Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Dermatologists treat conditions ranging from benign to deadly skin cancers, as well as common issues such as acne and aging of the skin. They are also skilled in performing medical and cosmetic procedures that improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that “a dermatologist is a physician who has been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous Membranes.” They can be found working in hospital settings, private practices, and other locations that specialize in treating diseases of the skin.
Some disorders can be diagnosed by just looking at the skin, but other times a biopsy, or removal of a small piece of the affected area for microscopic examination, is necessary. In this procedure, the doctor numbs the skin with a local anesthetic, then using a knife (scalpel), scissors, razor blade (called a shave biopsy), or circular cutter (called a punch biopsy), removes the tissue. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing.삼성동피부과
If the results of these tests are normal, the doctor can then provide a diagnosis and recommend treatments, such as topical medications that are applied directly to the affected areas, oral medicines taken by mouth, or light therapy that uses ultraviolet (UV) radiation to relieve symptoms of certain skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. Other treatments include chemical peels, laser treatment, and surgical excision of tumors and cysts.온다리프팅
A dermatologist can also assist with the management of long-term skin conditions, such as psoriasis and vitiligo, as well as with other medical concerns, such as nail fungus or shingles (herpes zoster). Dermatologists are also skilled in providing cosmetic services, including removing moles and scaly patches, restoring sun-damaged skin, and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
It is important to get in the habit of performing regular self-exams of the skin. This will help you to become more familiar with your moles and other spots, and can make it easier for you to spot changes when they occur. In addition, it is vital to visit a qualified dermatologist for yearly skin screenings. This can help prevent many potential skin cancers, as well as other medical conditions such as rosacea and shingles. Before making an appointment, make sure that the dermatologist you choose is board certified and accepts your health insurance. You can find this information by searching for the doctor online or calling your insurance provider to ask. You can also use the Healthline FindCare tool to connect with a dermatologist near you.