Dermatology is a medical field that focuses on skin conditions and related body parts. Dermatologists receive general medical education and then specialize in dermatology through a residency program. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions, including cosmetic procedures. It is important to take care of your skin and seek medical attention for any concerning changes.
Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on skin conditions, along with sweat glands, hair, and other related body parts. There are numerous branches of dermatology, from cosmetic dermatology which focuses on elective procedures to immunodermatology, the study of skin conditions caused by immune system problems. People may get referrals to a dermatology specialist for skin issues that clearly need the attention of someone with special training; many people visit a dermatologist at some point in their lives for things ranging from dry skin to precancerous moles.
To become a dermatologist, someone must first attend four years of medical school to receive a general education in the basics of anatomy, physiology, and the practice of medicine. After medical school, the aspiring skin care physician attends a medical residency that focuses specifically on the practice of dermatology. He or she may choose to do an additional residency in a dermatology subspecialty such as pediatric dermatology.
The skin is a very important organ in the body and a wide range of conditions can affect skin health; people who study dermatology are actually extensively trained in a number of medical fields. A dermatologist can examine problem areas of the skin to determine the cause of the problem and recommend an appropriate course of action. For a condition like dry skin, this could involve medications, dietary changes, or the use of creams and oils to condition the skin. For something like suspicious-looking moles, the dermatologist might perform a biopsy to find out whether or not the mole is malignant, and may remove the mole if it turns out to be cancerous.
Because the skin is such a visible part of the body, cosmetic dermatology practices can be very lucrative, as many people seek medical care to change their physical appearance in an effort to meet beauty standards. A cosmetic dermatologist can perform everything from liposuction to Botox® procedures with the intent of creating the desired look. In people with conditions that cause severe disfigurement, such as port-wine stains, a cosmetic dermatologist can also make a dramatic difference by normalizing the patient’s appearance and range of motion, enabling the patient to live a normal life.
The skin is the body’s first line of defense. It is important to take care of your skin and keep track of changes in the appearance and texture of your skin that could indicate problematic conditions such as cancer. You should see a dermatologist if you notice any dramatic changes in your skin or if you want to seek treatment for things like painful burn scars, irritatingly dry skin, or varicose veins, among many other conditions.
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