Lisa A. Swanson, MD

Tips on Treating Hemangiomas and Molluscum Contagiosum in Children, With Lisa Swanson, MD

2026 Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA)

 Summer Dermatology Conference, Lisa Swanson, MD, of Ada West Dermatology, spoke with 

 about several practical treatment strategies for common pediatric dermatology conditions, focusing on molluscum contagiosum, infantile hemangiomas, and pyogenic granulomas.

Molluscum contagiosum will eventually resolve on its own, but newer treatments such as berdazimer gel offer an effective option for families seeking active management.

Hemangiomas involving high-risk locations, large size, or ulceration often warrant prompt treatment to prevent complications and scarring.

Topical timolol may provide a painless, noninvasive alternative to surgical treatment for selected pediatric pyogenic granulomas.

Will Molluscum Contagiosum Go Away on Its Own?

“It will, if you do nothing, it will eventually go away,” Swanson said. “That can take up to two to three years, the average is one year, so it can take a while.”

Discussing molluscum contagiosum, Swanson noted the importance of setting realistic expectations for families. She explained that molluscum is ultimately a self-limited condition and will resolve without treatment, though clearance can take anywhere from 1 - 3 years, with approximately 1 year being common. While treatment is never needed, Swanson expressed that many families looking for specialty care have already decided they would prefer active intervention.

Among available agents, Swanson pointed to berdazimer gel, a nitric oxide-releasing topical treatment that became available within the last year. Based on her clinical experience, she described the medication as highly effective in routine practice. Although some individuals experience mild burning or stinging, Swanson explained, most are able to continue their therapy successfully and attain meaningful improvement.

Swanson also reviewed key factors that should prompt clinicians to consider treatment for infantile hemangiomas. Location, she stated, remains 1 of the most important considerations. This is especially true for lesions involving the eyelids, nose, lips, or diaper area, as these sites carry increased risks of functional impairment, cosmetic concerns, or ulceration.

Size is another critical factor, as larger hemangiomas are less likely to resolve without lasting sequelae. She also emphasized the value of recognizing and treating ulcerated hemangiomas, which can be painful and lead to permanent scarring. Beyond clinical risk factors, Swanson noted that patient and parent preferences should also play a role in treatment decisions.

What Are Some Treatment Options for Pyogenic Granulomas?

The session concluded with discussion of pyogenic granulomas, for which Swanson presented topical timolol as a valuable noninvasive alternative to surgical removal in selected pediatric patients. While shave excision and cautery remain standard treatment options, she explained that these procedures can be particularly challenging in young children.

Topical timolol, an inexpensive ophthalmic medication commonly used for glaucoma, can provide a painless treatment option when applied directly to the lesion. Swanson noted that improvement is often visible within a month, with complete resolution frequently occurring within 1 - 3 months, making it an attractive option for children and families seeking to avoid procedural intervention.

Disclosures: Swanson previously disclosed serving as a consultant for AbbVie, Alphyn, Arcutis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Castle, Dermavant, Galderma, Incyte, Janssen, Leo, Lilly, Novan, Pfizer, Sanofi-Regeneron, and Verrica.

Swanson L. Pediatric Track: Pediatric Pearls. Presented at SDPA Summer 2026. Jun 10-14, 2026.

Swanson L. What Are Some Clinical Pearls in Pediatric Dermatology? With Lisa Swanson, MD. HCPLive. June 13, 2026. Accessed June 14, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/what-clinical-pearls-pediatric-dermatology-lisa-swanson-md

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This SDPA Summer Conference interview with Lisa Swanson, MD, highlights several notable treatment options for molluscum and hemangiomas.

What Are Some Clinical Pearls in Pediatric Dermatology? With Lisa Swanson, MD

 Summer Dermatology Conference, Lisa Swanson, MD, of Ada West Dermatology, shared key clinical pearls from her session focused on common pediatric dermatology conditions, emphasizing practical treatment strategies for infantile hemangiomas and warts.

Infantile hemangiomas can cause significant complications, and clinicians should feel empowered to treat them early and appropriately.

The shortage of pediatric dermatologists makes it increasingly important for general dermatology providers to manage common pediatric conditions.

New and emerging wart treatments, including topical therapies and saltwater soaks, may offer effective and less painful alternatives for patients.

HPV vaccination may have benefits beyond cancer prevention, including a potential role in wart management and protection against occupational HPV exposure.

A major focus of Swanson’s presentation was helping clinicians feel more confident managing infantile hemangiomas. Although hemangiomas are exclusively pediatric conditions, she noted that many clinicians remain hesitant to treat them despite the significant impact they can have on patients and families. Swanson stressed that untreated hemangiomas can be disfiguring, painful when ulcerated, and a source of considerable anxiety for caregivers, making timely intervention important.

“These babies need treatment,” Swanson stated. “Hemangiomas can be disfiguring, they can be painful when they ulcerate, they can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for the patient and their family, and so we need to feel brave enough to tackle hemangiomas.”

To help attendees feel more comfortable treating these lesions, Swanson reviewed how she counsels parents regarding available therapies, safety considerations, and potential adverse effects. She also shared before-and-after images demonstrating the effectiveness of current treatment approaches. Given the nationwide shortage of pediatric dermatologists, she noted that just over 400 pediatric dermatologists practice in the United States, with seven states still lacking one entirely. Swanson encouraged dermatology clinicians to take a more active role in managing hemangiomas and to seek guidance when needed rather than delaying care.

The session also featured discussion of several wart treatment strategies. Swanson highlighted a prescription topical therapy known as ‘WartPEEL,’ which she described as one of her preferred options because of its high effectiveness, relatively rapid results, and painless application. According to Swanson, the treatment often clears warts within several weeks while avoiding the discomfort associated with many traditional therapies.

She also reviewed emerging evidence supporting saltwater soaks for plantar warts, citing encouraging data suggesting meaningful treatment success. In her practice, the approach has been given the patient-friendly nickname “the mermaid treatment,” a reference intended to improve engagement and adherence among younger patients.

What Are the Benefits of the HPV Vaccine for Warts?

Additionally, Swanson discussed the potential use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a treatment strategy for certain wart cases. While acknowledging that this remains an off-label approach, she reviewed studies evaluating both intramuscular and intralesional administration. Beyond wart management, Swanson also encouraged dermatology clinicians to consider HPV vaccination for themselves, citing occupational exposure to HPV-containing surgical plume and its potential association with head and neck cancers.

At SDPA, Swanson highlighted a variety of key tips for clinicians, including strategies for treating hemangiomas and warts in children.

The Influence of Physician Role Models on Young Patients, With Lisa Swanson, MD

 explored the lasting influence physicians can have on young patients, particularly through representation, mentorship, and the relationships formed over years of care.

Hosted by Mona Shahriari, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University and practicing dermatologist in Connecticut, the discussion featured Lisa Swanson, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist at Ada West Dermatology and St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho.

As the episode drew to a close, Shahriari reflected on one of the unique aspects of caring for children: their ability to bring humor, curiosity, and joy into the clinical setting. She noted that pediatric patients often find delight in seemingly ordinary moments and can help physicians reconnect with a lighter perspective on life. The conversation naturally transitioned into a discussion about the impact physicians may have on young patients who see them not only as healthcare providers but also as role models.

Swanson reflected on her own experience as a child patient, recalling how a dermatologist she admired helped shape her perception of what was possible professionally. Looking back, she recognized the influence that seeing a successful woman physician had on her eventual decision to pursue dermatology herself. That experience, she explained, has made her acutely aware that some of the children she treats today may similarly remember their interactions with her for years to come.

To illustrate that point, Swanson shared the story of a young patient with severe alopecia areata. After receiving treatment and experiencing substantial hair regrowth, the child returned to clinic excited to show off a new haircut. For Swanson, the moment represented far more than a successful therapeutic outcome. The experience became even more meaningful when the child later asked whether she could become a dermatologist someday. Swanson described immediately encouraging the young girl, viewing the interaction as a reminder of the broader influence physicians can have beyond diagnosis and treatment.

Shahriari emphasized that many clinicians may underestimate the significance of their presence in patients’ lives, particularly for children who may view their physicians as heroes. She suggested that representation matters not only in terms of professional achievement but also in demonstrating compassion, confidence, and leadership.

Swanson also reflected on the relationships that develop with pediatric patients and their families over time. She described feeling honored when families mention discussing her outside of clinic visits, seeing those moments as evidence that she has become a meaningful part of their lives.

Together, Shahriari and Swanson concluded that the influence of a physician often extends well beyond medical care, shaping how children view themselves, their futures, and the possibilities available to them.

Editor’s note: This episode was produced with the help of AI tools.

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Swanson L, Shahriari M. The Medical Sisterhood: The Hidden Cost of Being the Compassionate Doctor, With Lisa Swanson MD. HCPLive. May 15, 2026. Accessed June 9, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/the-medical-sisterhood-hidden-cost-compassionate-doctor-lisa-swanson-md

This segment of the May episode of The Medical Sisterhood highlights key points regarding the impacts of role models on young patients in dermatology.

Addressing Pediatric Patients and Caregivers Fears in Dermatology, With Lisa Swanson, MD

, host Mona Shahriari, MD and pediatric dermatologist Lisa Swanson, MD continued their discussion on the emotional realities of pediatric dermatology, focusing on the burden chronic skin disease places not only on patients but also on parents and caregivers.

The conversation began with Shahriari reflecting on the importance of counseling families following diagnoses such as vitiligo. She described a memorable encounter with the mother of a child diagnosed with a small patch of vitiligo, recalling the parent’s immediate fear and emotional reaction despite the limited extent of disease. Shahriari emphasized that much of dermatologic care involves reassuring families that skin disease is not their fault and helping them navigate fears surrounding a child’s future and self-confidence.

Swanson expanded on the psychological burden associated with pediatric inflammatory skin disease, particularly atopic dermatitis. She referenced research showing elevated anxiety and depression levels among parents of children with atopic dermatitis, noting that in some cases parental emotional distress may even exceed that experienced by adult patients with the condition themselves. Swanson also mentioned hearing discussions suggesting that atopic dermatitis may contribute to strain within marriages and family dynamics, particularly due to chronic sleep disruption and differing opinions regarding treatment decisions.

The pair discussed how lack of sleep, stress, and long-term caregiving responsibilities can intensify emotional exhaustion among parents. Swanson noted that pediatric dermatologists frequently find themselves serving as mediators between caregivers who may disagree about treatment approaches or disease severity.

Later in the segment, Shahriari shifted the discussion toward the emotional expectations often placed on women physicians. She noted that behaviors frequently accepted in male physicians, such as directness or emotional detachment, are often interpreted differently when displayed by women clinicians, who may instead be labeled as cold or difficult.

Swanson acknowledged struggling with those expectations throughout her career, particularly while balancing advocacy, leadership, and compassion in pediatric dermatology. She explained that women physicians are often expected to remain endlessly empathetic while simultaneously maintaining clinical authority and professionalism.

The discussion concluded with both physicians reflecting on the importance of boundaries in medicine. While empathy remains central to patient care, Shahriari and Swanson emphasized that constantly absorbing the emotional burdens of others can lead to exhaustion if physicians fail to prioritize their own well-being alongside that of their patients.

Editor’s note: This segment was summarized with the help of AI tools.

This segment of the May episode of The Medical Sisterhood highlights the importance of addressing patients' and parents' fears in dermatology.

Lisa A. Swanson, MD

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