Dermatology - A Brief Overview

Dermatology is a division of medicine or medical science that deals with various skin conditions, along with hair, sweat glands, and the other related parts of the body. Though dermatology is often considered to be a science dealing with skin and hair, it is quite a vast field and encompasses multiple subdivisions. Cosmetic dermatology, immunodermatology, etc. are some of the major dermatology branches.

Cosmetic dermatology deals with the aesthetics and the cosmetic aspects of the skin. Immunodermatology, on the other hand, studies the skin conditions that are caused by the immune system. When people consult a dermatologist for a specific skin problem or condition, they are quite often referred by the doctor to a specialist doctor who has undergone intensive training and possesses appropriate skills to deal with the specific skin problem. Most people would have visited a dermatologist’s clinic like at least once in their lives, for problems such as dry skin, acne, hair fall, etc.

For a professional career as a dermatologist, one would have to attend or undergo a four-year medical school degree course. The course would generally cover topics relating to anatomy, medicinal practice, and physiology. After completing the course, the future dermatologist or skin doctor would have to participate in a medical residency program, which would focus specifically on the dermatology practice. The candidate can also choose to take an additional residency in the sub specialty section of dermatology, like pediatric dermatology.

The skin is probably the most important organ of a human body. However, most people tend to take their skin for granted. Almost every known medical condition has some sort of an affiliation or connection with the skin and its health. Dermatologists are, in fact, well-versed and skilled in a wide range of medical domains. A skin doctor can diagnose and detect the skin’s problem areas, and also prescribe a recommended treatment. For dry skin problems, the dermatologist would usually recommend changes in the diet, prescription of certain medicines, usage of oils and creams to condition and moisturize the skin. For conditions like moles, the skin specialist might order for a biopsy to determine whether the mole is malignant or not. If the mole proves to be cancerous or dangerous, the doctor might get the mole removed through a minor surgery or operation.

As the skin is the most visible organ or part of a human body, cosmetic dermatology practices can be very profitable. This is because there are many people who seek the services of a cosmetic dermatologist just to alter the physical appearance of the skin. Cosmetic treatments are primarily done for non-medical conditions, which might not cause any significant harm to the person. For getting that desired look, the skin doctor would perform an array of medical procedures, ranging from Botox procedures to liposuction treatments. A cosmetic doctor not just alters or helps make minor changes to one’s physical shape and appearance. There have been multiple cases where radical differences have been brought into effect through a cosmetic procedure. People involved in life-threatening accidents or incidents, which might have caused major disfigurement, are usually the beneficiaries of such radical procedures. The doctor not just alters the physical aspects of the individual, but also brings about a massive change and improvement in the overall personality and self-confidence of the individual.

The skin functions as a body’s primary line of defense. It is, therefore, important that one takes good care of his or her skin, so that the body continues to function normally or without any issues. An individual must visit a dermatologist’s clinic only if the person sees major changes in the skin’s appearance, or if there are issues such as dry skin, burn scars, spider veins, etc.