Patient Handouts
The Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) has created a series of informative handouts, called Patient Perspectives, on common skin conditions seen in children and teens, for use by providers and families. We hope you will find them helpful. Please see the list below for current topics to access and/or print. These handouts are for personal and/or educational use, and should not be used commercially or for profit. The Society for Pediatric Dermatology and Wiley-Blackwell Publishing cannot be held responsible for any errors or for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in these handouts.
Click on the topic below to access a patient handout:
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*Handout was revised in 2023 or 2024.
+Educational video available
Upcoming Topics:
Ulcerated Hemangiomas
Atopic Dermatis (update)
JAK Inhibitors for Skin Disease
Psoriasis (update)
Topical Corticosteroids
Acne (update)
ACNE
Brief version: Acne Handout | Word version for EMR
Translation: Spanish | Word Version for EMR
- What Is Acne & Why Do I Have Pimples?
- What Can I Do to Help the Acne Go Away?
- How Should I Use My Acne Medications?
- Tips for Using Your Acne Medications Correctly
- Pregnancy & Acne Treatment
- Sample Acne Treatment Plan
Detailed version: Acne Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- Why Do I Have Acne/Pimples?
- What Causes My Acne?
- Should a Physician Treat My Acne?
- Skin Hygiene: How Should I Wash My Skin?
- Acne Treatments
- Topical Acne Medications/Recommendations for Use
- Oral Acne Medications/Side Effects
- Extra Information for Preadolescent Acne
- Your Acne Treatment Plan
Additional Resources:
> Patient Education Video
HEMANGIOMAS
Infantile Hemangiomas Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Are Infantile Hemangiomas?
- When Does My Child's Hemangioma Need to Be Treated?
- Possible Treatment Options for Infantile Hemangiomas
Additional Resources:
> Patient Education Video
MOLES & MELANOMA
Moles Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Are Moles?
- What Is a Melanoma?
- What Are the Risk Factors of Melanoma?
- How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Mole and Melanoma?
- Helpful Tips to Help Detect Melanoma
- What Can I Do to Protect My Child's Skin and Prevent Melanoma?
Additional Resources:
> Patient Education Video
WARTS
Warts Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Are Warts?
- Treatments for Warts
- Preventing the Spread of Warts
Additional Resources:
> Patient Education Video
ISOTRETINOIN
Isotretinoin Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- How Should I Take Isotretinoin?
- iPledge Program
- What Should I Avoid When Taking Isotretinoin?
- Possible Side Effects
MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
Molluscum Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale Version
Translations Available:
Arabic | Word version for EMR
Chinese | Word version for EMR
French | Word version for EMR
Hindi | Word Version for EMR
Somali | Word version for EMR
Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Are Molluscum?
- What Causes Molluscum? How Are Molluscum Spread?
- Who Gets Molluscum?
- What If My Child's Molluscum Look Infected?
- Treatment Options for Molluscum
Additional Resources:
> Patient Education Video
VITILIGO
Vitiligo Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Vitiligo?
- What Causes Vitiligo?
- Tips for Managing Vitiligo
- Vitiligo Treatment Options
ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA)
Atopic Dermatitis Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Atopic Dermatitis?
- Gentle Skin Care to Prevent Dryness
- Treating the Rash
- Treating the Itch
- Avoiding Triggers
- Recognizing Infections as a Trigger
Additional Resources:
> Patient Education Video
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is Psoriasis?
- What Causes Psoriasis?
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis?
- How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
- Emotional Considerations in Children
- Other Concerns for Children with Psoriasis
- How Is Psoriasis Treated?
SUN PROTECTION
Sun Protection Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- How to Protect Your Child's Skin From the Sun
- How Should I Apply Sunscreen?
- How Do I Select the Right Sunscreen for My Child?
- How Can I Make Sure I Am Using Sunscreen Safely?
Additional Resources:
> Patient Education Video - Sun Protection
> Patient Education Video - Sunscreen
PORT-WINE STAINS
Port-Wine Stain Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is a Port-Wine Stain?
