Dermatology

Dermatology is the branch of medicine that encompasses skin, hair, and nail disorders of the body as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases.   It studies the structure and function of the skin, including how skin pathologies relate to malfunctions of other bodily organs.

Dermatology is constantly adapting itself to meet the changing medical challenges of our society.  New drugs may cause unusual side-effects; pesticides, industrial compounds and cosmetics continually pose new dermatological problems.  More leisure time and outdoor work has increased the exposure to the sun and other hazards which can cause skin disease.

Sun protection is essential to reduce the burden of skin cancer and other signs of photo damage.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and one of the most complex.  Its main purpose is to protect the internal organs from harmful external influences, such as bacteria, viruses, allergens, disease, sun, wind and rain. The skin also often serves as an indicator of underlying problems with internal organs.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who has been certified by a recognized board of dermatology as a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions and diseases.  The function of the dermatologist includes the diagnosis, prevention through education and examination, surgery, and cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of skin.

Dermatologists also perform skin surgery in many situations:

• To prevent or provide early control of disease, e.g., remove skin cancer.
• To improve the skin’s appearance by removing growths, discolorations, or damage caused by ageing, sunlight or disease.
• To establish a definite diagnosis (biopsy).

The dermatologist, at our center, has vast experience in diagnosing and treating pediatric and adult patients with skin problems.   The doctor also has had additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of melanomas, moles, warts, fungal skin infections, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, other tumors of the skin, management of contact dermatitis, and other allergic and nonallergic skin disorders, and also in the recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases.