Dermatology and Dermatologist
Dermatopathology,dermatology, dermatopathologist, dermatologist
Dermatology is the branch of medicine which deals with diagnosis and
treatment of skin disorders. Other than this, a dermatologist also deals
with diseases related to scalp, nails and hair. A dermatologist
must acquire the requisite degree (D.O. or M.D) from a recognized medical
school to qualify and practice dermatology. This is followed by a residency
program of three years. Those interested may take up a training program
to specialize in different fields of dermatology such as laser therapy,
immunodermatology, phototherapy, cosmetic surgery or micrographic surgery.
Dermatology has branched off into several sub-specialties
more because of the interest of people in their looks. The different treatments
that a dermatologist
deals in includes hair transplantation, removal of unwanted hair using
laser therapy, intralesional treatment, photodynamic therapy for precancerous
growth and skin cancer; laser therapy for removing tattoo, ugly birth
marks, cosmetic resurfacing and skin disorders such as vitiligo; cryosurgery
for treating skin cancer, warts etc.; radiation therapy; systemic therapies
using immunomodulators, injectable products and antibiotics; and topical
therapies.
The different sub-specialties of dermatology includes
cosmetic dermatology,
dealing with skin beautification and anti-aging treatments such as laser
surgery, Botox and fillers; pediatric dermatology dealing with genodermatoses,
hereditary skin disorders and diseases of neonates; Mohs surgery; immunodermatology
deals with immune related skin disorders such as pemphigus vulgaris, lupus,
bullous pemphigoid etc.; and dermatopathology deals with skin pathology
where the skin disorder is diagnosed using different tests and microscopic
examinations of skin sample.
Today, with more and more people becoming conscious of their looks, dermatology
has become a lucrative career. A dermatologist
may work at a hospital, in a research institute, skin cancer foundation
or may have an independent practice at a clinic. He must acquire a license
and board certification from American Board of Dermatology before he starts
practicing anywhere. A dermatologist
generally works in conjunction with a general practitioner, where
the doctor refers a patient with skin disorder to a dermatologist. A dermatologist
is required to have basic knowledge in pathology, microbiology, physiology,
endocrinology and biochemistry. He must also be aware of other medical
specialties as skin disorders may be related to some internal problems,
for instance, a rash on the skin may be due to an allergic reaction to
certain food. This greatly helps in correct diagnosis of the disorder
and method of treatment employed.
