Dermatology :: Nationwide Children's Hospital

contact info

Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43205
Phone: (614) 722-5777
Fax: (614) 722-5510


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Leadership

Patricia M. Witman, MD

Patricia M. Witman, MD
Chief, Dermatology

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Fast Facts

July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011

Dermatology Clinic Visits: 3,861
Inpatient Consultations: 107

View Annual Report »

Dermatology

Did you know? The skin is the largest organ of the body.  Thus it deserves special care and attention.

When your child has a skin condition, everything matters and the dermatology department here at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is here to help. 

The Division of Dermatology at Nationwide Children’s diagnoses and treats skin problems in children through age 21.  We provide comprehensive, expert care for common childhood skin diseases as well as rare dermatologic disorders.

View a list of our Dermatology Clinics »

Our Services:

  • Our team of experts includes board certified pediatric dermatologists who have completed advanced training for skin problems specific to children and skin conditions that children inherit. 

  • We have expertise in the medical management of childhood skin disorders and remain at the forefront of cutting edge therapies.

  • Our team includes nurse practitioners and registered nurses who are dedicated to providing education to families on dermatology conditions and therapies. 

  • Our services are conducted with a pediatric friendly approach. Whenever possible, we avoid invasive, uncomfortable procedures. When a procedure such as a skin biopsy, skin surgery, treatment or diagnostic test is necessary, we minimize anxiety with thorough explanations, efficiency and child-friendly incentives.

  • We have access to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital outpatient surgical centers and expert pediatric anesthesiologists, enabling us to perform some procedures safely and painlessly while children are asleep.

  • Our division has a pulse dye laser that is used to treat birthmarks and some other childhood skin problems.

Conditions treated:

Acne, alopecia, atopic dermatitis or eczema, birthmarks, contact dermatitis, rashes, genetic skin disorders, hemangiomas, port wine stains and vascular birthmarks, moles, molluscum, nail disorders, pigment disorders, psoriasis, cutaneous manifestations of connective tissue diseases, skin infections, vitiligo and warts.

Dermatology Highlights

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with over one million people diagnosed each year.  Here are a few facts:

  • Skin cancer is one of the more preventable types of cancer.

  • More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to the sun.

  • All people are at risk of developing skin cancer regardless of ethnicity.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Seek shade and avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 pm when sunrays are the strongest

  • Use a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher

  • Apply sunscreen to all sun exposed areas 15 to 30  minutes before sun exposure

  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating

  • Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses

  • Avoid tanning beds

  • Be extra careful near the water, snow, or sand as the reflection can intensify the sunrays.

The Division of Dermatology is Growing!

The Division of Dermatology earned approval from the American Academy of Dermatology for a Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship Program in January.  We are pleased to provide specialized training for dermatologists interested in focusing on pediatric skin conditions.  Having a fellowship program brings talented physicians to our group and enhances our practice, keeping us current with new knowledge, treatments, and research in pediatric dermatology.  Our first fellow will complete her training in the fall of 2012.  

In the winter of 2011 we also welcomed a new attending, Dr. Esteban Fernandez Faith and a new nurse practitioner, Andrea Cappel.  We are excited to offer improved appointment availability for our patients.  

Making the diagnosis in a child friendly manor

Visits to the doctor’s office can be scary and stressful.  In the dermatology clinic we strive to make a child’s visit as painless as possible.  Though some minor procedures and tests are necessary to help us diagnose skin problems, we perform them with the least invasive technique possible.  Recently Dr. Witman and Dr. Stephanie Jacks, an Ohio State University dermatology resident, wrote a pediatric friendly protocol for performing a scabies skin preparation.  This protocol will be published in the Pediatric Dermatology Journal in the Technique for Tots section.  This technique substitutes a curette for the traditional razor blade that can induce fear and anxiety in young children.
 

Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000