Call:(345) 745 7450 Call Mon-Fri 8 am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 1pm

Book an appointment(https://www.integra.ky/appointment-booking/)

Paediatric & Adolescent Dermatology

“as it should be”

Book an appointment(https://www.integra.ky/appointment-booking/)

Paediatric & Adolescent Dermatology Services in the Cayman Islands

Integra Healthcare is privileged to have two tertiary trained and experienced dermatologists both of whom have extensive experience across the spectrum of dermatological issues and both of whom are used to treating these in children and adolescents, as well as adults. Our paediatric and adolescent dermatology team works closely with our paediatricians who have an interest in dermatology issues in children, creating a truly comprehensive service.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/symptoms-causes/syc-20375226) that is most common in children (though it can affect adults, too). The primary symptom of molluscum contagiosum is a series of round, firm, painless bumps that usually appear on the face, neck, armpits, and tops of the hands in children. In adults, the infection may be sexually transmitted and often develops on the genitals, thighs and lower abdomen.

The bumps caused by molluscum contagiosum:

Are round and flesh-coloured

Are raised

Are small

May become red and sore if scratched

May be itchy

Are easily removed by rubbing or scratching

Have a characteristic small indentation at the top and centre of the bump

Molluscum contagiosum is more common among children, though it can also affect adults, If you are worried about the skin health of you or anyone else in your family, it is important to book an appointment with one of our dermatologists for more information. Molluscum contagiosum is very contagious (especially in adults) and, though not dangerous, should be treated as soon as possible.

For an appointment, please contact either Dr Alison Duncan, Adult & Paediatric Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/dr-alison-duncan/) , Dr Davide Altamura, Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatosurgeon(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-davide-altamura/) or Dr Nevianna Bordet, Consultant Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-nevianna-bordet/), Cayman.

Read more

Plant and Wildlife Contact Conditions

Certain plant and other wildlife species can cause contact dermatitis(https://www.dermatologyadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/dermatology/contact-dermatitis-plants/) if you get too close, which means they can irritate your skin if you touch them. There are a wide variety of plants that can cause contact dermatitis,(https://www.actasdermo.org/en-allergic-contact-dermatitis-plants-understanding-articulo-S1578219012001989) but the ones you are most likely to run into are:

Poison ivy

Poison oak

Poison sumac

Wood nettles

Stinging nettles

Ragweed

Evenly lightly brushing up against one of these plants can cause a skin reaction such as itching, burning, swelling, bumps, and other signs of irritation. Certain biting and stinging wildlife species can also cause contact dermatitis, such as:

Bees

Wasps

Hornets

Yellow jackets

Fire ants

Most of the time, plant and wildlife contact conditions are mild and will clear up by themselves. However, if you have an allergic reaction to whatever stung you, you will need to seek further medical assistance. In case of severe allergic reaction (i.e., anaphylaxis), you will need emergency medical care immediately.

If you have a rash caused by contact with a plant or animal that won’t go away, despite home care, make an appointment with one of our dermatologists in Grand Cayman to find out more. Either Dr Alison Duncan, Adult & Paediatric Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/dr-alison-duncan/) , Dr Davide Altamura, Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatosurgeon(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-davide-altamura/) or Dr Nevianna Bordet, Consultant Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-nevianna-bordet/), will be happy to provide the help and answer any questions you have.

Read more

Fungal Infections

Fungal skin infections happen when fungi (a type of microscopic organism) starts to grow in your skin. These infections can appear anywhere on the body but are more common in warm, moist areas(https://www.healthline.com/health/fungal-skin-infection#what-is-it) like the feet, groin, and in the folds between skin.Many fungal skin infections are common, and few are considered serious or harmful. However, they can cause unpleasant symptoms like itching, burning, tenderness, or stinging of the skin, as well as dryness, redness, or flakiness. Some fungal infections can also lead to the formation of blisters or cracked, bleeding skin.

There are a variety of fungal skin infections, the most common of which include:

Athlete’s foot

Jock itch

Ringworm (of the body or scalp)

Tinea versicolor

Cutaneous candidiasis

Onychomycosis

The majority of fungal skin infections are easily treatable, and can often be cleared up using topical or oral medication. The only way to get the appropriate treatment, however, is to first get a diagnosis.

If you notice any sudden or persistent symptoms that may indicate an infection, Dr Alison Duncan, Adult & Paediatric Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/dr-alison-duncan/) , Dr Davide Altamura, Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatosurgeon(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-davide-altamura/) and Dr Nevianna Bordet, Consultant Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-nevianna-bordet/) are highly experienced here in Grand Cayman in the diagnosis and treatment of all common skin complaints, including fungal infections.

Read more

Genital or Vulval Skin Conditions

Vulvitis is a condition that cases the skin around the vulva to become inflamed, itchy, and painful,(https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/40708Pvulvitis.pdf) and may also cause pain when urinating. Vulvitis most commonly affects young girls shortly before they hit puberty and is usually a result of irritation caused by soaps, shampoos, and other perfumed hygiene products. Vulvitis is not a serious condition, and usually clears up within a day or two of treatment.If your child has a vulval or genital skin condition that doesn’t seem to be getting better, schedule an appointment in Grand Cayman with either Dr Alison Duncan, Adult & Paediatric Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/dr-alison-duncan/) , Dr Davide Altamura, Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatosurgeon(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-davide-altamura/) or Dr Nevianna Bordet, Consultant Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-nevianna-bordet/). They are highly experienced in the treatment of both adult and paediatric skin conditions and can expertly and sensitively address any concerns you have about your child’s genital or overall skin health. They will be able to expertly assess the problem and give you the most effective advice for your child’s needs.

Read more

Acne Care and Treatment

Acne is almost inevitable for most adolescents, with an estimated 85% of teens afflicted by acne(https://health.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/20090909_teen_acne/#:~:text=a%20lucky%20minority.-,It%20is%20estimated%20that%2085%20percent%20of%20teens%20get%20acne,to%20be%20bothered%20by%20it.). For most people, the problem resolves itself with age, but this is of little comfort to those currently suffering with the condition.There are dozens of acne treatments available for you to try. For those with standard teenage pimples, the condition can often be kept in check by:

Washing the face twice daily with warm water

Washing the hair with shampoo every day

Using over-the-counter topical remedies (such as creams and medicated face washes)

Avoiding abrasive facial scrubs, heavily perfumed products, and other cosmetics

Not picking at spots

Unfortunately, some people find that the typical remedies don’t work, and that nothing seems to improve their acne. For teens with severe and persistent acne, a consultation with one of our dermatologists can provide them with the exact information they need to make significant improvements to their skin. Dr Alison Duncan, Adult & Paediatric Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/dr-alison-duncan/) , Dr Davide Altamura, Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatosurgeon(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-davide-altamura/) or Dr Nevianna Bordet, Consultant Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-nevianna-bordet/), in Grand Cayman, have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems, and are well qualified to advise you on any acne-related queries you may have.

Read more

Eczema (Adolescent and Paediatric)

Eczema (AKA atopic dermatitis) is a very common skin condition(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273) that can affect people at any age. However, skin irritation caused by eczema can look different depending on the age of the patient.Typically, eczema symptoms vary widely from person to person, but may include:

Dry skin

Itchy skin

Red, brownish, or greyish patches on hands, feet, ankles, neck, wrists, eyelids and knees

Thick, cracked, or scaly skin

Small bumps that ooze or crust over when scratched

Raw, sensitive, or swollen skin (usually a result of scratching)

Although the symptoms of eczema can differ greatly between individuals, the condition may also present differently in children and adolescents than it does in adults.

