Dermatology

When should you see a pediatric dermatologist?

Undoubtedly, you should consult a dermatologist if any rash appears on the child's skin. In addition, consultation may be necessary in case of:

• problems with the growth of nails or hair;
• primary or secondary immunodeficiency in the child;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• frequent skin allergic reactions;
• genetic predisposition to certain dermatological diseases.

If your child has symptoms of skin diseases or there is a high probability of such diseases appearance from listed risk factors consult the specialists of Maimonides Clinic.We will help to solve any dermatological problems, provide the necessary medical services at the level of the best Israeli clinics in Ukrainian conditions.

Modern diagnostic methods in pediatric dermatology

Any skin rash existence requires a detailed and modern diagnosis, not just a dermatologist's examination. In the process of diagnosis, it is necessary to find the cause of pathological formations on the skin in order to eliminate it and prevent relapses.

Specialists of Maimonides Clinic conduct only comprehensive diagnostic programs, in order to find causal and accompanying diseases, get an accurate and true picture of the problem, and choose the best and most effective treatment scheme.

Dermatoscopy is an indispensable diagnostic method in a modern dermatologist practice.This is a examining method of skin surface layers due to a special tool – a dermatoscope. The specialists of our clinic use only the highest quality devices of Israeli, American or German manufacturewhich allow us to examine the element on the skin under high magnification in various modes in detail, to examine its blood supply, and to take high-quality digital images or video recording of the examination process. This option allows us to transfer the necessary information to our colleagues from the Israeli partner clinics of Maimonides and to consult with foreign specialist, staying in Ukraine.

Cytological and histological examination of material samples was and remains an important diagnostic method. For a cytological examination is enough a scraping, a smear or a smear-imprint from the surface of the rash element. Then doctor explore under a microscope and issues a conclusion about the nature of the skin disease. For example, the vast majority of fungal lesions of skin and nails can be diagnosed in this way.

In case of tumors or oncological neoplasms (various nevi, dermatofibromas, chronic ulcers, etc.), is required more detailed examination of biological material sample. To do this, we provide a biopsy with sampling, material fixation and subsequent review of these blocks by a highly qualified pathologist to verify the diagnosis histologically. When the specialists of our clinic perform a biopsy, the tissue samples are sent for testing to the Israeli, American or German affiliated medical centers or Maimonides partner clinics. Thanks to such "molecular checks", we are absolutely sure of final diagnosis correctness and the future treatment scheme effectiveness.

If the situation requires it, then young patients are directed to modern diagnostics of the whole organism.Such a situation arises when a diagnosis of a malignant skin tumor is established. Also we do this to make sure that there are no metastases in distant organs, or to find them if, unfortunately, they have already developed. We explore the entire range of modern medical imaging techniques - CT, MRI with and without contrast, PET-CT, ultrasound and its modifications, etc. All the necessary methods of modern diagnostics using innovative equipment are executed in partner Israeli medical centers or in affiliated clinics of the Maimonides Multidisciplinary Medical Center, where a small patient is directed with parents or custodials.

In the case of etiological diagnosis of allergic skin diseases, various allergic provocation skin tests are used, it allow us to verify the causative factor of allergic rashes and get rid of the disease once and for all.

In the Dermatology Department of our medical center, a variety of molecular genetic testsare widely used to detect a specific genetic disease manifested by skin problems, or an infection and the causative agent (PCR diagnosis of viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic skin infections).

Methods of treatment in Pediatric Dermatology

Patients of Maimonides Clinic have access to all traditional and innovative methods of dermatological diseases treatment . In addition, on the basis of the Medical Center are conducted different clinical studies to examine the effectiveness of the latest and experimental drugs, treatment methods, etc. Therefore, every child who needs it can become a participant in such study absolutely free of charge and receive the necessary help. It can bring a chance for a healthy future and fulfilling life.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only effective method of allergic skin diseases treatment when it is impossible to get rid of exposure to the allergen, which is very common in practice. The technique is based on the long-term introduction of the causative allergen into the body, of the causative allergen into the body, starting with the smallest amounts, gradually increasing the dose to a high one. This kind of "vaccination" teaches the immune system to respond the allergen adequately, without developing a hypersensitivity reaction (allergy). Over time, the child's immune system becomes tolerant (patient) to the allergen and allergic reactions stop, this is a  long treatment process that can last 6 months, and sometimes longer. All this time, our doctors are in contact with their patients, adjusting the dose of the allergen, and if necessary, you can get advice from Israeli medical center specialist, who monitors this specific clinical case.

If the doctor is dealing with benign skin formations, he provide minimally invasive methods, for their removal. They are not accompanied by severe pain during the procedure and a cosmetic defect (the wound heals without a scar). Such methods include cryodestruction, laser vaporization, radio-wave coagulation of the pathological element, and electrocoagulation, аll our doctors have mastered the techniques of these interventions and effectively apply them in practice. As a rule, such an intervention does not require general anesthesia, but in case of very young children or severe fear, sedation or short-term medicated sleep may be used.

Skin transplantation can be performed in the Pediatric Dermatology Department of our Israeli partner clinics.For this, our specialists use either their own skin from undamaged areas of the body, or transgenic skin grafts (from donors). Most often, such surgeries are provided after burns, extensive resection of skin malignant neoplasm, scalped wounds, large trophic ulcers, etc.

PUVA therapy is actively used to treat young patients with severe forms of psoriasis. This is a combined method of phototherapy, in which the patient is given orally photoactive drugs (psoralen), and then irradiated with ultraviolet light. Psoralens increase the sensitivity of the affected skin, thanks to which it actively absorbs ultraviolet light, which has a restorative effect on skin cells and promotes psoriasis remission. The department also uses ordinary phototherapy, for both medical and cosmetic purposes.

Progressive medical centers in Israel applyes the latest methods of melanoma treating in children - based on T-vec drugs application. Patients of our clinic can receive such assistance if necessary. This medicine is based on live viruses of the T-vec group. They are injected specifically into the melanoma, thanks to which the tumor is destroyed from the inside by the body's own immune system. It happens because the introduction of such drugs causes a strong immune response in the patient.

Thus, in the Pediatric Dermatology Department of Maimonides Medical Center, children of any age can receive all necessary and modern medical assistance in the fight against various skin diseases. Our specialists applicate the experience of Israeli specialists adapted to Ukrainian realities. The entire medical and diagnostic process takes place in comfortable physical and psychological conditions, if necessary, other specialists are involved in it - oncologists, rehabilitation specialists, plastic surgeons, psychologists, as well as Israeli colleagues-mentors.