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Dermatology
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Dermatology
Dermatology
(from Greek derma, "skin") is a branch of medicine dealing
with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases, as
well as its appendages (nails, hair, sweat glands). A
medical doctor who specializes in dermatology is a
dermatologist. The surgical practice of dermatology is
dermasurgery.
Dermatologists are physicians (medical
doctors) specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases and tumors of the skin. There are various
subspecializations of dermatology. Dermasurgeons specialize
in excision of cutaneous malignancies or in cosmetic
procedures such as liposuction. Dermatopathologists
specialize in interpreting histopathology of the skin.
Pediatric dermatologists specialize in the diagnoses and
treatment of skin disease in children. Immunodermatalogists
specialize in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases
based on an altered immune system, such as some blistering
diseases. In addition, there are a wide range of congenital
syndromes managed by dermatologists.
After graduation from a 4-year college, a 4-year medical
school and a year of post graduate training in medicine,
surgery or pediatrics, a physician may apply for graduate
dermatology residency training. Following the successful
completion of formal residency training (3-4 additional
years) and a certifying examination, dermatologists may
become Diplomates of the American Board of Dermatology. They
are then eligible to apply for fellowship status in the
American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of
Dermatologic Surgery. Other certifying organizations for
those with additional advanced training include the American
Society for Mohs Surgery, the American Board of
Dermatopathology and a similar pediatric organization.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and obviously the
most visible. Although many skin diseases are isolated, some
are merely cutaneous manestations of internal disease.
Hence, a dermatologist is schooled in surgery, rheumatology
(many rheumatic diseases can feature skin symptoms),
immunology, neurology (the "neurocuteaneous syndromes", such
as neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis), infectious
diseases and endocrinology. The study of genetics is also
becoming increasingly important.
Venereology, the subspecialty that
diagnoses and treats sexually transmitted diseases, and
phlebology, the specialty that deals with problems of the
superficial venous system, are both part of a
dermatologist's expertise.
Cosmetic dermatology has long been an important part of the
field. In the 1900's dermabrasion was used to improve acne
scarring and fat microtransfer was first used to fill in
cutaneous defects. More recently, to benefit patients,
lasers, new dermal filling agents (collagen and hyaluronic
acid), botulinum toxin ("Botox"), nonablative laser
rejuvenation procedures, topical retinoids, and chemical
peeling are used in this exciting area.
Dermatologists are skin surgeons ("dermasurgeons") and are
trained in the surgical management of benign and malignant
skin tumors. They are also versatile skin physicians,
sometimes treating tumors with alternative non-surgical
methods, including the new immune enhancement agent,
imiquimod ("Aldara").
Dermasurgery is surgery performed by a dermatologist
physician. Dermasurgeons (dermatologic surgeons) are medical
doctors formally trained in this field which is a major part
of their specialty training in all dermatology residencies.
After being certified by the American Board of Dermatology,
they may apply for fellowship status in the American Society
for Dermatologic Surgery, a professional organization
dedicated to supporting and educating these specialty
physicians.
Dermasurgeons are engaged in the management of benign and
malignant skin tumors, congenital problems like port wine
stains, and the ever expanding field of cosmetic
dermatology. They utilize traditional scalpel surgery,
lasers, chemosurgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, topical
and injection immunotherapy, photodynamic treatments and
chemotherapy in their treatment armamentarium.
Dermasurgeons are pioneers of new procedures, like the laser
treatment of port wine stains and new surgical techniques
for the management of difficult skin cancers. Dermasurgeons
are also experts at minimally invasive cosmetic procedures
like nonablative laser rejuvenation, dermal fillers and
botulinum injections. Some specially trained dermasurgeons
practice Mohs cancer surgery.
Dermasurgeons should support and promote
the ethical standards of the American Medical Association
and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery including
that "physicians should practice a method of healing founded
upon a scientific basis." "Physicians should not dispense or
supply drugs, remedies or appliances unless it is manifestly
in the best interest of their patients."
It takes 12-13 years to become a dermatologic surgeon: 4
years of college, 4 years of medical school, a 1 year
medical or surgical internship, and a 3-4 year dermatology
residency.
Source: Wikipedia contributors (2005). Dermatology.
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 12:11, December
26, 2005 from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dermatology&oldid=32690459.
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