At Woburn and North Andover Pediatrics, we can help you and your child manage several common skin concerns right here in our office. Many of our providers have completed training in basic dermatologic interventions and procedures. This includes acne care (from topical treatments to isotretinoin/Accutane when appropriate), wart removal, and treatment for molluscum contagiosum.
Unsure if our team can treat your child’s skin concern, or if it requires a specialist? Call us and we’ll guide you toward the appropriate next steps.
Dermatologic Issues We Can Help With
Our team evaluates and treats:
- Acne: including blackheads, whiteheads, inflammatory breakouts, and cystic acne
- Warts: including painful or persistent warts
- Molluscum contagiosum: small, contagious viral bumps
If something looks unusual, isn’t improving, or needs specialty-level treatment, we are happy to help coordinate a referral.
Acne
Acne is extremely common, especially in the teen years. It occurs when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Breakouts can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, or nodules, presenting most often on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms.
Acne treatment
Treatment depends on your child’s age, acne type, and severity. Options may include:
- Topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, prescription retinoids, and other prescription topicals
- Prescription medications (topical or oral) when acne is more inflamed or not responding to over-the-counter options
- Escalation of care for severe or scarring acne, which may include isotretinoin/Accutane
If acne is causing pain, scarring, or significant self-consciousness for your child, please call for help. Early treatment can protect your child’s skin and their confidence.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) for Severe Acne
Isotretinoin (often known by the former brand name Accutane) can be very effective for severe nodular/cystic acne or acne that hasn’t responded to standard therapies. A typical course is often around 15–20 weeks (about 4–5 months). Acne may look worse before it improves.
Isotretinoin treatment: What to know
Because isotretinoin is highly regulated and can cause serious side effects, it requires close medical supervision and follow-up. Common side effects include severe dryness of the skin, lips, eyes, and nose, among other significant symptoms that must be monitored.
Pregnancy prevention is critical. Isotretinoin is regulated through the iPLEDGE REMS program to prevent fetal exposure, and requirements apply to all patients in the program.
For patients who can become pregnant, iPLEDGE materials describe requirements such as contraception planning and pregnancy testing before and during treatment.
If isotretinoin might be appropriate for your teen, we’ll review the current iPLEDGE steps and monitoring plan with your family and help you decide whether it’s the right fit.
Warts
Common in children and teens, warts are caused by a virus that infects the top layer of skin. They can spread through skin-to-skin contact or shared surfaces and may go away on their own, but some warts are stubborn or uncomfortable.
Consider scheduling a visit if a wart is:
- Painful, bleeding, or rapidly spreading
- On the face or near the nails
- Not improving with home care
- Concerning due to your child’s medical history
Wart treatment
Treatment varies by wart location and type. Options may include topical salicylic acid and in-office freezing (cryotherapy), among other approaches.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes small, raised, smooth bumps — often flesh-colored or pink — with a characteristic dimple. It spreads through close contact or shared items (such as towels) and is common among kids.
In many cases, molluscum resolves over time without treatment, but it can take months or longer. Once the bumps are gone, a child is no longer contagious.
Molluscum treatment
Upon examination, we’ll confirm whether the bumps look consistent with molluscum and discuss the best plan for your child. Depending on symptoms, location, and spread, options may include watchful waiting with skin-care guidance or office-based treatments to help remove bumps and reduce spread.
When to Contact Us
Call our office if your child has a skin concern that is:
- Persisting or worsening
- Painful, itchy, or spreading
- Affecting confidence in school or sports (common with acne)
Seek urgent medical care for symptoms like trouble breathing, facial swelling, rapidly spreading rash with fever, or signs of a severe infection.
Schedule an Appointment Today
To schedule a visit with our dermatology team, call our pediatric office in Woburn at (781) 933-6236 or North Andover at (978) 557-5712.
Need a Referral?
If your child needs a dermatology specialist, we can help coordinate next steps through our Specialty Care Coordination team.