Medical Dermatology
As the body’s largest organ, our skin is susceptible to a myriad of conditions, disorders, and diseases.
Dermatologists are uniquely educated and trained to diagnose and treat these issues as well as afflictions of the hair, nails, and mucous membranes. This practice is known as medical dermatology.
If you are wondering, “What is medical dermatology?” continue reading to learn all about common conditions, diagnostic tools, and treatments.
What Is Medical Dermatology?
Medical dermatology is an area of medicine that involves the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, nail, and mucous membrane conditions.
This specialty requires in-depth knowledge of the integumentary system as well as understanding of medical conditions that present with dermatological symptoms.
Accordingly, patients seeking medical dermatology care should be treated by a qualified and experienced dermatologist, who is certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
Evaluation of medical dermatology concerns typically begins with a visual examination and, based on the provider’s clinical expertise, may necessitate additional diagnostic testing.
Common Medical Dermatology Conditions
Board-certified dermatologists have the ability to diagnose and treat over 3000 different conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Some common medical dermatology disorders:
- Skin cancer – Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common, whereas melanoma is the most deadly
- Dermatitis – Inflammation of the skin, which can present in a number of ways
- Acne – A disease that affects adolescent and adult patients and is related to the skin’s oil glands
- Fungal Infections of the skin, hair, and nails
- Hair Disorders, including hereditary hair loss, alopecia, and head lice
- Vitiligo – Hypopigmented areas of skin due to loss of melanin
- Viral Skin Disorders, including warts and herpes
Other medical dermatology concerns include psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, keloids and scars, hives (urticaria), and itching (pruritus)
Medical Dermatology Treatments and Procedures
Medical dermatology treatments often involve medication, lifestyle changes (i.e. avoiding triggers), and non-invasive therapies.
Depending on the condition and severity, an in-office procedure or surgery may be necessary. These can include biopsies, cryotherapy, excision of lesions, and Mohs surgery.
Learn More About Medical Dermatology Today
If you would like to learn more about medical dermatology or have a related concern, please call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our highly skilled and experienced board-certified dermatologists.
