The Down syndrome dermatology clinic, the only clinic of its kind in the country, focuses on skin conditions associated with Down syndrome. As leaders in this field, our goal is to improve the lives of those with Down syndrome.
Our state-of-the-art care is offered at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester. The clinic includes longer appointments to give our staff more time with patients and their network (parents, health care aides, or support staff). Please ask your provider to send a referral before making an appointment.
Skin conditions we treat
There are many associated skin conditions with Down syndrome. These include:
- Acne
- Alopecia areata
- Angular cheilitis and other rashes on or around the mouth
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Folliculitis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)
- Toenail fungus/foot fungus
- Vitiligo
What to expect from your appointment
The clinic has longer appointments to provide more time with you and your support persons (for example parents, health care aides, or support staff). We may contact you before the appointment to discuss an adaptive care plan. Specialists from the Child Life Program will be available if needed.
We will examine your skin and review your health history and outside records. So that we can best look at the skin, you will likely have to change into a gown. We will work with you to make this a positive experience.
We will create a personalized treatment plan based on your history and physical examination. In addition, we will take time to discuss daily routines to determine how to make a treatment plan successful.
Although not common, we will sometimes need blood work or a biopsy of the skin. We will work with you and Child Life team members to make this a positive experience.
Appointments and referrals
We provide services in Manchester, New Hampshire. We typically schedule appointments on the third Tuesday of every month. Please ask your provider to send a referral.
Patient resources
- Down Syndrome Center at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Podcast: Skin Conditions in Down Syndrome, Part 1
In this podcast, Dr. Rork discusses the below topics. The podcast includes video with pictures of these conditions:- Alopecia areata
- Angular cheilitis
- Cutis marmorata
- Diaper rash
- Dry lips
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Fissured tongue
- Keratosis pilaris
- Perioral dermatitis
- Down Syndrome Center at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Podcast: Skin Conditions in Down Syndrome, Part 2
In this podcast, Dr. Rork discusses the below topics. The podcast includes video with pictures of these conditions:- Acanthosis nigricans
- Folliculitis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Premature aging
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Skin cancers
- Syringomas
- Toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
- Vitiligo
Down Syndrome Dermatology Clinic staff
- Caitlin M. Yazel, Nurse manager, Dermatology
