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Your skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body and has many functions. It controls body temperature, protects against injury, and prevents infection. Your skin reflects your health.
Dermatology is a field of medicine which deals with the science of skin, its structure, its function, and its diseases.
Since skin is more complex than a simple wrapping, it is subject to disease. Sooner or later, everyone has some kind of skin problems. This is when dermatologist, doctors who specialize in skin care, can help you.
Why is my skin so important?
Your skin is a window in the body’s internal world which allows dermatologists to diagnose and treat medical problems related to it, and of course to take care of the skin itself.
How are dermatologists different from other doctors?
Dermatologists are doctors with added training that allows them to very precisely diagnose and treat diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Today, there are about 10,000 dermatologists in the United States.
Why should I see a dermatologist?
It is a good idea to see a dermatologist yearly to check the skin, especially when symptoms of skin disease appear. Expert diagnosis, rapid cure, and good medical management means less discomfort and reduced costs.
Do dermatologists just treat adults?
No! Skin problems affect everyone from newborn babies to the elderly. Dermatologists treat children, adolescents, and adults.
Do dermatologists see teenagers?
A large part of many dermatologists’ time is devoted to treatment of teenagers’ and young adults’ skin problems. In one survey, acne was at the top of the list of most often treated disorders.
What’s special about specialists?
Dermatologists are specialists because after they go to medical school and internship, study three years longer than general physicians to learn about the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Doctors who complete the three-year residency program must take a two-part comprehensive test given by the American Board of Dermatology. Only physicians who pass both parts of the test are called “Board Certified” dermatologists. That means the doctor has met extensive requirements.
What do dermatologists treat?
Dermatologists treat skin cancer, moles, warts, fungal infections, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, contact dermatitis, and many other skin conditions. They also do cosmetic procedures like collagen injections, botulinum toxin injections, laser, and peels.
Are dermatologists surgeons, too?
Yes! Dermatologists perform surgery to prevent or provide early control of disease and to improve how the skin looks.
How do they improve the way the skin looks?
Dermatologists improve the skin through cosmetic procedures, removing growths, discolorations, or skin damage cause by sunlight, aging, or disease.
What are some of today’s more common skin problems?
- Acne – is the term for plugged pores, pimples, and deeper lumps that occur on the chest, back, and face. Acne affects most teenagers, but adults can get acne as well. Medical treatment can minimize potential scarring.
- Athlete’s Foot – is caused by a fungal infection. Moisture, darkness, and sweating make the perfect setting for fungus to grow.
- Skin Cancer – is the most common of all cancers. Its main cause is exposure to sunlight, especially after sunburn with blistering. Prevention is a matter of limiting sun exposure of the skin by covering up and using sunscreens with at least an SPF 15 rating and reapplying every two hours.
- Cold Sores or Herpes Simplex – can cause blister-liker sores almost anywhere on a person’s skin. There are two types: one usually occurs around the mouth and nose and the other often appears on the buttocks and genitals.
- Eczema or Dermatitis – can have many causes. Most of these fall into one of two types: an externally triggered “contact” rash or an internally triggered skin reaction. Rashes are extremely common. Many people start with dry, chapped areas that later become red, scaly, and inflamed. Some skin reactions are often inherited.
- Hives – are pink swellings called wheals which can been fading away, leaving no trace. When hives form, they are usually very itchy, but may also sting or burn. Allergic reactions to chemicals in food or medications can cause histamine to be released and form hives.
- Psoriasis – is a persistent skin disease that got its name from the Greek word “itch”. The skin becomes inflamed and produces red, thick scaly areas that look silvery, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. In the united states, more than five million people have psoriasis.
- Warts – are caused by a viral infection of the cells in the top layer of the skin. The four most common warts are found on hands and feet, or on the genitals. Flat warts are common on the face and legs, are skin-colored, and feel rough.
What can I expect from my visit to my dermatologist?
- Interest in you, your skin problem, and your concerns.
- Medical history and physical exam of your skin.
- Laboratory studies may be necessary depending on your problem.
- A reasonable explanation of the problem and a reasonable explanation of adverse reactions some drugs may cause.
What about drugs?
It’s helpful for patients to remember that:
- Medications your dermatologist recommends have the best chance of helping and the least chance of harming you.
- Dermatologists use creams and lotions pills and surgery.
There are many changes taking place in the field of dermatology with new ways to effectively treatments and their patients will recover with better results in less time!
We apologize for not showing any photos here for ethical reasons. You may refer to the following website for before and after photos: www.aad.org
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