Improving confidence in paediatric dermatology management in the emergency department

Dr Yasmin Mahfouz, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, provides insights into a project aimed at addressing the confidence gap among clinicians managing dermatological presentations in a busy children’s A&E department. The discussion highlights how, despite dermatology not being a 24-hour service, children frequently present to A&E with new or worsening skin conditions. Dr Mahfouz describes the development of a tailored guideline, created in collaboration with dermatology colleagues and informed by a survey of common presentations and clinician knowledge gaps. The guideline includes management plans, escalation pathways, and representative images of children from diverse backgrounds. Following implementation, clinician confidence in managing paediatric dermatology presentations improved by more than 70%. Dr Mahfouz emphasises the importance of identifying knowledge gaps, developing targeted resources, and continuously seeking to improve care for children with dermatological conditions. This interview took place at the RCPCH conference 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.