Dermatology

Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin. It is a specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist is a specialist medical doctor who manages diseases related to skin, hair, and nails.

Dermatopathology: A dermatopathologist is a pathologist or dermatologist who specializes in the pathology of the skin.

Trichology: Trichology specializes in diseases, which manifest with hair loss, hair abnormalities, hypertrichosis, and scalp changes.

Immunodermatology: This field specializes in the treatment of immune-mediated skin diseases such as lupus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and other immune-mediated skin disorders. Specialists in this field often run their own immunopathology labs. Immunodermatology testing is essential for the correct diagnosis and treatment of many diseases affecting epithelial organs including skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The various diseases often overlap in clinical and histological presentation and, although the diseases themselves are not common, may present with features of common skin disorders such as urticaria, eczema, and chronic itch. Therefore, the diagnosis of an immunodermatologist disease is often delayed. Tests are performed on blood and tissues that are sent to various laboratories from medical facilities and referring physicians.

Mohs surgery: The dermatologic subspecialty called Mohs surgery focuses on the excision of skin cancers using a technique that allows intraoperative assessment of most of the peripheral and deep tumor margins.

Therapies:

Therapies provided by dermatologists include:

• Excision and treatment of skin cancer
• Cryosurgery for the treatment of warts, skin cancers, and other dermatoses
• Cosmetic filler injections
• Intraregional treatment with steroid drugs or chemotherapy
• Laser therapy for the management of birthmarks, skin disorders (like vitiligo), tattoo removal, and cosmetic resurfacing and rejuvenation
• Chemical peels for the treatment of acne, melasma, and sun damage
• Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of skin cancer and precancerous growths
• Phototherapy including the use of narrowband UVB, broadband UVB, psoralen, and UVB
• Tumescent liposuction: Invented by a gynecologist, a dermatologist (Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein) adapted the procedure to a local infusion of a dilute anesthetic called tumescent liposuction. This method is now widely practiced by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and gynecologists.
• Vitiligo surgery includes procedures such as autologous melanocyte transplant, suction blister grafting, and punch grafting.
• Allergy testing uses “patch” testing for contact dermatitis.
• Systemic therapies include antibiotics, immunomodulators, and novel injectable products.
• Topical therapies use many of the numerous products and compounds used topically.

Consultants