- What Causes Port-Wine Stains?
- Port-Wine Stain Facts
- How Are Port-Wine Stains Treated?
- Pulsed Dye Laser Facts
PROPRANOLOL FOR INFANTILE HEMANGIOMAS
Propranolol Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- When Do Infantile Hemangiomas Need to Be Treated?
- What Is Propranolol and How Does It Work?
- Are Any Tests Needed Before Starting Propranolol?
- What Are the Possible Side Effects of Propranolol?
- How Is Propranolol Taken?
- How Long Does Treatment With Propranolol Last?
ALOPECIA AREATA
Alopecia Areata Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word Version for EMR
- What Is Alopecia Areata?
- What Causes Alopecia Areata?
- What Can I Expect From Treatment of Alopecia Areata?
- How Can I Help Support My Child With Alopecia Areata?
- What Other Resources on Alopecia Areata Are Available for Families?
SCABIES
Scabies Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is Scabies?
- How Do People Get Scabies?
- What Does Scabies Look Like?
- How Is Scabies Diagnosed?
- How Is Scabies Treated?
- Steps for Successful Treatment of Scabies
PEDIATRIC SKIN CANCER
Pediatric Skin Cancer Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- Who Is at Increased Risk for Skin Cancer?
- What Are the Types of Skin Cancer?
- How Can I Find Skin Cancer or a Suspicious Skin Spot?
- How Do I Do a Skin Self-Exam?
- What Does a Suspicious Spot Look Like?
- How Are Skin Cancers Treated?
- How Can I Prevent Sun Damage and Skin Cancer?
NEVUS SEBACEUS
Nevus Sebaceus Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Nevus Sebaceus?
- What Does a Nevus Sebaceus Look Like?
- Why Does a Nevus Sebaceus Appear?
- How Is Nevus Sebaceus Diagnosed?
- Are There Complications From a Nevus Sebaceus?
- Management
TINEA INFECTIONS
Tinea Infections Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is Tinea?
- Tinea Is Contagious
- Tips to Prevent the Spread of Tinea
- Why Is Tinea Sometimes Called "Ringworm"? Is it Caused by a Worm?
- What Does Tinea Look Like on the Body?
- How Is Tinea Diagnosed?
- How Is Tinea Treated?
PERIORAL DERMATITIS
Perioral Dermatitis Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
- What Causes Perioral Dermatitis?
- Perioral Dermatitis Facts
- How Is Perioral Dermatitis Diagnosed?
- How Is Perioral Dermatitis Treated?
- What Should Be Expected After Treatment?
PAPULAR URTICARIA
Papular Urticaria Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is Papular Urticaria?
- What Causes Papular Urticaria?
- Confusion Surrounding Papular Urticaria
- What Does Papular Urticaria Look Like?
- How Long Does Papular Urticaria Last?
- How Is Papular Urticaria Treated?
HIVES (URTICARIA)
Hives (Urticaria) Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Are Hives?
- What Do Hives Look Like?
- Who Gets Hives?
- What Causes Hives?
- How Long Do Hives Last?
- When Should I Be Worried About Hives?
- How Are Hives Diagnosed?
- Treatment for Hives (Urticaria)
PYOGENIC GRANULOMA
Pyogenic Granuloma Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is Pyogenic Granuloma?
- What Causes Pyogenic Granuloma?
- How Is Pyogenic Granuloma Diagnosed?
- What Do I Do if My Child's Pyogenic Granuloma is Bleeding?
- Treatment Options for Pyogenic Granuloma
RISKS OF INDOOR TANNING
Risks of Tanning Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- Indoor Tanning Is Dangerous
- Health Risks of Tanning
- Questions About Indoor Tanning
MASTOCYTOSIS
Mastocytosis Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is Mastocytosis?
- What Causes Mastocytosis?
- What Does Mastocytosis Look Like?
- How Is Cutaneous Mastocytosis Diagnosed?
- Are There Any Complications of Mastocytosis?
- Managing Mastocysis and Possible Triggers
- Where Can I Find Mastocytosis Support for My Child?
DIAPER CARE
Diaper Care Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is Diaper Rash?
- What Causes Diaper Rash?
- Who Gets Diaper Rash?
- Preventing Diaper Rash
- Treating Diaper Rash
- When to See the Doctor
SPITZ NEVUS
Spitz Nevus Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Is a Spitz Nevus?
- What Does a Spitz Nevus Look Like?
- How Is a Spitz Nevus Diagnosed?
- How Can I Monitor My Child's Moles?
- How Can I Protect My Child's Skin?
PILOMATRICOMA
Pilomatricoma Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Causes It?
- What Does a Pilomatricoma Look Like?
- How Is a Pilomatricoma Diagnosed?
- What Do I Do If My Child's Pilomatricoma Is Painful?
- What Is the Treatment for a Pilomatricoma?
HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Causes HS?
- What Does HS Look Like?
- How Is HS Diagnosed?
- How Long Does HS Last?
- What Are the Treatment Options?
HYPERHIDROSIS
Hyperhidrosis Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
- What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?
- How Is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?
- What Are the Treatment Options?
SKIN INFECTIONS
Skin Infections Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Do Bacterial Infections Look Like on the Skin?
- How Are Bacterial Skin Infections Spread, Diagnosed, and Treated?
- What Can Be Done About Recurrent Skin Infections?
- What Is MRSA?
ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Contact Dermatitis and What Does it Look Like?
- What Are the Types and Common Causes of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Children?
- How Can I Tell if My Rash Is Allergic Contact Dermatitis? What Is a Patch Test?
- What Are the Treatment Options?
KERATOSIS PILARIS
Keratosis Pilaris Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Keratosis Pilaris?
- How Does Someone Get Keratosis Pilaris?
- How Is Keratosis Pilaris Diagnosed and Treated?
PIGMENTARY MOSAICISM
Pigmentary Mosaicism Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Pigmentary Mosaicism?
- How Does Pigmentary Mosaicism Present?
- How Is Pigmentary Mosaicism Diagnosed?
- Is There Treatment for Pigmentary Mosaicism?
SCARS
Scars Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Are the Types of Scars?
- How Can You Minimize a Scar?
- When Should I Seek Treatment?
COVID-19 PANDEMIC GUIDE
COVID-19 Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
- How Can I Prevent Infection From COVID-19?
- Special Precautions in Children With Skin Conditions
- Tips to Avoid Irritation From Frequent Handwashing
HERPES INFECTION
Herpes Infection Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Herpes?
- How Do People Get Herpes?
- What Does Herpes Look Like on the Skin?
- What Are the Symptoms of Herpes Infection and How Is it Treated?
PEDIATRIC TELEDERMATOLOGY
Pediatric Teledermatology Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Teledermatology?
- What Are the Advantages and Limitations of Teledermatology?
- How to Take High-Quality Photos on a Smartphone Before an Appointment
ECZEMA AND FOOD ALLERGIES
Eczema and Food Allergies Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Eczema? What Is a Food Allergy? How Are They Related?
- How Would I Know if My Child Has a Food Allergy?
- What Are the Most Common Food Allergies?
- Should My Child With Eczema Be Tested for Food Allergies?
VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS
Vascular Malformations Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Causes Vascular Malformations?
- What Are the Different Kinds of Vascular Malformations?
- How Are Vascular Malformations Diagnosed and Treated?
SKIN CARE BEFORE AND AFTER LASER SURGERY
Laser Surgery Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- Preparing One Month, One Week, and One Day Before Laser Surgery
- Caring for Skin After Laser Surgery
- How Can After-Laser Pain Be Managed?
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
Lichen Sclerosus Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- Who Gets Lichen Sclerosus? What Causes It?
- How Do You Diagnose Lichen Sclerosus?
