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What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor with special training and skills in diagnosing and treating skin conditions.

If your child has health or development concerns, health professionals like dermatologists are there to care for your child and help you understand your child’s condition and treatment. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive.

Why your child might see a dermatologist

Your child might see a dermatologist if they have:

  • acne
  • birthmarks
  • eczema
  • hair loss or alopecia
  • psoriasis
  • rashes
  • scalp problems.

A dermatologist can also:

  • treat warts or other growths on your child’s skin.
  • look at marks or lumps on your child’s skin to check whether they’re harmful – for example, they can look at moles to check for problems like melanoma.

You don’t always need a GP referral to see a dermatologist, but your GP or child and family health nurse is a good place to start if you’re worried about your child’s health or development. These professionals can help you decide about seeing a dermatologist and help you find someone who’s right for your child. You can also go to The Australasian College of Dermatologists – Find a dermatologist near you.

Before going to a dermatologist

Before seeing the dermatologist, it’s a good idea to find out about things like the following:

  • Why you’re going – talk with your GP about why your child needs to see a dermatologist.
  • Appointments – do you need to make the appointment, or will the GP make it for you? Does the appointment need to be in person, or can it be via telehealth?
  • Waiting lists – how long before you can get an appointment to see the dermatologist?
  • Is there anything you can do while you’re waiting for the appointment? For example, can your child start some treatment or therapy?
  • Costs – how much will the appointment with the dermatologist cost? Check whether you can get money back from Medicare or private health insurance.
  • Locations – find out where you have to go to see the dermatologist – for example, public hospital, private hospital or clinic.
  • Preparation – what do you need to bring to the appointment? For example, should you bring your child’s test results or their child health and development book?

You can ask your GP these and any other questions before you go to the dermatologist. You could also ask the dermatologist’s clinic when you make your appointment. Writing down your questions can help you remember them.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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Warning: This website and the information it contains is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner.