happens!
- Warts – unpleasant but very common, you’ll be so glad to have an expert treat it vs. the old duct tape trick of your childhood!
- Eczema – extremely common in children and can range greatly in severity. If your child is suffering at all with eczema, we encourage you to bring them so that we can help!
“A lot of people don’t realize that eczema is not just dry skin, it is a real medical condition.” Dr. Tracey says. “Children’s sleep, school performance and wellbeing can be greatly affected by eczema, so it’s incredibly important to get these kids the proper medical care they need.”
What are the most common skin conditions for teens?
You probably know which skin condition will be mentioned in teenagers. While acne makes up a big part of common skin ailments in those in their teenage years, that’s not all to be on the lookout for.
Here are the most common skin conditions for teens:
Teens also get their fair share of rashes, warts and eczema, but the most important skin condition for many in this age group is acne.
Dr. Tracey says, “Up to 85% of teens suffer from acne (ref Bhate et al) and would benefit from comprehensive evaluation and treatment with a dermatologist. Uncontrolled acne can leave permanent scars, so treatment should not be delayed!”
They can of course also suffer from other conditions.
Onset of chronic conditions such as psoriasis may also emerge in the teen years, and it’s crucial that kids get started on a treatment and maintenance plan early on, so they are set up for success in managing these conditions for the rest of their life.
Why is it important to bring kids to a dermatologist vs. a generalist?
Skincare is a very specific type of treatment that needs someone experienced in the ins-and-outs of similar looking rashes, warts, and other ailments.
Dr. Elisabeth Tracey explains, “A dermatologist can get the right diagnosis and the right treatment for your child started right away so they can get back to learning, playing, and being a kid!”
Most common medical skin conditions for women
Not unlike their teenage kids, many women still suffer from acne breakouts! Some have a bit of lingering acne from their younger years, but many actually see worsening of their acne in adulthood, particularly around the jawline.
Adult women also commonly struggle with rosacea, which often gets worse with age, as does hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
“A lot of women see their skin changing and buy all kinds of over the counter products to try to reverse it,” Dr. Tracey details. “There is no way for them to know what is useful and what is just a marketing ploy. A medical professional can help women navigate that world so they don’t waste their time and money on things that don’t work.”
For adults, it is also prudent to schedule a full body skin cancer exam, so the experts can check for any suspicious lesions and assess your risk.
Most common skin goals for women
Everyone likes to put their best face forward and feel confident and happy in their skin.
Some of the most common skin care issues women identify are:
- Anti-aging
- Wrinkles
- Texture
- Discoloration
- Many also struggle with their body shape.
“It’s important in my initial consultation with women to fully understand their goals and develop a plan together that makes sense for them. Then, follow up visits are crucial to track progress and make sure we are optimizing their skin care regimen,” Dr. Tracey says.
Overview of some of the most effective treatments for skincare
We help with all of these common concerns! From medicated creams and ointments, to injectables such as filler and Botox, to treatments like chemical peels, lasers, microneedling, and more, we can help you reach your skin care goals.
And for body contouring, we offer CoolSculpting, the FDA approved technology to permanently eliminate stubborn subcutaneous fat.
“It is so rewarding for me to be able to use my expertise to not only cure medical problems but to help people look and feel their best. I think my college training in art, in addition to my dermatology training at the Cleveland Clinic, makes me uniquely suited to meeting the aesthetic needs of my patients.”
At Apex, we take pride in treating the whole family. Think of us first for your children’s skincare needs and also your own!
Same-day appointments are available across Northern Ohio! Call 833-279-SKIN or go to apexskin.com
About Dr. Elisabeth Tracey
Dr. Tracey is a medical and procedural dermatologist practicing at the Apex Skin Westlake office. She grew up in New York and Connecticut and then obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. Her major was in Art, focusing primarily on painting and sculpture. Art continues to be a hobby, and her aesthetic sense and technical training enhance her interest and expertise in procedural and cosmetic dermatology.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Tracey completed both her premedical courses and medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, where she did research on dermatologic findings in cancer patients. Her dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic provided premier training in medical, pediatric, procedural, cosmetic, and laser dermatology. During residency, she researched high-risk skin cancer, authored a book chapter on melanoma, and led the department’s free clinic and community outreach.
Dr. Tracey values clear communication with patients, which has fueled her interest in the intersection between media and public health. She has interned at the Philadelphia public radio show The Pulse, researching and producing stories on health and medicine, spent a year working as a medical producer at the Dr. Oz Show, has authored many healthcare articles and was a regular guest on the podcast, Dermatology Weekly.
Bhate, K., & Williams, H. C. (2013). Epidemiology of acne vulgaris. British Journal of Dermatology, 168(3), 474–485. doi:10.1111/bjd.12149
