Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair and its diseases. It is a specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist is a physician who is trained to evaluate and treat children and adults with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, hair, nails and adjacent mucous membranes. A dermatologist also treats diseases and cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails.
The different types of skin diseases seen in the Department of Dermatology include – 1. Acne (pimples) 2. Hair and nail disorders 3. Skin infections 4. Drug reactions and allergies 5. Urticaria 6. Sun induced damage 7. Skin cancers 8. Skin pigmentation disorders like vitiligo, melasma 9. Pediatric skin diseases 10. Birthmarks and congenital skin diseases 11. Viral infections like warts, herpes simplex, herpes zoster etc. 12. Connective tissue diseases 13. Contact dermatitis including occupational diseases 14. Ulcers 15. Skin wounds and burns
THERAPIES Apart from the above mentioned treatments other therapies provided by the Department of Dermatology include the following: · Electrosurgery · Excision and treatment of growth on the skin (eg. Skin tags, tumors) · Intralesional treatment – with steroid or chemotherapy. · Skin biopsy · Removal of Moles · Dermaplaning · Vitiligo surgery – Including procedures like autologous melanocyte transplant, suction blister grafting and punch grafting. · Allergy testing – 'Patch testing' for contact dermatitis. · Systemic therapies – including antibiotics, immunomodulators, and novel injectable products. · Topical therapies –numerous products and compounds used topically in medicine.
