Pediatric Skin Disorders

Skin disorders are among the most frequent complaints in pediatric care, accounting for a significant number of primary care and dermatology visits. From diaper dermatitis and atopic eczema to viral exanthems and bacterial skin infections, pediatric skin conditions often present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to age-specific physiology, varied presentation, and potential systemic associations.

This CME/CE course provides a detailed and clinically focused review of pediatric skin disorders commonly encountered in outpatient and emergency care settings. It equips clinicians with practical strategies for recognition, diagnosis, and treatment—while also emphasizing when more serious or systemic conditions must be considered. The course is ideal for physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers who evaluate skin findings in children.

Participants will learn to differentiate benign rashes such as viral exanthems, contact dermatitis, and tinea infections from more concerning conditions like vasculitis, meningococcemia, or Kawasaki disease. The course includes updated diagnostic algorithms, visual identification tools, and case-based scenarios to support clinical decision-making.

Evidence-based treatment strategies are discussed for common dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, impetigo, scabies, and acne. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate topical and systemic therapies, patient education, prevention strategies, and criteria for dermatology referral.

Participants will leave this course with greater confidence in managing pediatric skin complaints, reducing unnecessary referrals, and improving patient outcomes through timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

Educational Objectives

• Identify and differentiate common pediatric skin disorders based on clinical presentation and age group.
• Recognize dermatologic signs that suggest more serious underlying conditions requiring escalation of care.
• Apply current evidence-based treatment strategies for pediatric skin conditions, including infections, eczema, and infestations.
• Utilize visual diagnostic tools and patient education to improve dermatologic assessments in primary care.
• Determine appropriate criteria for dermatology referral in pediatric patients with skin complaints.

Who Should Do This Course?

This course is intended for:

• Pediatricians and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners assessing skin concerns during routine and acute care visits.
• Family Medicine and Internal Medicine providers managing dermatologic complaints in children and adolescents.
• Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses in pediatric, urgent care, or primary care settings.
• Healthcare professionals seeking to expand their confidence in dermatologic diagnosis and treatment in pediatric populations.

It is particularly valuable for clinicians practicing in resource-limited or rural settings where access to pediatric dermatologists may be limited.

Did You Know?

• Atopic dermatitis affects up to 20% of children and is the leading cause of dermatology visits in pediatrics. (AAD, 2023)
• Over 50% of pediatric patients with skin conditions can be managed effectively by primary care providers without specialist referral. (Pediatrics, 2020)
• Scabies remains a common cause of pruritic rash in children and is highly contagious in school and daycare settings. (CDC, 2022)
• Impetigo is responsible for 10% of all pediatric skin infections seen in outpatient care. (AAP Red Book, 2021)
• Early identification of petechiae or purpura can be critical in diagnosing life-threatening conditions like meningococcemia. (NEJM, 2019)