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.

Demodecosis

Demodecosis is a lesion of smooth skin and hair by a microscopic tick of the genus “demodex”. It begins with the appearance of skin rash, acne, ulcers on the skin of the face, chest, back, increased greasiness of the skin, itching. Further progression of the disease leads to pronounced cosmetic defects: the skin acquires an…

Mycosis Fungoides

Mycosis fungoides is a malignant tumor lesion of the lymphoid-reticular system, primarily of the skin, and later of the internal organs. Mycosis fungoides is a T-cell lymphoma. In the classic version, the disease goes through erythematous, plaque and tumor stages. Diagnosis of the disease in the first stage is difficult due to the similarity of…

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are a group of diseases based on infection of the skin, mucous membranes, nails, hair caused by pathogenic fungi. Common manifestations are peeling, wetting, inflammatory skin phenomena, flaking of scales, severe itching, thickening and changing the structure of the skin, nails, hair. When combing – the addition of secondary infection and suppuration. Diseases…

Blue Nevus

Blue nevus (Jadassona-Tiche blue nevus) is an acquired pigmented neoplasm of the skin of a small size, having a characteristic dark blue or blue color. As a rule, such an education is isolated, but in some cases there are also multiple blue nevi. This nevus belongs to benign, but melanoma-threatening formations. In rare cases, it…

Deep Pyoderma

Deep pyoderma is a group of purulent-inflammatory lesions of the skin (mainly its deep layers – the dermis) caused by infection of tissues with staphylococci, streptococci or mixed microflora. The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the severity of inflammation and the nature of the pathogen, but necessarily include swelling, soreness, redness and pus…

Hypomelanosis

Hypomelanosis is a condition of the skin characterized by a focal decrease in the amount of melanin caused by genetic or some physical (ultraviolet exposure) factors. The main symptom of hypomelanosis is the appearance of hypopigmentation foci of different sizes and intensity on the skin surface, depending on the form of the disease. Diagnosis of…

Hypertrophic Scar

Hypertrophic scar is an excessive overgrowth of fibrous connective tissue during pathological healing of a skin wound. A cosmetic defect is formed with extensive skin lesions with uneven edges, congenital predisposition, inadequate surgical care and excessive tissue tension. The scar protrudes a few millimeters above the skin, has a purple or pink color, in shape…

Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis is an excessive thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The concept of hyperkeratosis comes from two Greek words hyper – a lot and keratosis – keratin formation. The cells of the stratum corneum begin to divide intensively, which, in combination with violations of the peeling of the epidermis, leads to thickening, which…

Plantar Hyperhidrosis

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a chronic dermatosis characterized by increased sweating in the soles associated with impaired functioning of the eccrine sweat glands. The amount of sweat released does not correlate with physical exertion or overheating. Maceration of wet skin, the addition of fungal and bacterial infections lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor, despite…

Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a disorder affecting the eccrine sweat glands of the skin of the axillary areas, which is manifested by excessive sweating, intense unpleasant odor. The amount of sweat released does not correspond to the level of physical activity, significantly exceeds the physiological norm of dehumidification to maintain normal body temperature. The diagnosis is…