Dermatology: Diseases Treated

Some skin diseases that require attention from dermatology services at hospitals can be prevented with simple drug treatments shortly after they are noticed, while others may necessitate long-term therapies. Dermatologists, who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases, ranging from acne to skin cancers, focus on the following primary conditions:

• Acne (Pimples)
• Pruritus (Itching)
• Urticaria (Hives)
• Parasitic Skin Diseases (Lice, Scabies, etc.)
• Fungal Infections (Nail, Foot, Hand, Trunk, Genital, and Scalp)
• Eczema Disorders (Contact Dermatitis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, etc.)
• Psoriasis, Lichen, and Similar Dermatitis
• Hair Diseases (Dandruff, Scalp Eczemas, Genetic Hair Loss, etc.)
• Behçet's Disease
• Bullous Diseases
• Benign and Malignant Tumors on the Skin
• Diseases Occurring in Connective Tissues
• Pigmentation Disorders (Sunspots, Vitiligo, Freckles, etc.)
• Infectious/Contagious Rash Diseases (Scarlet Fever, Measles, Chickenpox, Shingles, etc.)
• Allergic Skin Diseases (Insect Bites, Food Allergies, Drug Allergies, etc.)
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Genital Warts, Cold Sores, Syphilis, and other infectious diseases)
• Sun Allergy
• Hirsutism (Excessive Hair Growth)
• Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
• Corns and Warts
• Moles
• Vascular Skin Diseases
• Nail Diseases
• Lip, Tongue, and Intraoral Diseases (Aphthous Ulcers, Cold Sores, and other intraoral conditions)
• Skin Diseases Related to Nutrition and Metabolic Disorders
• Skin Diseases Resulting from Psychological Factors
• Skin Manifestations of Systemic Diseases
• Genetic Skin Diseases
• Conditions Related to Physical Factors (Reactions to Heat or Cold, Foreign Body Reactions, etc.)

The human skin is the body's largest organ and is vulnerable to external factors. Some skin diseases can lead to unwanted cosmetic and aesthetic issues and even psychological problems related to one's physical appearance. The skin plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, protecting against ultraviolet radiation from the sun, regulating body temperature, and ensuring the continuation of life. Therefore, dermatologists are essential for managing these conditions and diagnosing and treating various other diseases. Within the scope of dermatology, several diagnostic and treatment methods are applied, including:

• Skin Biopsy: A procedure in which tissue is removed from a suspicious area to confirm a diagnosis. The collected material is sent for pathological examination.
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a freezing technique used to treat lesions on the skin, including warts, skin cancers, corns, and sunspots. It involves applying liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius.
• Electrocautery: Electrocautery uses electrical current to damage tissue. It mainly treats conditions like skin tags, warts, pyogenic granuloma, and seborrheic keratosis.
• Dermatoscopy: Dermatoscopy is a diagnostic tool for examining moles and pigmented skin lesions to identify abnormal structures, parasites, skin tumors, and blood vessels.
• Full-Body Skin Mapping: A periodic examination for healthy individuals that plays a significant role in the early detection of skin cancers.
• Allergy Tests: Prick (Puncture Test) and Patch Tests are used to identify the nature and severity of allergies in individuals suspected of having allergic reactions.
• Phototherapy: Also known as light therapy, phototherapy is used to treat conditions such as unexplained itching, vitiligo, and psoriasis.
• Dermocosmetic Procedures: These are cosmetic dermatology procedures, such as Botulinum toxin injections for wrinkles, PRP therapy, chemical peels, fillers, and mesotherapy for various skin conditions.

These are some of the diagnostic and treatment methods employed within the field of dermatology.

Dermatology Procedures:

Skin Biopsy: This procedure confirms a diagnosis by taking various-sized tissue samples from the suspicious area. The material is sent to pathology for examination and conducted with local anesthesia.

Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a freezing technique used to treat skin lesions. It involves applying liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius. This method treats various skin conditions, including warts, skin cancers, corns, sunspots, genital warts, and molluscum contagiosum.

Electrocautery: Electrocautery uses an electrical current to create tissue damage to treat lesions or stop bleeding. It is commonly used to treat skin tags, warts, sebaceous hyperplasia, pyogenic granuloma, and seborrheic keratosis.

Dermatoscopy:Dermatoscopy allows for the examination of moles and pigmented lesions, as well as detailed observations of abnormal structures, parasites, skin tumors, and blood vessels on the skin.

Full-Body Skin Mapping: This procedure, recommended even for healthy individuals, plays a significant role in the early detection of skin cancers.

Allergy Tests: Allergy tests, including Prick (Puncture Test) and Patch Tests, are conducted to determine the nature and severity of allergies in individuals suspected of having allergic reactions.

Phototherapy: Known as light therapy, phototherapy can be used to treat conditions such as unexplained itching, vitiligo, and psoriasis..

Dermocosmetic Procedures: Dermatologists also perform various cosmetic procedures, including:

Botulinum Toxin Application: Used for treating wrinkles and excessive sweating in areas like the palms, soles of the feet, and underarms.

PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma): PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) uses a patient's blood components to stimulate tissue healing. It is commonly used for skin rejuvenation.

Chemical Peeling Applications: These procedures involve the application of solutions to the skin to address issues such as unwanted skin discoloration, skin rejuvenation, and the reduction of acne scars.

Dermal Fillers: Injected to add volume, reduce wrinkles, and improve the appearance of the skin.

Mesotherapy: Used to treat skin conditions like stretch marks, cellulite, sunspots, and hair loss. It involves injecting various mixtures of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes into the skin.

These are some of the diagnostic and treatment procedures performed within the dermatology field, including medical and cosmetic applications.