Parents bring their children to pediatrician for common pediatric
problems and ask for opinion on coexisting skin problems (secondary
complaint) or they come with primary dermatological problems. Very few
pediatricians work in dermatology OPD or wards during their training in
pediatrics and hence are not able to handle dermatological complaints
when they set up their practice. When faced with such a problem, there
is a tendency to prescribe ointments containing antibacterial,
antifungal agents, and steroids. Such a polytherapeutic approach may
have disastrous consequences. Moreover, some of the dermatological
conditions in children are different from those in adults. In this era
of sub-specialization, general pediatricians who offer primary care to
children must be knowledgeable in pediatric dermatological problems.
Since 20-30% of cases in pediatric practice have dermatological
problems, there is a need for a book on "Pediatric Dermatology" keeping
in view the specific problems encountered in Indian subcontinent.