Dermatology

Dermatology is a medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the skin, hair, nails, oral mucosa, and sexually transmitted diseases. Also commonly known as “skin and venereal diseases” or “dermatology,” this field aims to protect the health of the skin, which is the body’s largest organ, and to address aesthetic concerns. Dermatology not only deals with superficial skin problems but also enables the early diagnosis of chronic skin diseases related to the immune system and skin cancers.

What Is Dermatology?

Dermatology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders and venereal (sexually transmitted) diseases that may occur in individuals of all ages, both adults and children. Since the skin acts as a protective barrier between the body and the external environment, dermatological examination can also provide important clues about a person’s overall health condition. Specialists in dermatology are called dermatologists or skin disease specialists.

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Which Diseases Does Dermatology Treat?

The conditions managed by the dermatology department cover the entire external surface of the body from head to toe. The main disease groups treated in the dermatology department are as follows:

Acne and pimple problems: This includes adolescent acne, adult acne, and hormonally related breakouts.
Types of eczema (dermatitis): These are itchy skin rashes such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Psoriasis: This is a chronic immune system-related disease characterized by silvery scaling on the skin.
Fungal infections: These are fungal conditions affecting the feet, nails, body, and scalp.
Hair disorders: These include problems such as alopecia areata, genetic hair loss, oily scalp, and dandruff.
Nail disorders: These include problems such as ingrown nails, nail thickening, discoloration, and nail fungus.
Urticaria (Hives): Characterized by sudden itchy swellings caused by allergies or stress.
Vesiculobullous diseases: Includes autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus, characterized by blisters that collect fluid on the skin.
Vitiligo (Ala Disease): A condition in which white patches form on the skin.
Melasma: Brown sunspots commonly seen especially in women.
Freckles and age spots: Pigment accumulations occurring in areas exposed to the sun.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Dark-colored scars left after wounds or acne.
Skin Cancers and Mole Monitoring: One of the most vital fields of dermatology is the early diagnosis of skin tumors. Treatment success is very high when skin cancer is detected at an early stage. Dermatologists use digital dermoscopy technology to map moles on the body and monitor risky changes. Clinical examination of moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, or change color is especially critical for preventing high-risk types such as malignant melanoma.

What are Dermatology Tests and Diagnostic Methods?

The dermatological examination process begins with a physical evaluation and continues with various specific techniques depending on the nature of the disease. Even the deeper layers of the skin can be examined using non-invasive methods. The tests and diagnostic methods frequently used by dermatologists are as follows:

Dermoscopy (Superficial microscopy): This is the detailed examination of moles and skin lesions using a lighted magnifying device.
Skin biopsy: This is the procedure of taking a small tissue sample from the skin for definitive diagnosis.
Patch test: Used to identify allergens that cause contact dermatitis.
Prick test: Performed to detect Type 1 allergic reactions such as pollen or food allergies.
Punch biopsy: This involves the removal of a cylindrical tissue sample including all layers of the skin.
Shave biopsy: This involves the removal of raised lesions from the upper layer of the skin by shaving.
Excisional biopsy: This is the surgical removal of the entire suspicious lesion.
Tzanck smear test: Used in the diagnosis of infectious skin diseases, especially viral blistering conditions such as herpes and chickenpox. A swab sample taken from the lesion is stained with special dyes and examined under a microscope.
Wood’s light examination: This examination is performed in a dark room using an ultraviolet light source with a wavelength of 365 nm. It is preferred for diagnosing conditions such as tinea capitis, vitiligo, erythrasma, and porphyria.
Blood tests: Used to identify underlying metabolic and systemic diseases associated with certain dermatological problems.

What Should Be Considered Before Dermatological Tests?

Patients need to make certain preparations to ensure that test accuracy is not affected. Incorrect practices or medications being used may suppress or alter test results. The following points should especially be considered before dermatological tests:

The use of antihistamines (allergy medications) should be discontinued under a doctor’s supervision at least one week before allergy testing.
Creams, lotions, or makeup products should not be applied to the test area on the day of the examination.
If a biopsy is planned, the physician must be informed about the use of blood-thinning medications.
If fungal testing will be performed, the affected area should not come into contact with water and no creams should be applied for 24 hours beforehand.

What Are the Treatment Methods Used in Dermatology?

Dermatological treatment includes all methods applied to manage biological, environmental, or genetic conditions that disrupt the integrity of the skin. Dermatological treatment aims both to relieve symptoms and to achieve long-term recovery by addressing the root cause of the disease. The most commonly used methods in modern dermatology are listed below:

Topical treatments: The direct application of medications in the form of creams, lotions, or ointments to the affected area.
Systemic treatments: The use of medications that affect the entire body through oral tablets or intravenous/intramuscular injections.
Cryotherapy (Cold Therapy): The process of freezing tissues using liquid nitrogen.
Electrocauterization: The destruction of lesions by burning them with the help of electrical current.
Phototherapy: The therapeutic use of ultraviolet light with specific wavelengths in the treatment of skin diseases.
Dermatologic surgery: Minor surgical procedures such as mole removal, cyst excision, or skin biopsy.
Laser and light systems: Generally preferred for the treatment of vascular lesions, acne scars, skin spots, and unwanted hair removal. Fractional lasers, Q-switched systems, and Nd:YAG lasers are among the technologies that provide the safest results in clinical settings.

Cosmetic Dermatology and Its Areas of Application

Cosmetic dermatology is a subspecialty that aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of the skin while maintaining its health. These procedures are used to delay the signs of aging and improve skin quality. The main applications in cosmetic dermatology include:

Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Used in the treatment of facial expression lines and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Dermal fillers: Applied to restore volume loss and fill deep wrinkles.
Mesotherapy: The injection of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids beneath the skin.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): The use of platelet-rich plasma obtained from the patient’s own blood for tissue repair.
Chemical peeling: The controlled peeling and renewal of the upper layer of the skin.

What Should Be Considered Before Dermatological Procedures?

The preparation process is important for increasing the success of dermatological treatment and minimizing the risk of complications. Before the procedure, patients should follow the physician’s instructions carefully. The following points should be considered before dermatological procedures: