LAS VEGAS – Clinicians should not shy away from light-based treatment of vascular lesions in children, for reasons that include achieving better results when treated early, according to Kristen M. Kelly, MD.
Special considerations include addressing children’s fears. “One of the strategies we use is we have child life specialists who help us” create a friendly and welcoming environment, Dr. Kelly said in a video interview at Skin Disease Education Foundation’s annual Las Vegas Dermatology Seminar. Consequently, “many of our children actually come in, they’re excited about their visit ... and are looking forward to seeing us at the next visit,” she noted.
Which type of anesthesia to use is another important consideration when treating children, said Dr. Kelly of the University of California, Irvine, in Orange. “For a larger procedure ... one definitely could consider general anesthesia,” but there are risks and benefits to general anesthesia in very young children, and options should be discussed with patients and their families, she said.
Dr. Kelly disclosed relationships with multiple companies including Allergan, MundiPharma, Syneron-Candela, Light Sciences Oncology, Novartis, Sciton, and ThermiRF.
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