Pediatric Dermatology in Wellesley, MA
Children’s skin is not simply a smaller version of adult skin. It has distinct physiological characteristics, including a thinner epidermis, different immune responses, and other unique properties. These differences mean that skin conditions can present differently in children than in adults, and treatments that are safe and effective for adults may not be appropriate — or may require different dosing — for pediatric patients.
Pediatric dermatologists are trained to recognize and manage conditions that are more common in — or exclusive to — children. Dr. Lindsay McCormack is a fellowship trained pediatric dermatologist and is welcoming new patients of all ages from infancy to adulthood. Examples of common skin conditions in children that would benefit from a pediatric dermatologist include (but are not limited to):
- Severe or poorly controlled eczema (atopic dermatitis), which affects a large percentage of infants and young children
- Birthmarks and vascular anomalies, including hemangiomas and port-wine stains
- Genetic skin disorders, for example epidermolysis bullosa and ichthyosis
- Molluscum contagiosum and warts
- Diaper dermatitis
- Pediatric psoriasis
- Newborn skin conditions
- Hair loss and nail disorders in children
While general dermatologists are well trained to treat skin disease across all age groups, advanced fellowship training in pediatric dermatology is more ideal for rare pediatric-specific conditions, congenital skin disorders, or the nuances of treating very young or medically complex children.
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Fellowship-Trained Pediatric Dermatology at DermWellesley
What Does Fellowship Training in Pediatric Dermatology Mean?
After completing a dermatology residency, some physicians pursue an additional fellowship in pediatric dermatology. This advanced training provides:
- Additional in-depth experience diagnosing rare and more complex pediatric skin conditions
- Specialized knowledge of medication safety and appropriate dosing for children
- Training in performing procedures on pediatric patients, often requiring modified techniques
- Collaborative experience working alongside pediatric specialists — including geneticists, rheumatologists, and oncologists — for complex or syndromic cases
- Exposure to a higher volume of pediatric-specific cases than a general dermatology residency typically provides
Meet Dr. Lindsay McCormack
Dr. Lindsay McCormack, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained pediatric dermatologist who practices both adult and pediatric medical dermatology. She earned her medical degree from UMass Chan Medical School, where she went on to complete her dermatology residency and was elected Chief Academic Resident in her final year. She then completed a fellowship in pediatric dermatology, training alongside experts in rare pediatric skin conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa, vascular anomalies, and genetic skin disorders.
Dr. McCormack sees children for everyday concerns like acne and eczema just as often as she evaluates more complex or unusual presentations. Her approach is patient-centered: with younger patients, that often means taking the time to explain things in terms a child can understand and working with parents to find a plan that fits their family’s routine. You can read more about Dr. McCormack’s background and approach to care on her profile page.
Pediatric Skin Conditions We Treat
Pediatric dermatologists evaluate and manage a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions in children. Here’s a look at some of the diagnoses Dr. McCormack sees regularly.
Child Acne
Acne isn’t limited to the teenage years. It can start earlier and, less commonly, show up in infants and younger children too. Acne in children and teens can be evaluated and managed with an approach suited to a child’s age and skin.
Child Eczema
Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in childhood, and how it looks and behaves can shift as a child ages, from patches on the cheeks in infancy to the creases of the elbows and knees later on. Our eczema resources cover the condition in more depth, and a pediatric dermatologist can help when a child’s eczema is difficult to manage or doesn’t respond to usual measures.
Psoriasis in Children
Psoriasis can appear in children as well as adults, sometimes with a different pattern of scaling or distribution than what’s typically seen in older patients. Evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and rule out conditions that can look similar.
Child Warts & Molluscum
Both warts and molluscum contagiosum are common, contagious skin growths in children. They often resolve on their own over time, though some cases benefit from evaluation, particularly when they’re widespread, irritated, or a source of worry.
Vitiligo in Children
Vitiligo causes patches of skin to lose pigment and can appear at any age, including childhood. A dermatologist can help confirm the diagnosis and discuss what monitoring or management may be appropriate.
Birthmarks
Many birthmarks are entirely benign and simply monitored over time, but some warrant a closer look, especially if they’re changing, growing quickly, or located somewhere that could affect function. Pediatric dermatology includes evaluating birthmarks in infants and determining whether any further follow-up is needed.
Child Hair Loss
Hair loss in children can stem from a number of causes, some temporary and some that call for ongoing management. A pediatric dermatologist can help identify what’s contributing to a child’s hair loss and discuss next steps.
Childhood Skin Infections
Bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections are common in childhood, partly because kids are in close contact with other kids so often. Evaluation can help confirm what’s causing an infection and guide appropriate treatment.
Vascular Anomalies
Vascular anomalies, including certain birthmarks caused by blood vessel differences, can range from straightforward to complex. Dr. McCormack’s fellowship training specifically included additional experience with vascular anomalies, which can be useful for families navigating a less common diagnosis.
Genetic Skin Disorders
Some skin conditions in children are genetic in origin, ranging from relatively mild to more involved, such as epidermolysis bullosa. These conditions often benefit from a provider who has specific training in recognizing and managing them, which is part of what pediatric dermatology fellowship training is designed to provide.
Complex Pediatric Skin Conditions
Beyond the conditions above, pediatric dermatology also covers less common presentations that don’t always fit neatly into a single category. If your child has a skin, hair, or nail concern that hasn’t been easy to figure out elsewhere, a pediatric dermatology evaluation may help clarify what’s going on.
