Dermatology is the medical specialty that manages diseases related to skin, hair, body hair, and nails for better appearance, as well as the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The skin is a good indicator of overall health, and it is the main line of resistance against microorganisms that cause disease and damage. Moreover, it is the biggest organ of the body.
A dermatologist can treat lots of conditions, some of those are:
– Acne: skin disease happens when dead skin cells and oil from the skin stop up hair follicles
– Dermatitis: skin is itchy, red, scaly, or raw. Examples of this condition are atopic dermatitis (eczema), dandruff, and contact dermatitis.
– Skin cancer: due to the skin exposed to the sun. The most common areas are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma
– Fungal infections: is a skin disease caused by a fungus. Occasionally occur to the skin, nails, and hair
– Hair loss: is usually because of a physical or psychological stressful reason.
– Nail problems: conditions that damage the skin and under the nails; and can cause a long-term disease, such as eczema and psoriasis
– Warts: are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family and is contagious
– Vitiligo: skin disease characterizes the autoimmune destruction of the cells that give skin its color, due to the melanin loss
– Psoriasis: a chronic skin disease that causes the skin to be thick, red, purple, or silvery and scaly
– Rosacea: a chronic skin disorder that affects nose, cheeks, chest, forehead, ears, chin, and back, among others. Causing redness, pimples, swelling of the eyelids
– Latex allergy: skin disease caused by-product made from rubber tree fluids. Symptoms like skin irritation, itching begin within minutes after exposure to latex-containing products
When to see a dermatologist
It is recommended to get a check-up as soon as you see an unusual spot or discoloration on your skin. See a dermatologist on an annual basis for a regular check-up and a 6-month basis in case to have a family history disease.