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American Academy of Dermatology: A Lifetime Of Healthier Skin Begins With Baby |
SourceAmerican Academy of Dermatology ForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesFamilies Frying Together: Sunbathing Habits of Parents and ChildrenParents on Right Sun Safety Track: But Room for Improvement Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content.
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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 1997 -- There are few things as soft and pure as the skin of a newborn. Pediatric dermatology involves routine, preventive care, as well as the care of skin disease of infants, children and adolescents. "New directions are developing in pediatric dermatology in order to establish practices that provide the 'best care' to normal skin as well as diseased skin," stated Alfred T. Lane, MD, Department of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update '97. Appropriate therapy for routine care, such as bathing or shampooing of infants and children are now under study. Researchers are attempting to find the environment that best protects healthy skin and best prevents skin from becoming diseased. Pediatric dermatology has been carefully following the critical care of premature infants, born with an inadequate skin barrier. The immature skin poorly protects them from water loss and infection. Premature infants may lose up to 20% of their weight in water a day through their skin, which can be fatal without medical assistance. Recent studies have documented the benefit of using Aquaphor, a petrolatum based ointment on the skin of the premature infant. "Topical therapy decreases the risk of systemic bacterial infections as well as giving an overall improved skin appearance, " said Dr. Lane. Petrolatum impregnated diaper topsheets have recently become available. The absorbent gelling material typical to disposable diapers, withdraws moisture from the skin surface into the diaper to protect the infant's skin from becoming too wet. The addition of a petrolatum based topsheet to disposable diapers provides improved barrier function for the skin. Major advances are developing in treatment of diseased pediatric skin. A common problem seen in children is head lice. Public health groups estimate as many as 12 million children are infected each year. Head lice can spread quickly, especially when children are in large groups such as those at school. There is growing concern in this country of lice becoming resistant to current medication. Research is addressing new strategies for therapy. Many childhood diseases involve genetic mutations of the skin. Recent information has documented that birthmarks in children may be associated with mutations that affect only small areas of the skin. "Usually we think that genetic diseases involve genetic mutations in the entire skin. Therapy in the future may hope to approach the specific localized genetic disease as well as generalized genetic diseases. Effective gene therapy will offer major benefits to childhood skin in the future," Dr. Lane said. The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest medical society representing physicians who specialize in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. For free educational pamphlets and a list of local dermatologists, the public may call toll-free 1-888-462-DERM, ext. 44. CONTACT: Donna Stein of American Academy of Dermatology,847-330-0101, ext. 341, or e-mail,dstein@aad.org |