Pediatric Dermatology for Newborns, Infants, and Children
Pediatric Dermatology for Newborns and Infants
Newborn and infant skin has its own set of considerations. Some skin findings are specific to this early stage of life and aren’t something a general evaluation would necessarily anticipate, and skin that looks concerning on a newborn may be completely normal, or it may be worth a closer look. Dr. McCormack sees newborns and infants as part of her pediatric dermatology practice, which is one of the more meaningful differences between general skin care and dermatology care built specifically around a child’s age and stage of development.
Pediatric Dermatology for Children and Adolescents
As children move from toddlerhood into their school years and eventually adolescence, the skin concerns that tend to come up shift too. Acne becomes more common heading into the teen years, eczema can persist or change in distribution, and new concerns like birthmarks noticed for the first time or hair changes can prompt a visit at any point along the way. Pediatric dermatology follows kids through these transitions rather than treating each visit as a standalone concern disconnected from age or stage of development.
Why Choose a Fellowship-Trained Pediatric Dermatologist?
Parents and caregivers may consider seeing a pediatric dermatologist for several important reasons:
1. Specialized Expertise in Rare Conditions
Pediatric dermatologists are more likely to have direct experience diagnosing and managing rare congenital or genetic skin disorders that a general dermatologist may only encounter occasionally.
2. Child-Friendly Approach
Pediatric dermatology practices are typically designed with children in mind — from the clinical environment to communication style — helping reduce anxiety and improve cooperation during exams and procedures.
3. Age-Appropriate Treatment Plans
Medication safety profiles, dosing, and treatment approaches often differ for children. A pediatric dermatologist is trained to weigh these factors carefully, minimizing risks associated with off-label or adult-focused treatments.
4. Long-Term Developmental Perspective
Many skin conditions in children evolve over time. Pediatric dermatologists are trained to anticipate how a condition may change as a child grows and to adjust treatment accordingly.
5. Multidisciplinary Care Coordination
For children with complex or syndromic conditions, pediatric dermatologists often collaborate closely with pediatricians and other specialists to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.
6. Comfort and Trust for Families
Parents often feel more confident knowing their child is being evaluated by a physician with focused, advanced training in pediatric-specific skin health.
Real Patient Testimonials
The entire experience was better than I could have ever anticipated.
After three years of not being able to read for any length of time due to droopy eyelids, I saw Dr Callahan. I can’t thank her enough for giving me back such a precious gift. The procedure and recovery were painless. The entire experience was better than I could have ever anticipated. I am more than thrilled with the results.
Dr. Yasuda is very personable and caring.
She takes an interest in her patients as a whole, not focusing only on their dermatological needs. She explains treatments before she begins them and describes her plan of care at each visit. Her exams are thorough, instilling a sense of confidence in her care.
Had my 1st skin check. Dr. Berg was very thorough.
I had a little something on my leg, so after talking with me about it she froze it and will recheck in 8 weeks. She along with the front desk and intake staff were very welcoming, professional and personable. The office and patient rooms are very clean.
Wow, what a wonderful experience!!
Had a filler/Dysport session with Dr. Goldminz today! Wow, what a wonderful experience!! Not only do I absolutely love my results but she was kind and professional yet unbelievably calming and patient! She spent time explaining everything and really knows her stuff!! Thank you, Thank you, I’m looking forward to my next visit. I highly recommend!
Everyone here is so wonderful.
I first went to see Barb for a full skin check and to discuss melasma treatments. I started with a few Aerolase treatments with Julie that didn’t do much, no fault of hers, just my skin didn’t respond which is a known possibility, so decided to try Fraxel and WOW. I am so glad I did. I was a bit nervous at first but Julie was so patient and kept it real with me on my expectations. She is so great at what she does. I am so pleased with my results and will continue as a patient here for all my skincare. Don’t hesitate on the Fraxel, it’s incredible!!
Frequently Asked Questions
A pediatric dermatologist treats skin, hair, and nail conditions in infants, children, and adolescents, ranging from common concerns like acne, eczema, and warts to less common conditions such as vascular anomalies and genetic skin disorders.
Yes. Dr. McCormack’s pediatric dermatology practice includes newborns and infants, in addition to older children and adolescents.
A fellowship-trained pediatric dermatologist is a board-certified dermatologist who completed additional specialized training beyond residency, focused specifically on skin conditions in infants, children, and adolescents, including rarer and more complex pediatric conditions.
Consider scheduling a visit if your child has a skin, hair, or nail concern that’s persistent, recurring, worsening, or simply unclear. Your provider at DermWellesley can help determine what evaluation or treatment approach makes sense.
Yes, eczema is one of the most common reasons families bring children in for a pediatric dermatology evaluation, whether it’s a first-time flare or a case that hasn’t responded well to usual measures.
Yes. Acne can be evaluated and managed in both younger children and teenagers, with an approach tailored to age and the specific presentation.
Dr. McCormack’s fellowship training specifically included experience with less common pediatric conditions, such as vascular anomalies and genetic skin disorders like epidermolysis bullosa. Not every case is the same, so it’s worth discussing your child’s specific concern directly with your dermatologist.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Pediatric Dermatology Appointment at DermWellesley
If your child has a skin, hair, or nail concern, DermWellesley can provide an individualized evaluation with Dr. Lindsay McCormack, our board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric dermatologist.