We are pleased to have Dr. Jill Nelson, one of very few board certified Pediatric Dermatologists in the country as well as one of the very few dermatologist with board certification and fellowship training in Pediatric dermatology in the area. Dr. Nelson views children as unique individuals and not just small adults. She understands that the treatments and approaches used for adults are not always best for children. Dr. Nelson will strive to accurately diagnose your child’s condition while working with you to help you understand your child’s condition and how to manage it. She is committed to making every experience positive for both children and parents.

Dr. Nelson performs some simple procedures for children in her clinic. For younger or more anxious children procedures are often scheduled at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. A consultation appointment is required before surgery is performed or scheduled (for moles, birth marks and laser treatments). Some simple in office biopsies can be done at the time of evaluation.  Some common conditions that Dr. Nelson treats are described below.

Hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are vascular growths that have become more common in babies.  Although some babies are born with hemangiomas, the hemangiomas are most likely to appear at about 2-3 weeks of life.  Some hemangiomas can grow rapidly for about 4 months and more slowly until about age one.  Hemangiomas can slowly improve between about age 1 and 4.  Some large hemangiomas can be treated early in life with medications.  Factors to consider are the location, size and growth pattern.  After age 1 or 2, some hemangiomas can be treated with a series of laser treatments, if they are thin.  Dr. Nelson does the laser surgery at Children’s Hospital where they can be briefly and safely sedated.

Port Wine stains

PWS are vascular birthmarks that are present at birth and tend to persist.  Many port wine stains can be treated with a series of pulsed dye laser treatments.  Dr. Nelson does the laser treatment at Children’s Hospital in Omaha where they can be safely and briefly sedated.  Results vary but many stains can be improved.  Laser treatments usually occur about every 4-8 weeks and leave bruises on the skin, which usually fade after about 2 weeks.  It is best to keep the affected areas out of the sun before and after laser treatments for best results.

Nevi

Moles or Nevi commonly occur in children.  Most moles are harmless but some should be examined or followed.  Birth moles some in a variety of sizes and may have a small risk of melanoma skin cancer.   Birth moles are commonly photographed and followed.  Unusual changes include rapidly growing, very dark/black moles or very red “irritated” moles or itching for no apparent reason.  Some moles occur for genetic reasons.  The more sun exposure that kids receive, the more moles and spots they will generally acquire.  Freckles occur in some fair individuals with sun exposure.  If your child has freckles, that is a sign that the skin needs more sun protection.  If a parent has melanoma skin cancer, the kids should also have their moles check regularly.

Diaper Rash

Most diaper rashes can be managed by your primary care doctor.  Sometimes diaper rashes become infection with bacteria or yeast.  Commonly the frequency of dirty diapers and the daily cleaning regimen are irritating the skin and it can break down and become painful.  Some babies can develop an allergy to diaper wipes or other chemicals applied to or in contact with the skin.  Rarely psoriasis or other skin conditions can mimic diaper rash.

Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is a common complex condition where the skin is too dry and too sensitive.  Commonly the skin cracks and lets irritants in, including bacteria, sweat and chemicals.  The immune system is also involved and reacts briskly to these triggers and leads to further rash and itching.  Treatment goals include less itching and rash and managing the triggers with daily gentle bathing, reducing bacteria and reducing some chemical exposures.  Treatments are customized.  With good treatment most cases can be managed with a topical regimen.  Many kids seem to improve with time, however, an optimal treatment plan can reduce the itching and hasten the improvement.