What is DERMATOLOGY?
Dermatology is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
Skin diseases are very common and can vary in frequency according to the age of the person and the severity of the condition.
Remember that it is essential to seek advice from a dermatologist to assess, diagnose and guide the appropriate treatment for specific skin problems.
Each person is unique, and treatment must be tailored to meet their individual needs.
Skin diseases
Some of the most common skin diseases are
Acne
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the hair follicles in sensitive areas of the face, neck and front and back of the torso. It can take many forms: stubborn blackheads, internal whiteheads, red pimples, pimples with pus and, in more serious cases, abscesses, cysts and scars. It is mostly caused by genetic factors. It usually appears in adolescence but can persist into adulthood.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition. It manifests itself as a red, itchy rash that can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common in areas where the skin folds, such as the elbows, knees and neck. It is a condition that is associated with an exaggerated immune system response to allergens or irritants, leading to inflammation, redness and intense itching.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes facial redness, dilated blood vessels, swelling and, in more severe cases, acne-like papules and pustules. It can be triggered by factors such as sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol and stress. Due to its visible appearance on the skin, rosacea can affect the self-esteem and quality of life of people with the condition.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, leading to rapid growth of epidermal cells, resulting in thick, scaly patches of skin that can occur anywhere on the body, most commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp and back. In addition to its physical appearance, psoriasis can be accompanied by itching, pain and discomfort.
Urticaria
Urticaria, also known as “skin allergy”, is characterized by red bumps and intense itching on the skin, which can appear and disappear quickly. It is usually an allergic reaction to food, medication, insect bites or allergens.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritants such as chemicals, poisonous plants, metals or allergens. The condition can be acute, with symptoms that disappear quickly after the irritant is removed, or chronic, persisting over time. It reveals itself through symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching and rashes at the site of contact.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by areas of scaly, red and oily skin, usually associated with excessive sebum production. It commonly affects the scalp, resulting in dandruff, but can also appear on other oily areas of the body, such as the face (especially the T-zone) and chest.
DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT
Dermatology treatment is carried out by a Dermatologist and involves a variety of therapeutic approaches to treat skin, hair and nail problems.
Some of the main treatment modalities in Dermatology:
– Skin Care: this can include guidance on proper skin hygiene, the use of skin care products such as soaps, moisturizers and sunscreen, and choosing products that suit your skin type.
– Topical medication: many skin conditions are treated with topical medication, which is applied directly to the skin. This includes creams, ointments, lotions and gels (examples: retinoids to treat acne and ceramides for conditions such as eczema).
– Oral Medications: some skin conditions require oral medications, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungals for fungal infections and immunosuppressant medications for autoimmune conditions.
– Dermatological Procedures: dermatologists perform a variety of procedures, such as: Laser Treatment to treat blemishes, acne scars and skin rejuvenation; Chemical Peels to remove superficial layers and improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, blemishes and wrinkles; Dermatological Surgery to remove skin lesions, such as tumors, cysts and warts.
– Specific Treatments: some skin conditions require specific treatments, such as biological therapy for severe psoriasis and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for pigmentation problems.
– Combination Therapy: a combination treatment approach is often used, which can include a combination of skin care, topical and oral medications, procedures and therapies to get the best results for each specific case.
It should be noted that dermatological treatment is highly personalized, as it takes into account the patient’s specific condition, the severity of the disease, the response to treatment and individual factors such as age, general health and limitations to the use of certain therapies.
It is essential to consult a dermatologist in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
FAQ about
Dermatology
What is a dermatologist and when should I see one?
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. You should see a dermatologist whenever you have concerns about your skin’s health, such as rashes, blemishes, persistent itching, visible changes in skin moles, abnormal hair loss or other dermatological problems.
What is the importance of regular skin examinations and early detection of skin pathologies?
Regular skin examinations by a dermatologist are essential for the early detection of skin conditions, including melanoma, significantly increasing the success of treatment. In addition, regular skin examinations can identify other dermatological conditions early, before they become more serious.
How do I prevent skin damage caused by sun exposure?
To protect your skin from sun damage, we recommend using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts, and avoiding direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day (usually from 11am to 3pm). It’s also important to regularly wear sunglasses with UV protection and avoid sunbeds.
What treatments are available for acne and how do I choose the best one for me?
There are various treatments for acne, which can include skin care, topical or oral medication, procedures and laser therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition, skin type and individual response. Only a dermatologist will be able to give you the right advice and follow-up.
How can I treat dark spots on my skin (hyperpigmentation)?
The treatment of dark spots on the skin involves the application of depigmenting creams, chemical peels, laser therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL). Your dermatologist will help determine the most effective treatment for your specific case.
What can I do to prevent wrinkles and skin aging?
Preventing skin ageing includes daily use of sunscreen, adequate hydration, avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, eating healthily and not smoking. To treat existing wrinkles, procedures such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin are options.
Is there an effective treatment for hair loss?
Treatment for hair loss can include the use of topical or oral medication, procedures such as microneedling therapy and hair transplantation. The indication for treatment by a dermatologist depends on the cause of the hair loss, which can be associated with genetics and underlying medical conditions.
How can I remove warts, moles or unwanted skin lesions?
The removal of warts, moles and unwanted skin lesions is carried out by a dermatologist. Methods include surgical excision, laser procedures, among others. The dermatologist will assess the lesion and determine the best removal method.
