Dermatology

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.

• 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. 

We understand that children with complex medical conditions often require several visits from multiple specialists. To mitigate that, the CHOC Dermatology program offers several clinics, including:

• Acne Clinic
  • Our Acne Clinic treats hormonal acne, severe cystic acne, acne scars and dyspigmentation clinic in adolescents, teens, and young adults.
• 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.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic
  • CHOC’s Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Clinic offers compassionate, expert care for children and teens living with this chronic skin condition. Our multidisciplinary team—including pediatric dermatologists and plastic surgeons—works closely with families to create personalized treatment plans that may include medical management, wound care, and surgical options.
• Genodermatosis Clinic
  • Our team, in collaboration with the University of California, Irvine, and the genetics clinicians at CHOC, specializes in the treatment of complex genetic skin conditions, including but not limited to tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, and extensive epidermal nevi. 
• Multidisciplinary Vascular Anomaly Clinic
  • Our team has worldwide research and clinical expertise in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas and vascular malformations. In partnership with the Vascular Anomalies Center, we offer a multidisciplinary approach with evaluation including Hematology, Interventional Radiology and Plastic Surgery. 
• 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. 

• 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)