Dermatology

Dermatology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, from common issues like acne to complex diseases like skin cancer.

Areas of Dermatology:

1. Medical Dermatology:
   • Focuses on diagnosing and treating skin conditions such as:
     • Acne
     • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
     • Psoriasis
     • Rosacea
     • Fungal infections
     • Autoimmune skin disorders (e.g., lupus, pemphigus)
2. Cosmetic Dermatology:
   • Improves the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails through:
     • Botox and fillers
     • Chemical peels
     • Laser therapy
     • Microdermabrasion
     • Scar and stretch mark treatments
3. Surgical Dermatology:
   • Involves procedures to treat or remove skin lesions, including:
     • Skin cancer surgery (e.g., Mohs surgery)
     • Removal of warts, moles, or cysts
     • Scar revision
4. Pediatric Dermatology:
   • Specialized care for skin conditions in children, such as:
     • Birthmarks
     • Diaper rash
     • Genetic skin disorders

Common Conditions:

• Acne: Clogged hair follicles causing pimples or cysts.
• Eczema: Inflammation leading to itchy, red, and dry skin.
• Psoriasis: Chronic condition causing scaly, itchy patches.
• Skin Cancer: Includes melanoma and non-melanoma types like basal cell carcinoma.
• Alopecia: Hair loss due to various causes.
• Vitiligo: Loss of pigmentation in patches of skin.

Diagnostic and Treatment Techniques:

1. Skin Biopsy: Removing a small sample of skin for examination.
2. Dermatoscopy: Using a dermatoscope to examine skin lesions.
3. Cryotherapy: Freezing skin lesions with liquid nitrogen.
4. Phototherapy: Using UV light to treat psoriasis, eczema, etc.
5. Prescription Medications: Including topical creams, oral medications, or injectables.

When to See a Dermatologist:

• Persistent rashes, itching, or swelling
• Unexplained hair loss
• Suspicious moles or skin growths
• Chronic skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
• Cosmetic concerns like scars or wrinkles