What is Dermatology?
Dermatology is the medical discipline that deals with the
study of the structure, functions, and diseases of the skin and its
accessories such as hair, nails, sweat and sebaceous glands. Dermatology
covers all aspects of immunology, allergy and skin toxicology, skin physiology
and biochemistry. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in
dermatology.
As skin diseases and disorders can be isolated or signs of
some internal diseases, a physician working as a dermatologist should possess
working knowledge of basic surgery, rheumatology, neurology and endocrinology.
In the United States,
to be eligible to practice as dermatologist, one must complete 4 years of
college (pre-medical training), 4 years of medical school, followed by a year
of internship. After internship, he or she has to successfully complete
training in dermatology residency.
The common conditions treated by a dermatologist are acne,
eczema, herpes, impetigo, boils, skin ulcers, athlete's foot, fungal
infections, corns, dermatitis, hives, hair loss, skin cancer, psoriasis and
diseases of the nails. Dermatologists typically prescribe creams, ointments
and medications for common and minor skin diseases. For chronic skin diseases,
advanced treatment options such as phototherapy, photodynamic treatments,
chemotherapy, Mohs micrographic and laser surgical procedures are utilized.
There are medical subspecialties and surgical specialty for
dermatology. The surgical specialty of dermatology is dermasurgery. This
subspecialty involves surgical treatment and procedure for benign and
malignant skin tumors like skin cancers and congenital problems. Also a
subspecialty of pathology, dermatopathology deals with the identification and
management of diseases affecting the skin. Dermatopathologists study and
interpret cells and tissues under the microscope. Pediatric dermatology deals
with the diagnoses and treatment of skin diseases in children.
Immunodermatology is a subspecialty that studies skin as an organ of immunity
in health and disease. Cosmetic dermatology is one of the fastest growing
subspecialty of dermatology mainly dealing with cosmetic problems of the skin.
In addition, dermatology is often practiced in combination with venereology
and phlebology to treat and diagnose sexually transmitted diseases and
problems of the superficial venous system.
SEO by MOS