Pediatric Dermatology

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Care at 9 locations

Lurie Children’s has the largest group of Illinois physicians who are board certified in pediatric dermatology (children’s skin diseases). Our eight pediatric dermatologists complete around 20,000 yearly visits with infants, children and teenagers, making the division one of the busiest pediatric dermatology services in the nation.

Our doctors are renowned for their expertise in diagnosis and treatment, particularly of complex skin disorders. They also are known for their skill in surgical removal of skin growths and laser treatment for vascular and pigmented skin lesions. Our division helped pioneer the field of pediatric dermatologic surgery and created one of the country’s earliest laser therapy programs for vascular birthmarks.

Our Approach to Pediatric Dermatology

We believe in family-centered care, which means we support the whole family along with the patient. We help facilitate the transition from pediatric to adult care for teens with chronic skin diseases and their families, for example. Using the latest technology in a child-friendly setting, the division offers specialized treatment for:

Infantile Hemangiomas and Vascular Malformations
Epidermolysis Bullosa
Genetic Skin Diseases
Rheumatologic Disorders
Pediatric Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Therapy

Our Pediatric Dermatologists

All of our board-certified physicians have trained in dermatology and pediatric dermatology. The team includes pediatric dermatologists, a pediatric dermatology advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioner) and pediatric dermatology nurses.

Anthony J. Mancini, MD

Division Head, Dermatology

Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Sarah L. Chamlin, MD

Attending Physician, Dermatology; Medical Director, Vascular Lesion Clinic

Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Brandi M. Kenner-Bell, MD

Attending Physician, Dermatology

Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Lacey L. Kruse, MD

Attending Physician, Dermatology

Associate Professor of Pediatrics-Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Amy Paller, MD

Attending Physician, Dermatology

Walter J. Hamlin Professor and Chair of Dermatology, Professor of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Karina L. Vivar, MD

Attending Physician, Dermatology

Health System Clinician of Pediatrics (Dermatology), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Annette Wagner, MD

Attending Physician, Dermatology

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Dermatology) and Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Duri Yun, MD, MPH

Attending Physician, Dermatology

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Dermatology) and Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Megan E. Reynolds, MSN, APRN-NP, CPNP-PC

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Dermatology

Because skin diseases can take a toll on emotional health, we work closely with our psychologists and social workers. Our team collaborates with many other specialties at Lurie Children’s, including:

We also work on multispecialty teams to assess and treat autoimmune skin diseases and vascular lesions.

Pediatric Dermatology Conditions We Treat

Our physicians make every attempt to stay at the forefront of treatment advances, making sure they provide our patients with the best care possible. We take specialized and evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and treating children’s dermatology conditions.

Pediatric Dermatology Treatments

Our pediatric dermatologists pioneered the surgical removal of skin lesions and laser treatment for a variety of vascular and pigmented skin lesions and have successfully practiced these approaches for more than a decade. Whether the necessary treatment is surgical or medical, our dermatologists apply their pediatric expertise and diagnostic skills to manage lesion treatment in children.

Surgical & Laser Treatments

Pediatric Dermatology Appointments

To make an appointment with one of our specialists, please follow one of the steps below.

Make an Appointment Online

Existing MyChart users: If you have a Lurie Children's MyChart account, log in at mychart.luriechildrens.org to schedule your appointments.
New Patients & Non-MyChart users: Please fill out our Online Scheduling Form to schedule an appointment online or request an appointment. After you request an appointment, a MyChart account will be set up for you to schedule appointments online.

Make an Appointment By Phone

Please call 1.800.KIDS DOC (1.800.543.7362).

Pediatric Dermatology Research

Our physician researchers actively conduct research and have made important contributions to the knowledge of pediatric skin diseases. For example, our doctors have been involved in research that elucidated several potential risk factors for the development of infantile hemangiomas, noncancerous skin tumors that affect up to 10% of infants. In laboratory research, our doctors have found that gene therapy can change the content of cell membrane components (gangliosides) in culture that indirectly affect how skin cells grow, attach and move. This research may one day help patients with psoriasis, poor wound healing or skin cancer.

Current clinical trials (studies in patients) include newer medical treatments for atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, epidermolysis bullosa, ichthyosis, infantile hemangiomas and psoriasis.

Because there is a shortage of pediatric dermatologists, our division is committed to educating physicians in this field. Our fellowship training program has trained more academic pediatric dermatologists than any other program in the U.S. and was the first in the country to receive approval from the American Board of Dermatology.

We also host a yearlong program for international visiting physicians. They learn from our pediatric dermatologists and return to their native countries with new knowledge that can improve quality of life for their patients.

Education & Training

Keeping with our belief that quality education is inseparable from our quality patient care, we partner with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to train tomorrow’s leading pediatric physicians. As the pediatric teaching hospital for the Feinberg School, we offer several opportunities for residents to further their education in a pediatric specialty. The Division of Dermatology offers a fellowship through the Feinberg School.

Philanthropy

Private contributions help support exciting new research discoveries in pediatric dermatology. Gifts also let us train much-needed physicians to specialize in this field.

Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children’s relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org, call 312.227.7500.