Dermatology (Greek derma – skin, logos – doctrine, literally “the doctrine of the skin”) is a medical discipline, the objects of study of which are the skin, its appendages (hair, nails, sebaceous and sweat glands), mucous membranes, their structure and functioning, as well as diseases and diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Within dermatology as a medical science, there are special clinical sections that study individual diseases and their treatment (mycology, trichology). Dermatology is closely connected with venereology, cosmetology, allergology and other medical disciplines.
The skin is part of the integral structure of the body and is the largest human organ visible to the eye. It, as an indicator, reflects the state of all organs and systems of the body, protects them from mechanical damage and infection. As a rule, skin diseases indicate any violation of the functions of internal organs, unhealthy habits and lifestyle of the patient. Skin diseases, in turn, can lead to serious consequences for the body as a whole if their treatment is not started in a timely manner.
The features of the structure of the skin, the diversity of its functions and the impact of a large number of internal and external factors cause a variety of skin diseases, or dermatoses.
The impact of external, or exogenous, factors is very diverse. Physical and chemical agents cause inflammatory changes – dermatitis (burns, scuffs, diaper rash, etc.). Biological factors lead to fungal skin lesions – mycoses (epidermophytia, microsporia), pustular diseases – pyoderma (impetigo, furunculosis, hydradenitis), parasitic invasions (pediculosis, scabies), viral skin lesions (herpes, warts).
An important role in the occurrence of skin diseases is played by internal, or endogenous, factors: these are diseases of internal organs, chronic foci of infection, metabolic disorders, hypovitaminosis, disorders of the functions of the nervous system. All these factors can cause various pathological processes in the skin and its appendages, mucous membranes: inflammation, hemorrhages, pigmentation changes and even the death of individual skin structures (hair follicles, connective tissue fibers, etc.).
When the first signs of skin diseases appear (such as itching, burning, soreness, discoloration and relief of the skin, skin rashes), you should consult a dermatologist. An experienced doctor can make the correct diagnosis already at the first careful examination of the skin and careful collection of the patient’s life history. To clarify or confirm the diagnosis in dermatology, additional methods of examination of the skin, mucous membranes, hair, nails are widely used: instrumental, laboratory, radiological, special skin tests, etc.
Treatment of skin diseases requires patient patience and strict adherence to the treatment algorithm. An important role in the successful treatment is played by hygienic care of the affected skin, compliance with diet and drug therapy regimen. Medical treatment can be general and local. Physiotherapy and hardware procedures, psychotherapy, spa treatment, phytotherapy, homeopathy are widely used in dermatological practice. In some cases, in the absence of a clinical effect from conservative treatment, surgical intervention or the involvement of narrow specialists is indicated. Most often, the treatment is complex and combines several different methods at once. Today, with the help of the latest therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, dermatology allows to achieve the cure of such diseases that were considered incurable until quite recently.
Skin diseases are among the most common human diseases, and almost everyone faces one or another of their manifestations in their lifetime. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 20% of the world’s population suffers from skin diseases.
Many dermatoses have a chronic recurrent course and are difficult to treat. The most common are dermatitis of various genesis, eczema, fungal diseases, acne, skin warts, herpes simplex, psoriasis, skin cancer.
Modern dermatology pays great attention to the restoration of skin health, the study of the mechanisms of age-related and pathological changes in the skin, nails and hair, the treatment of oncological diseases, the search for new methods of diagnosis and treatment.
With the website “Medic Journal” you will always be aware of the most up-to-date information about skin diseases and methods of their treatment.
Halo nevus is a pigmented nevus surrounded on the periphery by a patch of discolored skin similar to vitiligo. It can be singular and plural. In the diagnosis of halo nevus, the main one is its differentiation from those forms of melanoma that are accompanied by depigmentation along the periphery of the formation. Dermatoscopy, syascopy…
Nevus sebaceous is a benign tumor represented by hyperplastic sebaceous glands and deformed hair follicles, which develops as a result of a local violation of the embryonic development of tissues. It is localized on the scalp and face. Externally, it has the appearance of a hairless plaque of yellow-pink oval or irregular shape with a…
Nevus of Ota is a dark blue single spot of irregular shape or a group of merging spots that are located in the area of the eye, cheek and upper jaw. As a rule, it is one-sided. Pigmentation can capture the membranes and sclera of the eye, the mucous membranes of the nose and pharynx.…
Becker’s nevus is a pigmented skin formation that has a benign course and a low risk of degeneration into melanoma. The exact causes of the appearance of nevus have not been established, among the predisposing factors are genetic defects, intrauterine pathologies, connective tissue diseases. Pathology is manifested by polygonal pigmentation on the body, upper extremities,…
Brow ulerythema is a chronic dermatosis, which is a representative of the group of keratoses (their essential variety). The pathological process is localized on the face, characterized by the accumulation of nodular elements and horny scales in the mouths of the hair follicles, which create a grater phenomenon when stroking. The overlap of the horny masses…
Nummular eczema is an itchy chronic dermatitis, which is a type of microbial eczema. Clinically manifested by a rash of rounded bright red coin-shaped plaques with clear borders, towering over healthy skin, bounded by a marginal border of epithelial cells – remnants of opened vesicles. The process is accompanied by itching, combs appear, a secondary infection…
Mongolian spot is an area of gray—blue pigmentation of the skin present from birth, having a rounded or irregular shape. Most often, pigmentation is located in the lumbosacral region. This formation is one of the forms of congenital pigmented nevi. In the diagnosis of the Mongolian spot, its differentiation with melanoma-threatening neoplasms is important. As…
Acne fulminans is a rare form of acne, characterized by the appearance of rapidly ulcerating nodular or papular acne on the skin of the trunk. The disease is accompanied by a pronounced violation of general well-being in the form of fever, joint pain, appetite disorders, etc. Diagnosis is carried out according to typical clinical symptoms. Inflammatory…
Weeping eczema is an acute form of eczema that occurs with a pronounced exudative component. It is manifested by swelling, hyperemia of the skin, the formation of multiple vesicular rashes and erosions, merging into foci of wetness. To diagnose dermatosis, a comprehensive laboratory examination, histological examination of biopsies of the affected skin areas, consultations of…
Corn is a local thickening of the surface layers of the skin that occurs under the influence of pressure or friction, most often on the hands and feet. There are dry and wet calluses. The latter look like ordinary wounds and require appropriate treatment. Dry calluses are dense, limited areas of dead skin. Regular treatment of…