Teens with eczema are likely to experience many of the same symptoms as adults do(https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/eczema.html#:~:text=The%20symptoms%20of%20eczema%3A,bit%20from%20person%20to%20person). However, adolescent eczema is more likely to develop in the bends of elbows, backs of knees, on the insides of wrists and ankles, and on the face, neck, and upper chest.

In young children, babies, and toddlers(https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/children/), eczema may show up in different places. In infants (i.e., children younger than 6 months) eczema is most likely to appear on cheeks, chin, forehead, and scalp. In babies (aged 6-12 months) eczema may spread to the knees and elbows. For toddlers (aged 2-5 years) the rash often appears on the face, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, and hands. In children over the age of 5, eczema rashes usually develop only in the folds of the elbows and/or knees.

If you have any concerns about the skin health of your children or teens, do take them to see one of our dermatologists here in Grand Cayman, Dr Alison Duncan, Adult & Paediatric Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/dr-alison-duncan/) , Dr Davide Altamura, Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatosurgeon(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-davide-altamura/) or Dr Nevianna Bordet, Consultant Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-nevianna-bordet/), for a formal diagnosis. There are many treatments available to alleviate the symptoms of eczema, and they will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your child’s needs.

Read more

Autoimmune Skin Disorders and Conditions

Autoimmune disorders are disorders in which the body’s own immune system starts to mistakenly attack healthy cells and tissues(https://healthcare.utah.edu/dermatology/services/autoimmune-skin-diseases/). There are different types of autoimmune diseases and they can affect a variety of different body parts, including the skin.Skin disorders and conditions relating to autoimmunity differ depending on which type of autoimmune condition a person has. The most common autoimmune diseases that affect the skin(https://www.trilliumcreekohio.com/skin-conditions/autoimmune-disorders/#:~:text=There%20are%20several%20common%20autoimmune,%2C%20lupus%2C%20psoriasis%20and%20vasculitis.) are vitiligo, scleroderma, lupus, psoriasis, and vasculitis.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes smooth, white patches to appear on the skin. The condition can affect anyone but is more noticeable in people with darker complexions, where there is a more noticeable difference between affected patches of skin and the person’s natural skin tone.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a condition that causes the tightening and hardening of the skin(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scleroderma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351952) and connective tissues. There are two types of sclerodermas; localized scleroderma, which mostly affects the skin, and systemic scleroderma, which also affects a variety of internal organs.

Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects the whole body but is often characterized by a ‘butterfly rash’ across the nose and cheeks.

There is another type of lupus (known as discoid lupus erythematosus – DLE) that causes skin lesions which, though not usually painful or itchy, can lead to scarring. The lesions caused by DLE can appear on the upper back, neck, hands, face, or scalp.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition(https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-in-children#symptoms) that causes skin cells to multiply at a much faster rate than usual. This leads to a build-up of skin cells and the formation of scaly plaques that may be dry, cracked, sore, itchy, or scaly.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels and can cause serious health complications in severe cases. Some symptoms of vasculitis include red spots, lumps, and sores on the skin.

If you are concerned about the skin health of yourself or a family member, book an appointment with one of our dermatologists right away in Cayman. Most skin problems are completely harmless, but others can be indicators of other, underlying health issues. Therefore, it is very important to seek expert advise on how best to protect and maintain your health.

Dr Alison Duncan, Adult & Paediatric Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/dr-alison-duncan/) , Dr Davide Altamura, Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatosurgeon(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-davide-altamura/) and Dr Nevianna Bordet, Consultant Dermatologist(https://www.integra.ky/physicians/dr-nevianna-bordet/), are very experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of all skin complaints, including those caused by autoimmune conditions.

Read more

Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (more commonly known as eczema) is a common skin condition that can affect people at any age. Although anyone can get dermatitis, it is most common in babies, children, and young adults.(https://www.pediatricandadolescentmedicine.net/Eczema-Atopic-Dermatitis) It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273).The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary significantly between individuals but typically include one or more of the following: