Day 1 - Basics

What is dermatology?

Dermatology is an area of medicine concerned with the health of the skin and the diagnoses and treatment of skin disorders. Dermatologists must also study medicine and the factors that cause skin problems. Detailed research and study is required of radiation, climatic conditions, chemicals, plants, microorganisms, parasites and more. Dermatologists must be knowledgeable of outside factors affecting a patient's skin's condition. One example includes the drugs taken by a patient, the side effects of many drugs include skin related problems like rashes. Something I found quite interesting is that psychological elements play a significant role in this study. For instance, anxiety and stress are common triggers to cause eczema flare ups, which results in itchy red and rash-like appearance skin. The role that stress and other psychological issues play in acne, psoriasis, eczema, itching, hives and other skin problems is an important aspect within the field of dermatology. The skin is of major part of our body image, skin conditions cause distress and psychological disturbances further add to the problem and even cause some skin diseases.

What are the most common cases?

Dermatologists can treat over 3,000 different diseases. The most common cases dermatologists treat include the following:

Acne: Acne occurs when the pores are blocked off with excess oil and dead skin cells, it's very common.

Vitiligo: Vitiligo is caused by the loss of melanin or pigment in some patches of the skin.

Dermatitis and eczema: Dermatitis and eczema is the inflammation of skin. They typically leads to swelling with an itchy rash where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough.

Hair disorders: The hair loss can be an effect of alopecia. Alopecia areata is when bald spots occur can be caused by severe stress.

Psoriasis: This is a skin disorder that accelerates the growth of skin cells. This leads to scales and itchy, dry patches. There are several different types of psoriasis. Psoriasis can sometimes have an similar appearance to eczema.

Rosacea: Rosacea causes redness in the face like blushing and bumps are visible.

Skin cancer: One in five people in the U.S. will develop a form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Early treatment can resolve most skin cancers.

What are the most common procedures/treatments?

Cosmetic vs medical procedures:

Dermatologists perform cosmetic as well as medical procedures. A cosmetic dermatologist treats skin problems in addition to improving appearance, whereas medical dermatologist is treating these ailments to reduce health risks. Cosmetic skill sets include procedures such as botox, injections, chemical peels, dermabrasion and more. Dermatologists use a range of medical and cosmetic surgical procedures. Many dermatological conditions can be treated with medication, but some require surgery. Some procedures are listed below:

Biopsies: Skin Biopsies are used to diagnose skin conditions. There are three commonly used types of skin biopsies. Shave biopsies are used to remove the top of layer of skin, punch biopsies remove a small, deeper circular section, and excision biopsies remove entire areas of abnormal-looking skin.

Chemical peels: A chemical solution is applied to the skin causing a layer of skin to peel off, typically leaving smoother skin underneath. This procedure is used to treat some types of acne or sun-damaged skin. It can also be a cosmetic procedure removing some age sports and fine lines.

Cosmetic injections: Wrinkles and lost facial fullness can be reduced temporarily with injections. Fillers such a collagen and botox are common. This treatment lasts a few months and the injections have to repeated. Some people can develop antibodies to make treatments ineffective.

Dermabrasion: Dermatologists use a rotating brush to erode fine wrinkles, precancerous skin patches, scar tissue and tattoos.

Excisions of lesions: Skin lesions are removed to prevent diseases from spreading and prevents infections.

Hair removal: Unwanted body hair can be removed with laser hair epilation or electrolysis that destroys hair follicles.

Laser surgery: Using a special light beam tumors, warts, moles, birthmarks, scars, wrinkles and hair can be treated.

Skin grafts: Missing skin can be repaired using skin elsewhere on the body. Skin can be grafted from a tissue free of blood supply.

There are many more types of skin disorders and conditions as well as their treatments and appropriate procedures. These were just the very basics I researched.