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Dermatology Overview

Dermatology is the medical specialty focused on the skin, hair, nails, and associated diseases, encompassing both medical and surgical aspects. Dermatologists treat a wide range of conditions, including acne, eczema, and skin cancer, and can specialize in areas such as cosmetic, pediatric, and surgical dermatology. Patient assessment involves consultations, visual examinations, and various diagnostic tools to determine appropriate treatment plans.

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120 views3 pages

Dermatology Overview

Dermatology is the medical specialty focused on the skin, hair, nails, and associated diseases, encompassing both medical and surgical aspects. Dermatologists treat a wide range of conditions, including acne, eczema, and skin cancer, and can specialize in areas such as cosmetic, pediatric, and surgical dermatology. Patient assessment involves consultations, visual examinations, and various diagnostic tools to determine appropriate treatment plans.

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kachiume01
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Dermatology: An Overview

Dermatology is the medical specialty focused on the skin - the body's largest organ - as well as hair,

nails and associated diseases. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) defines a

dermatologist as "a medical doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails".

The skin protects the body from heat, cold, germs and injury, and changes in skin appearance often

reflect overall health. As a result, dermatology is a broad field with medical and surgical aspects.

Board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat disorders ranging from rashes and psoriasis to

skin cancer and acne. Because the skin has so many functions and diseases, dermatologists play a

vital role in patient care.

TYPES OF DERMATOLOGISTS & CONDITIONS TREATED

Dermatology has several subspecialties. In general, general dermatologists treat people of all ages

for common skin issues (such as acne, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hair loss, fungal and

bacterial infections, rashes, and skin cancers). Cosmetic dermatologists focus on aesthetic

treatments (e.g. wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, hair removal, pigment changes) using procedures

like Botox, lasers, and fillers. Surgical dermatologists, including Mohs surgeons, specialize in skin

cancer removal and reconstructive procedures. Pediatric dermatologists treat infants, children and

teens. They have special expertise in childhood skin conditions (birthmarks, hemangiomas, eczema

in infants, genetic disorders, etc.).

Common conditions: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, hair loss, nail disorders, and skin

cancers.

Subspecialties: Dermatopathology, Mohs surgery, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology.

RESOURCES FOR LEARNING


- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

- British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)

- Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD)

- Dermatology journals: JAAD, JAMA Dermatology, British Journal of Dermatology, Pediatric

Dermatology

- Medical websites: Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, DermNet NZ

PATIENT ASSESSMENT

Dermatologists begin with a consultation and patient history. They ask about timing, symptom

quality, previous treatments, sun exposure, allergies, lifestyle, and family history.

VISUAL EXAMINATION

A full visual exam is conducted using terms like macule, papule, plaque, nodule, vesicle. Tools

include:

- Dermatoscope: magnifies lesions ~10× with light

- Skin biopsy: small tissue sampling for histopathology

- Patch testing: identifies allergic contact dermatitis

- Wood's lamp: UV light for fungal/pigment disorders

- Lab tests: occasionally ordered

STEP-BY-STEP DERMATOLOGY VISIT

1. Chief Complaint

2. History of Present Illness

3. Past Medical/Skin History

4. Medications and Allergies

5. Review of Systems

6. Physical Exam
7. Counseling and Treatment Plan

EXAMPLE CASES

Acne (teen): Retinoids, antibiotics, skincare routine.

Eczema (child): Itching triggers, topical steroids, moisturizing routine.

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