Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and mucous membranes. The skin is the largest organ of the body and has critical functions such as filtering ultraviolet rays from the sun, regulating body temperature, and maintaining water balance. Skin diseases often cause cosmetic problems. Methods such as skin biopsy, dermatoscopy, cryotherapy, allergy tests, and phototherapy are used in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Dermatology is divided into two main categories: dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology. Dermatologic surgery includes skin biopsies, nail removal, treatment of skin tumors, and mole removal. Cosmetic dermatology, on the other hand, includes aesthetic procedures such as botox, laser hair removal, fillers, and hair transplantation.
Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that occurs when hair follicles on the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Although it can be seen in all age groups, it is more common in teenagers. Acne symptoms vary and include whiteheads, blackheads, small red bumps, inflamed pimples, hard nodules under the skin, and cystic lesions. The main causes of acne include excessive sebum production, bacteria, inflammation, and clogged hair follicles. Acne is commonly seen on the face, forehead, upper chest, upper back, and shoulders, as these areas have dense sebaceous glands. Treatment for acne includes medications such as antibiotics, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide. Cystic lesions can be treated with drainage.
Hair and Scalp Disorders
Hair and scalp disorders are considered cosmetic issues that affect individuals' appearance. Common hair problems include hair loss, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap, and head lice. There are different types of hair loss; alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, while traction alopecia is seen in hair subjected to constant pulling. The treatment of hair loss varies depending on the type and cause of the loss. Dandruff is a problem caused by the shedding of dead scalp skin and is often due to a fungal infection. Seborrheic dermatitis creates a red and oily appearance on the scalp. Cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis seen in infants. Head lice are small parasitic insects that feed on blood. Ringworm is an infectious condition that causes round, scaly patches and hairless areas on the scalp. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, usually caused by bacteria. Psoriasis is a disease that forms thick, crusty scales on the scalp.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are common contagious diseases. Fungi, which are normally part of the body’s natural flora, can overgrow when the balance is disrupted. When the integrity of the body is compromised, fungi can become a focus of infection. Fungal infections, which cause redness, rashes, itching, and inflammation on the skin, are most commonly seen on the feet, nails, groin area, vagina, and scalp. Fungal infections have well-defined borders and can spread to other parts of the body over time. Risk factors that increase the frequency of fungal infections include obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, and immune system disorders. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) causes thickening, discoloration, and deformation of the toenails. Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) appears as thickening and moisture on the soles of the feet. Vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis) leads to severe itching. Scalp fungus (tinea capitis) affects the scalp, causing redness, itching, and dandruff. Body ringworm (tinea corporis) can appear in various areas of the body.
Diagnosis of fungal infections is made through laboratory tests of skin samples. Treatment involves the use of specific medications, creams, and shampoos. Regular application of the treatment is important as fungi can multiply rapidly. Monitoring foot fungal infections in diabetic patients is critical, as these infections can lead to serious conditions such as diabetic foot.