Services
Pediatric dermatology
Age-appropriate dermatological care at the Vienna–Döbling practice — with clinical experience as head of the pediatric dermatology outpatient clinic at Klinik Donaustadt.
What is pediatric dermatology?
Pediatric dermatology addresses diseases of the skin, hair, and nails in infants, children, and adolescents. Children's skin differs from adult skin: it is thinner, often more reactive, and shows conditions that progress differently depending on age. Assessment therefore requires experience with pediatric findings — from diaper dermatitis and atopic eczema to infections, warts, or congenital skin changes.
Specific patterns also appear in childhood: eczema may shift from the face to extensor or flexural sites, viral exanthems must be distinguished from bacterial infections, and moles are assessed differently than in adults. Nail changes, hair loss, or excessive sweating can also be reasons for a visit.
The goal is a clear, understandable assessment: What is harmless and can be observed? What should be treated or investigated further? The information on this page is for general orientation and does not replace an individual medical examination or consultation. For acute, severely impairing symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.
Who is this focus area for?
Families present when children have itch, dry skin, rashes, recurrent skin infections, or conspicuous moles. Uncertainty about care — for example which creams help with atopic dermatitis, or how to ease scratching — is also a common reason. Some parents seek clarity after a GP or pediatrician has recommended a dermatological opinion.
Adolescents also come with acne, pigment changes, or questions about scars and skin appearance. A pediatric appointment gives space to explain findings calmly and discuss realistic next steps with caregivers — without pressure, and with school, sport, and daily life in mind.
Our approach at the practice
Dr. Mahitab Khalifa-Paruch is a specialist in dermatology and venereology and a pediatric dermatologist. As a senior physician at Klinik Donaustadt and head of the pediatric dermatology outpatient clinic, she brings hospital-level clinical routine into the private practice in Vienna Döbling. This dual experience — clinic and practice — helps classify unclear or rarer pediatric skin presentations and understand the transition between outpatient and inpatient care.
The focus is on a calm, age-appropriate examination and transparent counselling. Treatments are adapted to age, skin condition, and family daily life — as practical as possible and without unnecessary pressure. Where further investigation seems useful, this is discussed openly. Guarantees of cure or blanket success promises are neither good practice nor realistic medicine.
What to expect at your visit
After the history comes examination of the affected skin areas — with dermoscopy if needed. Together we assess whether local therapy, care adjustments, follow-up, or further diagnostics make sense. For young children the examination is gentle; caregivers may ask questions at any time.
You receive clear guidance on care, everyday factors (e.g. bathing, clothing, swimming), and warning signs that warrant an earlier return visit. Appointments are also possible by video conference when an in-person examination is not strictly required. Whether a video visit suffices depends on the presentation and is recommended case by case.
Follow-up and ongoing support
Many childhood skin conditions come in flares. Follow-up visits and adjustments to care are therefore part of the treatment concept — especially in chronic pictures such as atopic dermatitis. Between appointments, consistent basic care often matters as much as correctly dosed acute therapy.
Please bring prior findings, products you use, and notes on triggers to follow-up visits when possible. This helps assess the course. If symptoms worsen acutely, we decide together whether an earlier check is useful. Content on this website does not replace emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can children visit the practice?
Infants, children, and adolescents are seen. The appointment is designed to be child-friendly; caregivers accompany the examination and discussion of next steps when needed.
Do I need a referral?
As a private consultant (Wahlärztin), you can usually book directly. Whether and to what extent your health insurer reimburses costs depends on your coverage — details can be clarified beforehand or after the visit.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
Prior findings, a list of creams or medicines used, and notes on triggers and course are helpful. For young children, a short account of recent weeks is often enough.
Can appointments take place online?
Yes, selected concerns can be discussed by video conference. Whether an in-person examination is needed depends on the presentation and is recommended case by case.