- How Does Lichen Sclerosus Present?
- What Are the Complication of and Treatments for Lichen Sclerosus?
VACCINE CONSIDERATIONS FOR PEDIATRIC POPULATIONS
Vaccines Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- When Should My Child Get Vaccinated?
- What If My Child Missed a Vaccine Dose During Its Recommended Time?
- Can My Child Still Get Vaccinated If They Are Immunocompromised?
- What If My Child Is on Immunosuppressive Medication?
- Should My Child Get the Flu Shot Annually?
- Are Additional Vaccines Needed If We Are Traveling Abroad?
DUPILUMAB FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Dupilumab Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What is Dupilumab and How Does It Work?
- When Should I Consider Dupilumab for my Child's Atopic Dermatitis?
- How Is Dupilumab Dosed and Given?
- What Are the Possible Side Effects of Dupilumab?
- What Are the Benefits of Taking Dupilumab?
MORE THAN SKIN DEEP: IMPACT OF SKIN DISEASE AND VISIBLE DIFFERENCES ON A CHILD'S MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING
More Than Skin Deep Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word Version for EMR
- What Is Psychosocial Distress?
- How Can Skin Disease or a Visible Difference Cause Psychosocial Distress?
- How Can You Deal With Appearance-Related Distress?
DOWN SYNDROME AND HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA (HS)
Down Syndrome and HS Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- What Causes HS?
- How Is HS Diagnosed?
- What Does HS Look Like and How Long Does It Last?
- What Are the Treatment Options?
CURLY AND COILY HAIR CARE
Curly and Coily Hair Care Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
- Why Is Curly or Coily Hair so Dry?
- Why Does Curly or Coily Hair Break Off Easily?
- How Can I Safely Style and Care for Curly or Coily Hair?
JUVENILE XANTHOGRANULOMA (JXG)
JXG Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is a Juvenile Xanthogranuloma and What Causes It?
- What Does a Juvenile Xanthogranuloma Look Like?
- What Are the Treatment Options for Juvenile Xanthogranuloma?
ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS
Acanthosis Nigricans Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- Why Do People Get Acanthosis Nigricans?
- Who Gets Acanthosis Nigricans?
- How Is Acanthosis Nigricans Diagnosed and Treated?
SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
Seborrheic Dermatitis Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
- How Can I Treat My Dandruff (Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis)?
- Using Medicated Dandruff Shampoos
- Guidance for Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis in Pediatric Patients With Down Syndrome
SKIN CARE FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH PART 1: TRANSMASCULINE
Transgender Youth Skin Care (Part 1) Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- Testosterone and Changes to the Skin and Hair
- How Can Dermatologists Help With Gender-Affirming Care?
- Chest Binding and the Skin
SKIN CARE FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH PART 2: TRANSFEMININE
Transgender Youth Skin Care (Part 2) Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- Estrogen and Changes to the Skin and Hair
- How Can Dermatologists Help With Gender-Affirming Care?
- Gender Affirming Procedural Information
POSTINFLAMMATORY PIGMENT CHANGES
Pigment Changes Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is Postinflammatory Pigment Change?
- What Causes the Skin to Change Color?
- What Do Postinflammatory Pigment Changes Look Like?
EPIDERMAL NEVUS
Epidermal Nevus Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What Is an Epidermal Nevus?
- What Does an Epidermal Nevus Look Like?
- What Causes anEpidermal Nevus?
- How Is an Epidermal Nevus Diagnosed and Treated?
- Are There Any Complications of an Epidermal Nevus?
DRY SKIN CARE
Dry Skin Care Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- What's the Problem With Having Dry Skin?
- What Causes Dry Skin?
- What Does Dry Skin Look Like?
BUG BITES IN CHILDREN
Bug Bites in Children Handout | Word version for EMR | Greyscale version
Translation: Spanish | Word version for EMR
- Tips to Prevent Bug Bites
- How to Treat Bug Bites
- When to See Your Doctor About Your Child's Bug Bites