Questions about your child's health? Call our free 24/7 Nurse Advice Line 844-GET-CHOC.
Free 24/7 Nurse Advice Line: 844-GET-CHOC.
At the CHOC Dermatology Program, your child’s health and well-being are our top priorities. That is why we offer a wide range of clinical and surgical services designed specifically for children and young adults, from newborns to age 21, who have rare or severe skin, hair, or nail conditions.
Our team of double board-certified dermatologists and pediatric specialists partner with you and your family to deliver expert care. We focus on providing personalized treatment plans, ensuring proper management of complex dermatological conditions, and advancing research to best understand their causes and treatments.
Why choose CHOC?
- Multidisciplinary approach. We understand that children with complex medical needs often require care from multiple specialists. That’s why our dermatology team works closely with other specialties to make the process as seamless and convenient as possible. By collaborating, we aim to provide well-rounded care for a wide range of conditions, reducing the need for extra visits and helping families maintain a balanced routine.
- Accessibility. Our team recognizes how transportation and commuting can add unnecessary stress to your child’s care. For this reason, we provide access to convenient care at two different locations in Irvine and Orange. Additionally, we offer tele-dermatology services, when appropriate, for skin conditions that can be more easily managed from home.
Specialty Clinics
The CHOC Dermatology program offers several clinics, including those offered in collaboration across multiple specialties.
- Acne Clinic
- Our Acne Clinic treats hormonal acne, severe cystic acne, acne scars and dyspigmentation clinic in adolescents, teens, and young adults.
- Procedural Dermatology Clinic
- If your child does need surgery, our Procedural Dermatology Clinic specializes in performing dermatologic procedures including skin biopsies, excision, Botox injections, in outpatient settings, without the need of general anesthesia.
- Genodermatosis Clinic
- Our team, in collaboration with University of California Irvine, is specialized in the treatment of complex genetic skin conditions, including but not limited to tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, and extensive epidermal nevi.
- Multidisciplinary Vascular Anomaly Clinic
- Connective Tissue Disease Clinic
- In partnership with the Rheumatology program, our team helps diagnose and manage connective tissue disorders that affect the skin, including lupus, dermatomyositis, and scleroderma.
Dermatological Conditions We Treat
- Skin growth and skin lesions
- Psoriasis and other psoriasiform diseases, such as pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), deficiency of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA), and deficiency of the interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (DITRA)
- Eczema and other rashes, especially when requiring systemic treatment
- Acne and other face bumps
- Vitiligo, albinism and other disorders of pigmentation (white spots, dark spots)
- Hemangiomas and birthmarks
- Connective tissue diseases, including dermatomyositis, morphea, scleroderma, and lupus
- Epidermolysis bullosa and other blistering diseases, such as linear IgA and pemphigus
- Genetic skin diseases, including neurocutaneous diseases and tuberous sclerosis
- Skin cancer and skin cancer predisposing conditions (genetic & immunosuppression)
- Nail abnormalities, including pachyonychia congenital
- Hair abnormalities, including alopecia areata and all types of hair loss
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Additional Dermatological Services and Treatments
Cosmetic Services
We recognize that aesthetic concerns, such as acne scarring and unwanted hair growth, can greatly affect a child’s self-esteem. That is why we offer specialized cosmetic dermatology services tailored, specifically for young patients—all within a safe and supportive, child-friendly environment.
Dermatology Locations
For more information about our clinical services, talk to your child's primary-care provider about a referral. To make an appointment, please call 888-770-2462.
Meet our Division Chief and Team
Specialty:
Dermatology
Appointments: 714-509-7760
Dr. Maria G. Buethe is double board-certified in dermatology and pediatric dermatology. In addition to her role as chief of the pediatric dermatology division at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), she also serves as the director of pediatric dermatology at the University of California, Irvine.
