Connect With A Dermatologist Near You








A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in the field of dermatology. Dermatology is one of the specialties under medicine that deals with the disorders of the skin, hair, nails, and adjacent mucous membrane. A dermatologist is a doctor that has gotten a degree in medicine and surgery but then proceeds to specialize on dermatology. A dermatologist is trained in the following;

  • They are trained to evaluate signs and symptoms and to diagnose and treat cancers of the skin, tumors, and the development of moles.
  • They are trained to treat skin diseases such as acne, contact dermatitis, and so on.
  • They are trained to diagnose and treat infections of the skin, and other systemic diseases.
  • They are trained to be able to interpret skin biopsies.
  • They are trained to be able to carry out surgical techniques that might be needed for the treatment of skin diseases.

There are different fields under dermatology. Below are some of them;

  1. Cosmetic Dermatology: This is a field of dermatology that has to do with minimally invasive techniques and approach to the treatment and the correction of defects. Examples of cosmetic dermatology include facelift, liposuction, tummy tuck and so on. Cosmetic surgeries can be done to improve the function of organs and tissues, and might also be used done for beautification purposes.
  2. Dermatopathology: This is the field of dermatology that deals with the treatment of the diseases of the skin.
  3. Mohs surgery: This is the field of surgery that deals with the excision of skin cancers by making use of tissue-sparing techniques. Usually, physicians that carry out this procedure do receive special training on how to carry out this surgery. Physicians must have a good knowledge of both pathology and surgery to be able to carry out this kind of surgery.
  4. Pediatric surgery: This field of dermatology combines both paediatrics and dermatology. It focuses on the treatment of the skin disorders of children. This includes hereditary skin disorders.
  5. Immunodermatology: This is the field of dermatology that deals with the treatment of skin disorders that are caused by an impairment of the immune system. Examples of this disease include lupus, vulgaris, pemphigus, and so on.

Diseases Treated by Dermatologists

There are many diseases that can be treated by dermatologists. Below are some of the diseases;

  1. Acne: Acne is a skin condition that develops when the hair follicles become clogged with oil and other particles. This mostly develops on the face, however, it can also appear on any part of the body, such as the chest, shoulders, back, and so on. This skin condition does cause the development of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and so on. The exact cause of acne isn’t known yet, although some factors that contribute to the development of the disease have been identified. Some of these factors include
  • Excess oil production
  • The presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and so on
  • The blockage of the hair follicles by dead skin cells and oil particles.
  • The activity of androgenic hormones

The signs and symptoms of acne largely depend on the severity of the disease. Some of the symptoms include the appearance of the painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin. Others include the presence of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and so on. Although acne might eventually disappear on its own. It does sometimes persist for a long time, even after the use of home care remedies. This is when it’s important to consult your dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment.

  1. Contact dermatitis: This is a skin condition that causes the development of red, itchy rash on the skin, due to the contact with a material. Contact dermatitis occurs as a result of the allergy an individual has for a substance. Direct contact with such material would lead to the development of this disease. There are many materials that could cause this condition. Examples of such materials include cream, fragrance, plants, wools and furs of animals, soaps and so on. One of the ways to avoid this disease is by avoiding the trigger. The rash caused by this condition usually disappear after a period of about 2 weeks to a month. Some of the symptoms of this skin disorder include the following;
  • The appearance of a rash on the skin.
  • Patient might experience some pain and discomfort due to the rash.
  • Itching of the skin
  • Swelling and tenderness of the affected part of the skin.
  • The appearance of dry, scaly skin.

You should consult your doctor if you notice any of the above and if it persists for long.

 

  1. Psoriasis: This is a skin condition in which the life cycle of the skin cells becomes rapid. This causes the cell to accumulate on the surface of the skin. This is a chronic disease. Some of the signs and symptoms of psoriasis include the development of red patches of skin covered with silver scaly cells. Patient might experience some burning sensations or soreness on the affected part of the body. Psoriasis might eventually lead to psoriatic arthritis if not well managed. This is associated with the rigidity and swelling of the joints. There are different types of psoriasis. They include nail psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, plaque psoriasis and so on. The exact cause of the disease isn’t known yet, however, the immune system plays a significant role in the development of the disease. This disease has no treatment, however, the symptoms can be improved. It’s important to consult a physician for proper evaluation and treatment.
  2. Rosacea: This is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face. The affected patient does present with symptoms such as the redness and swelling of the face. The exact cause of the disease is not known, although some factors have been identified. Some of the factors that could lead to the development of the disease include exercise, heat, sunlight and so on. The disease does not have a cure, however, the symptoms can be improved with good treatment. Dermatologists usually administer medications and might carry out special procedures such as dermabrasion or laser surgery.

References

Kruyswijk, M., Jenner, T., Kemna, G., & Hove, B. (2008). FS07.4
Co-operation between dermatologist and occupational health physician. Contact Dermatitis, 50(3), 151-151. doi: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2004.0309bt.x

Restaino, J. (2013). Drug Safety: Implications for the Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist. Seminars In Cutaneous Medicine And Surgery, 32(4), 195-198. doi: 10.12788/j.sder.0041

Westbrook, R., Goyal, N., & Gawkrodger, D. (2006). Diagnostic accuracy for skin cancer: Comparison of a general practitioner with dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Journal Of Dermatological Treatment, 17(1), 57-58. doi: 10.1080/09546630500442864