Dermatology

Did you know? The skin is the largest organ of the body.  Thus it deserves special care and attention.

When your child has a skin condition, everything matters, and the dermatology department here at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is here to help.

The Division of Dermatology at Nationwide Children’s diagnoses and treats skin problems in children through age 21.  We provide comprehensive, expert care for common childhood skin diseases as well as rare dermatologic disorders.

The dermatology clinic strives to make a child’s visit as painless as possible.  Though some minor procedures and tests are necessary to help us diagnose skin problems, we perform them with the least invasive technique possible.  

Our Services:

• Our team of experts includes board certified pediatric dermatologists who have completed advanced training for skin problems specific to children and skin conditions that children inherit. 

• We have expertise in the medical management of childhood skin disorders and remain at the forefront of cutting edge therapies.

• Our team includes nurse practitioners and registered nurses who are dedicated to providing education to families on dermatology conditions and therapies. 

• Our services are conducted with a pediatric friendly approach. Whenever possible, we avoid invasive, uncomfortable procedures. When a procedure such as a skin biopsy, skin surgery, treatment or diagnostic test is necessary, we minimize anxiety with thorough explanations, efficiency and child-friendly incentives.

• We have access to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital outpatient surgical centers and expert pediatric anesthesiologists, enabling us to perform some procedures safely and painlessly while children are asleep.

• Our division has a pulse dye laser that is used to treat birthmarks and some other childhood skin problems.

• Our team is actively involved in research efforts leading to break-through of new therapeutic approaches to care for patients with vascular anomalies and hemangiomas. Learn more about our Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations Clinic.

View a list of our Dermatology Clinics »

Pediatric Hair Disorders Clinic
The Division of Dermatology is now providing specialized care for children experiencing hair loss and hair growth disorders. Led by Katya Harfmann, MD, the Pediatric Hair Disorders Clinic is available to patients suffering from hair loss, hair shaft disorders and excessive hair growth. Patients and families can expect a comprehensive evaluation that is patient-centered, with visits aimed at determining diagnoses and establishing personalized treatment plans.

Types of hair disorders evaluated:

• Scarring and non-scarring inflammatory alopecias
• Alopecia areata
• Telogen effluvium
• Hair shaft disorders
• Hirsutism
• Pattern hair loss
• Trichotillomania

Dr. Harfmann is also able to provide the following diagnostic and treatment options: scalp biopsy, trichogram, intralesional injections, topical immunotherapy, systemic immunosuppressants and serial photography.

A physician referral is required for the Pediatric Hair Disorders Clinic.