Paediatric Dermatology - Greece

Dr. Alexopoulos founded a private practice clinic providing dermatologic care exclusively for paediatric and adolescent patients. He is board certified in Paediatrics and he has additionally completed a sub-specialty training as a clinical fellow in the field of paediatric dermatology at Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children, in London.

Paediatric skin diseases require special care from a specialised medical practitioner in the field because their manifestations might be different from those in the adult population and their treatment is exclusively tailored to the needs of the young patients.

In our office we provide care for the full range of skin diseases in children according to the most up-to-date guidelines in our field.

	� Atopic dermatitisAtopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.	� Infectious diseases of skinSkin infections are caused by different kinds of germs. For example, Bacteria cause cellulitis, impetigo, and staphylococcal (staph) infections, Fungi cause athlete's foot and yeast infections, Parasites cause body lice, head lice, and scabies.
	� DermatosesDermatosis is a broad term that refers to any disease of the skin, especially one that is not accompanied by inflammation. Do not confuse this term with dermatitis, which is limited to inflammation of the skin.	� Bullous skin diseasesBullae are elevated, fluid-filled blisters about 10 mm in diameter and are caused by autoimmune malfunction. They include, Bullous pemphigoid, Dermatitis herpetiformis, Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, Linear immunoglobulin A disease, Mucous membrane pemphigoid, Pemphigoid gestationis, Pemphigus foliaceus, Pemphigus vulgaris. E.g. Bullous pemphigoid is a rare skin condition that causes itching, redness and blisters. It may last a few years and sometimes causes serious problems, but treatment can help.
	� HemangiomasA hemangioma (he-man-jee-O-muh) is a bright red birthmark that shows up at birth or in the first or second week of life. It looks like a rubbery bump and is made up of extra blood vessels in the skin. A hemangioma can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly appears on the face, scalp, chest or back.	� Fungal infectionsRingworm, candida, jock itch, and tinea versicolor are just a few examples of fungal skin infections. Topical or oral antifungal medications are used for treatment. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that causes a red, circular, itchy rash. Ringworm is officially known as tinea or dermatophytosis.
	� Vascular anomaliesVascular anomalies are birthmarks or growths made up of blood vessels that have developed incorrectly. These growths can cause functional or cosmetic problems and may be composed of arteries, veins, capillaries, lymph vessels, or any combination of these.	� Melanocytic neviMelanocytic nevi are benign neoplasms or hamartomas composed of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells that constitutively colonize the epidermis.
	� Childhood acneAcne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles. The sebum moistens the skin and hair. The sebum and hair get to the skin surface through tiny holes called pores.	� Inherited skin diseases (genetic)Genetic diseases are mainly affecting the skin and its appendages. These are caused by single-gene mutations. Genetic skin disorders are also called as genodermatoses. They include skin cancer, lupus, acne, psoriasis, hives, warts, carbuncle, and hyperhidrosis.
	� AlopeciaAlopecia areata, also known as spot baldness, is a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body. Often it results in a few bald spots on the scalp, each about the size of a coin. Psychological stress may result. People are generally otherwise healthy.	� IchthyosisIchthyosis is not one disease, but a family of about 20 skin conditions that lead to dry skin. People with this condition lose the protective barrier that keeps moisture in their skin. They also make new skin cells too quickly or shed old cells too slowly. This leads to a buildup of thick, scaly skin.
	� Allergic dermatitisAllergic dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. The rash isn't contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.	� VitiligoVitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. The extent and rate of color loss from vitiligo is unpredictable. It can affect the skin on any part of your body. It may also affect hair and the inside of the mouth. Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by melanin.
	� UrticariaUrticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly, either as a result of the body's reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons. Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or stinging.	� PsoriasisPsoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. Psoriasis typically affects the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, though it can appear on any location. Some people report that psoriasis is itchy, burns and stings.
	� Viral infections of skinViral infection: Infection caused by the presence of a virus in the body. Depending on the virus and the person's state of health, various viruses can infect almost any type of body tissue, from the brain to the skin. Skin viral infections include Herpes Simplex (cold sores and genital herpes), Herpes zoster (shingles), Eczema Herpeticum, Chickenpox. Molluscum Contagiosum, Viral warts (verrucas, anogenital warts or condylomas and squamous cell papillomas) and Herpangina	� Pigmentary skin disordersPigmentary disorders typically indicate an increased amount of melanin, leading to darker color of the skin, called hypermelanosis or hyperpigmentation. Decreased or absent pigment makes the skin appear lighter or white, known as hypomelanosis or hypopigmentation.

Dr. Alexopoulos is an active paediatric skin disease fellow at Agia Sofia Childrens Hospital University Clinic, providing care for the emergency cases and admitted patients. Paediatric skin conditions as a manifestation of systemic diseases are closely monitored and treated in co-operation with other paediatric subspecialties at Agia Sofia Children's hospital of Athens.