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.

Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid

Mucous membrane pemphigoid is a rare chronic dermatosis from the group of pemphigoids, characterized by a lesion of the mucous membranes without involvement in the pathological process of the skin. The first vesicular elements appear on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, genitals. Later, the mucous membrane of the eyes is…

Skin Dystrophy

Skin dystrophy is the result of the pathological course of metabolic processes in the dermis, expressed in a change in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the skin layers and its degeneration. Clinical manifestations depend on the type of skin dystrophy, but are always accompanied by thinning of the skin with a rash of various…

Dysplastic Nevus

Dysplastic nevus is a pigmented neoplasm of the skin that tends to malignancy. Clinically, it looks like a mole of different sizes with bizarre borders, irregularly colored in brown and black tones. Dysplastic nevus has a flat surface or rises slightly above the level of healthy skin in the center. It does not have a…

Dyshidrotic Epidermophyton

Dyshidrotic epidermophyton is a fungal lesion of the dermis, localized mainly in the area of the palms and soles, preceding mycotic eczema. Clinically, it is manifested by a sudden rash of a finely bubbly transparent rash, changing due to the addition of a secondary infection to pustules with purulent contents. The process may be accompanied…

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is a chronic eczematous dermatitis that affects the skin of the palms and soles and is characterized by rashes in the form of small serous bubbles. As with other types of eczema, the specific causes and mechanism of development of this disease have not been determined, only the role of some provoking factors…

Dermographic Urticaria

Dermographic urticaria is a dermatological disease of unclear etiology characterized by the development of skin reactions in the form of redness and the appearance of blisters in response to mechanical irritation. Its symptoms are characteristic of other types of urticaria – the appearance of erythema, rashes, itching, but such phenomena occur in response to physical…

Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytosis is a type of dermatomycosis in which the superficial skin layers containing keratin are affected. The disease is caused by filamentous fungi of three types: Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton. Pathology affects smooth skin, skin folds, scalp, nail plates. To accurately diagnose the infectious process, microscopy of scraping from the affected lesion, a culture method, and…

Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma is a benign skin tumor formed by mature connective tissue fibers. Externally, the dermatofibroma has the appearance of a gray or brown node rising above the skin; with rounded outlines, dense consistency, smooth or warty surface. Dermatofibroma is characterized by slow growth and lack of tendency to malignant degeneration. Diagnosis is carried out by…

Dermatomycosis

Dermatomycosis is an infectious disease of the skin and its appendages, which is caused by various pathogenic, conditionally pathogenic fungi. Typical pathogens include Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton. According to the clinic, dermatomycoses are divided into mycoses of smooth skin, skin folds, scalp, hands and feet. Onychomycosis (fungal infections of nails) also belong to this category. To…

Dermatitis

Dermatitis combines inflammatory skin diseases of various types. Disease is classified depending on the causes and localization of the lesion. Healthy human skin has protective functions, but with prolonged exposure to aggressive substances or with a decrease in immunity, the protective properties of the skin decrease, resulting in dermatitis. The group includes atopic dermatitis, simple…