Colleen Helen Cotton, MD

Colleen Cotton, MD, is a pediatric dermatologist and assistant professor who specializes in treating children with skin problems. She sees babies, children and teenagers with all types of skin conditions including acne, birthmarks, moles, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, genetic skin problems and many others. She is particularly interested in hidradenitis suppurativa as well as blood vessel birthmarks like hemangiomas, port wine stains, and vascular anomalies.

Skin problems in children are more than just skin deep, and can be emotionally and psychologically difficult for both parents and patients to deal with. Board-certified in both dermatology and pediatric dermatology, Dr. Cotton is passionate about helping patients feel confident and comfortable in their skin. She enjoys working with families to find treatments and solutions that work for them. 

Dr. Cotton has written numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has spoken at several national meetings. She is also an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Pediatric Dermatology and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance. She participates in clinical research to improve our understanding of both common and rare pediatric skin diseases. 

Dr. Cotton grew up in the greater D.C., area and graduated from college at the University of Georgia. She then completed medical school at Washington University in St. Louis in 2013. After finishing her intern year in pediatrics at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, she did a year of pediatric dermatology research at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Cotton then completed a dermatology residency at the University of Arizona, followed by a pediatric dermatology fellowship at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She practiced in South Carolina for three years before joining the team at Children's National Hospital in 2022.

Publications

ORCiD

• Dermatology

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has a working relationship (i.e. consulting, research, and/or educational services) with the companies listed below. These relations have been reported to the health system leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts.

Outside Interests

Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals