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Dermatology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the skin, hair, nails, oral cavities and genitals. Cosmetic enhancement is also part of the science of dermatology. |
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The Science of DermatologyThe
Skin—An Amazing Organ The skin is a unique organ of the human body because it's accessible for direct visual examination. The dermatologist has the unusual advantage of being able to visually examine the skin and correlate it with the pathology present below the surface. Dermatologic
Problems—From Cosmetic to Life-threatening Other than skin cancer, dermatologic practice includes skin diseases, cosmetic problems, education and public health. Skin diseases include rashes such as psoriasis and lichen planus that are of unknown cause and seem to appear out of nowhere. Rashes caused by infections include impetigo (caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus), herpes zoster (caused by the varicella-zoster virus), syphilis (caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum), and fungal diseases such as athlete's foot. Many infections, particularly the viral ones, are really systemic diseases with visible skin manifestations. Allergic rashes and rashes due to skin injury are also common problems. Cosmetic problems can be caused be sun damage, scars from surgery or injury and congenital deformities.
Public Health—Bringing Science to the Public One of the little known functions of physicians in general—and particularly dermatologists—is the evaluation of new scientific knowledge, treatments and technology. Unfortunately researchers have been known to falsify scientific data to further their own careers, drug companies have exaggerated safety and eficacy claims to sell their medications, and equipment companies have overstated the benefits of their technology. Due to loopholes in federal law some prescription drugs have never been approved but are in common use. Nutritional supplements sometimes are powerful enough to qualify as drugs but nevertheless are never tested for safety or efficacy, but are just sold to the unsuspecting public.
The DermatologistEducation
and Training Because of his or her training in the scientific method, knowledge of cutaneous physiology, pathophysiology and experience treating skin diseases, a dermatologist is able to independently evaluate new ideas and products and choose whether or not to recommend or use them in practice. To do this right, the dermatologist reads medical journals, goes to medical meetings and tracks his or her own clinical results to see what works and what doesn't. These activities are done when the office is closed (and when the dermatologist could be doing something else!) and are integral part of the successful practice of medicine. Traditional
Approaches—Effective Treatments While nutritional and cosmetic products can be of value in treating dermatological conditions, these products do not have to meet the same stringent government standards for safety and effectiveness as prescription drugs. The dermatologist has extensive resources that facilitate finding the most effective treatment. The dermatologist can also effectively evaluate the testing done on a variety of products in order to determine their safety. A skilled dermatologist can be a valuable partner in helping you achieve and maintain optimum dermatological health for your physical and emotional well-being. |
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