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Adolescent / Teen Dermatology in Maryland

At Belcara Health, we provide advanced, comprehensive care to children of all ages. Our patients and their families experience superior, compassionate care for concerns about skin, hair, and nails, ranging from simple moles and birthmarks to highly complex genetic disorders. Every child is unique, so we take an individual approach to each case, carefully diagnosing the cause and applying the right solution to fit your child’s needs.

What is Teen Dermatology?

Teens today are under a lot of pressure: school, sports, fitting in, friends, dating, etc. The last thing they need is an unsightly skin condition. If your teen is suffering from acne or another embarrassing skin condition, we can help.

As teens grow, their hormones change along with their bodies. When hormone levels fluctuate, teens’ skin can react in a number of ways.  An occasional pimple may appear, their skin may become oilier, or it can become far worse, with whiteheads, blackheads and pus-filled bumps. And, should your teen pick at his or her pimples, infection or scarring may occur.

Belcara Health’s Maryland Dermatology team understands that skin conditions manifest differently in teens than in adults – teen bodies metabolize drugs differently, react to treatments differently and must be cared for appropriately. Our medical team has extensive experience and expertise in treating teens and offers a wide range of treatments designed to address their skin concerns.  We will carefully examine your teen’s skin and assess their lifestyle and medical history, then create a customized treatment plan to meet their specific needs.

How We Educate Teens On Skin Care

The first step to healthy skin is learning proper skin care maintenance. Some teens wash excessively, which can irritate and over-dry the skin, which does more harm than good. Other teens may wash their skin incorrectly or use the wrong products for their skin type and condition.  We will educate your teen on proper at-home skin care products, tools, and techniques to begin a lifetime of healthy skin care.

For many common skin conditions such as acne, we recommend using only non-comedogenic cleansers, moisturizers and makeup. Prescription medications, both oral and topical, can be recommended for mild to severe cases. We also offer a wide range of treatments that can help improve the color, clarity, tone, and texture of your teen’s complexion, including facials for cleansing, microdermabrasion or chemical peels for exfoliation, and possibly laser or light treatments.

Adolescent Melanoma Screening

Teens are notorious for not heeding the necessary precautions to prevent skin cancer.  And, although skin cancer is more common in people who are older, people with fair skin, or people that have a history of skin cancer in their families, skin cancer does develop in teens as well, even in those with dark skin and no family history.

That’s why it is critical to educate your teens about protecting their skin from the sun and tanning, as well as teach them to monitor their skin carefully for changes.

Skin Cancer Treatments

Unlike adults, melanoma is the leading type of skin cancer for people under 21. In adolescents, melanoma often appears whitish, yellowish or red, instead of its darker appearance in adults. If you notice any changes to skin or moles in your child, it is important to visit a dermatologist. Generally, the same “ABCDE rule” used by adults should be used for adolescents when determining whether a mole should be checked by a dermatologist – only remember that in children, color may be lighter instead of darker. It is important to note that the sun is not always the culprit. Melanoma in young adults can also be caused by genetics or hormonal changes during puberty. Learn more about Skin Cancer prevention, identification, and treatment at Belcara Health

We are proud to support the Claire Marie Foundation’s important mission to prevent childhood, adolescence and young adulthood melanoma. The Foundation was created by anchorwoman Marianne Banister and her husband Rocky, after their daughter Claire, a senior at Notre Dame Preparatory, was taken by an aggressive melanoma at the age of 17. Claire’s melanoma was linked to hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally.

Body Mapping

Skin cancer starts out as a mole or a bump on the skin that has changed in size, shape or color. At Belcara Health, we can help your teen establish a baseline understanding, or body map, of their skin to help build self-awareness and identify changes in their skin early enough to take action. Learn more about Body Mapping services at Belcara Health.

Teen Skin Cancer Prevention

Using a protective SPF sunscreen while in the sun is critical to protecting your skin. The risk of developing melanoma doubles if you have had more than five sunburns in your life. We will recommend an appropriate sunscreen that is specially designed for teen skin.

American Academy of Dermatology

Here are some videos produced by the American Academy of Dermatology to demonstrate tips for proper care for the skin, hair, and nails of adolescents and teens.

Why Choose Belcara Health for Your Teen’s Dermatology Issues?

If you are ready to improve or maintain your adolescent’s skin condition, The practice and physician you select are your most important decisions. To be confident with your results, you must have confidence in your medical team.

Our board-certified Dermatologist, Dr. Andrew Marek plays an integral role in both the short term and long term care of Belcara Health patients. In addition to his vast knowledge and expertise in the areas of general dermatology and infectious disease, Dr. Marek has a unique understanding of new technology and innovation to help prevent, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from a variety of dermatologic conditions.

Caroline Harvey is a certified Physician Assistant, specializing in Dermatology. Caroline is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Her qualifications enable her to diagnose and treat skin, hair and nail conditions, as well as perform a wide variety of skin surgeries. Caroline is highly skilled and trained in the latest cosmetic dermatology procedures.

Exceptional patient care is the core of our philosophy at Belcara Health. Our goal is for you to feel as if you just received the best care possible and absolutely love your results. Located in a welcoming, sophisticated, luxurious facility, our 5-star services and staff provide an unparalleled experience. At each stage, we make every effort to surpass all your expectations. We are constantly upgrading our knowledge, technology, and services – and it shows. Our strong reputation and the trust of the community validates this commitment.

Belcara Health

Learn More About Adolescent Dermatology

Because skin conditions are often a source of anxiety for children and teens, it is important for parents to be proactive. With the help of a dermatology specialist, most skin concerns are treatable and preventable. Schedule your private consultation today by calling 410.296.0414 or contact us online.

Our practitioners who specialize in adolescent skincare

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