What is Dermatology?
Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing skin, hair, and nail problems.
The best dermatology hospital in India provides advanced treatments for skin problems. Our Dermatologists are trained to treat various skin illnesses, including:
- Skin cancer
- Eczema
- Acne
- Psoriasis.
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Get A Second OpinionOur skin is the body's biggest organ and is crucial in protecting it from external damage.
Dermatologists may also provide advice on how to prevent skin conditions from occurring or recurring, including recommendations on diet, exercise, and skincare practices.
In addition to treating medical conditions, dermatologists also provide cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of the skin.
These treatments may include
- Chemical peels
- Fillers
- Botox injections
Dermatology is constantly evolving, and new treatments and techniques are continually being developed to help patients achieve optimal skin health.
Types Of Dermatology
Various types of dermatology focus on different areas of the field, including:
Medical dermatology
Medical dermatology deals with diagnosing and treating skin diseases, like:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
Surgical dermatology
Surgical dermatology involves treating skin conditions, such as skin cancer, cysts, and moles. It also includes cosmetic procedures, such as
- Laser therapy
- Chemical peels
Pediatric dermatology
Pediatric dermatology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions in children. Common pediatric skin conditions include
- Eczema
- Diaper rash
- Warts
Dermatopathology
This is a subspecialty of dermatology that involves diagnosing skin diseases by examining skin tissue samples under a microscope.
Cosmetic dermatology
This type of dermatology involves using non-invasive and invasive procedures to improve the appearance of the skin. Common cosmetic dermatology procedures include Botox, fillers, and laser therapy.
Mohs surgery
This is a specialised surgical technique used to remove skin cancers. It involves removing thin layers of skin and examining each layer under a microscope until all cancer cells are removed.
What are the symptoms of dermatological conditions:
Here are some common symptoms of dermatological conditions:
- Skin rashes or redness
- Itching or irritation
- Dry, scaly, or flaky skin
- Blisters or sores
- Swelling or inflammation
- Pain or tenderness
- Changes in skin colour or texture
- Excessive sweating or oiliness
- Hair loss or thinning
- Nail changes or abnormalities
- Lesions or bumps on the skin
- Crusting or oozing of the skin
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Sensitivity to sunlight or heat
- Hives or welts
Functions and importance of our body parts treated in dermatology:
The human skin is the largest organ in the body. It serves as a protective barrier against environmental factors, regulates body temperature, and synthesises vitamin D. Dermatology is an important area of medicine.
The following are the functions and importance of the parts treated in dermatology:
- Skin
- Hair
- Nails
- Sebaceous glands
- Sweat glands
Causes of dermatological conditions:
Dermatological conditions are a group of disorders that affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Some of the common causes of dermatological conditions are:
Genetics
Some dermatological conditions are caused by genetic mutations, which can be inherited from one or both parents. Examples include psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Environmental factors
Factors such as sunlight exposure, pollution, and extreme temperatures can trigger or exacerbate some dermatological conditions. For instance, exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and hyperpigmentation.
Infections
Skin infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can cause dermatological conditions such as warts, impetigo, ringworm, and scabies.
Allergies
Allergic reactions to certain substances such as food, drugs, and cosmetics can cause dermatological conditions such as hives, contact dermatitis, and angioedema.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, dermatomyositis, and scleroderma can cause various dermatological conditions by attacking the skin and other connective tissues.
Hormonal changes
The changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger or exacerbate some dermatological conditions, such as acne and melasma.
Trauma
Trauma to the skin, such as cuts, burns, and insect bites, can cause dermatological conditions such as scars, keloids, and cellulitis.
Stress
It can weaken the immune system and trigger or exacerbate dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Medications
Certain medications, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause dermatological side effects, such as rashes, hives, and itching.
Treatment options for dermatology:
There are various treatments available in dermatology for different skin conditions.
Here are some examples:Topical medications
These are creams, lotions, gels, or ointments applied directly to the skin. They can treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Oral medications
Oral drugs treat acne, rosacea, and other skin diseases.
Injections
Injections are used for various reasons in dermatology. They can treat wrinkles, excessive sweating, and keloid scars.
Laser therapy
We use lasers to treat different skin issues such as acne scars, wrinkles, and spider veins.
Phototherapy
UV light treats skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.
Cryotherapy
This involves freezing and destroying abnormal or diseased tissue with liquid nitrogen. It's often employed to treat warts and some types of skin cancer.
Chemical peels
These are solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve the skin's texture. They can treat fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary for some skin conditions, such as skin cancer or a cyst that needs to be removed.
It's important to note that the appropriate treatment will depend on the patient's condition and should be determined by a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
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Book an AppointmentHow to diagnose dermatology:
Several diagnostic tests are conducted in dermatology to help identify skin conditions and diseases. Here are some of the common tests:
Skin biopsy
A small portion of skin is extracted and examined under a microscope to identify skin problems such as skin cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infections.
Patch testing
We put small patches with possible allergens on your skin to find out what's causing dermatitis.
Skin scraping
We take a tiny sample of your skin and examine it under a microscope to check for fungal infections, such as ringworm.
Dermoscopy
We use a special magnifying tool to examine skin spots closely and help diagnose skin cancer or other skin problems.
Culture and sensitivity testing
A sample of skin or skin fluid is taken and tested in a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria or fungus causing an infection and determine the most effective treatment.
Blood tests
Various blood tests can be conducted to help diagnose skin conditions such as autoimmune disorders, infections, and cancer.
These are just a few of the diagnostic tests that dermatologists may use to help diagnose skin conditions. The tests we use will vary based on each patient and their symptoms.