What is a dermatologist? What types of conditions do dermatologists treat?

Understanding what a dermatologist is

The skin is a magnificent organ. It is one's first line of defense against disease, protects one's other organs, warms them up and cools them down, as well as sends messages about how healthy one is from the inside. Dermatologists refers to expert medical doctors as well as skin surgeons with the unique skills along with experience to provide excellent care for the organ that cares for you. They're experts in diagnosing as well as treating skin, hair and nail ailments, and they can manage cosmetic disorders, comprising hair loss and scars.

What do dermatologists do?

Dermatologists diagnose as well as treat skin conditions. They also identify symptoms that appear on one's skin which may indicate problems inside one's body, like organ disease or failure.

Dermatologists often perform specialized diagnostic procedures related to skin conditions. They use treatments including:

• Externally applied or injected medications.
• Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.
• A variety of dermatologic surgical procedures, such as mole removal as well as skin biopsies.
• Cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, sclerotherapy as well as laser treatments.

What are common conditions that dermatologists treat?

Few of the most common conditions a dermatologist may treat include:

Acne.

This is a skin condition that occurs when one's hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most predominant among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

Eczema.

This is a skin condition that induces dry as well as itchy patches of skin. It's a predominant condition that isn't contagious. Manifestations of eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen.

Hair loss.

This condition can impact just one's scalp or one's entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal alterations, medical conditions or a normal process of aging. Any person can lose head's hair, but it's more predominant in men.

Nail fungus.

Nail fungus is a predominant infection of the nail. It starts as a white/ yellow-brown spot under the tip of one's fingernail/toenail. As the fungal infection becomes intense, the nail may lose color, thicken as well as crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can impact several nails.

Psoriasis.

This is a skin condition that causes thick, scaly areas of skin called plaques. Psoriasis treatment often involves creams and ointments.

Skin cancer.

This disease involves the growth of abnormal cells in your skin tissues.

What types of procedures do dermatologists perform?

Common procedures include:

Electrosurgery: This technique involves the surgical usage of a high-frequency electric current to cut or kill tissue.

Cryosurgery: This technique involves the surgical usage of too much cold to freeze as well as destroy tissue.

Laser surgery: This technique involves the surgical utilisation of special light beams.

Excision surgery: This technique involves utilising a sharp knife (scalpel) to take out (remove by cutting) tissue with appropriate closures.

Mohs surgery: This is a surgical technique that comprises layer-by-layer removal of cancer cells from one's skin.

Mole removal: This technique involves the partial or complete removal of a mole from person's body. They study the mole for cancer/other skin ailments.

Treatment of vein: Post evaluating one's damaged veins, dermatologists may treat them with sclerotherapy/laser treatments.

What are some dermatology subspecialty fields?

Some dermatology subspecialty fields include:

• Dermatopathology.
• Mohs surgery.
• Pediatric dermatology.
• Cosmetic dermatology.

Difference between dermatologists and estheticians

Estheticians aren't medical doctors whereas they can't diagnose skin disorders or prescribe medications. They can only help with treatments that impact the appearance of one's skin. Few esthetician procedures comprise:

• Scrubbing (exfoliating) skin.
• Teaching how to utilise makeup to conceal scarring.
• Applying acne treatments.
• Suggesting skin care products.
• Waxing.
• Airbrush tanning.

Application of AI

AI is undoubtedly transforming the domain of dermatology, offering new tools and approaches that enhance skin care and treatment. From improving diagnostic accuracy to personalizing skincare regimens and facilitating remote consultations, AI is reshaping every aspect of dermatological practice.

One of the most noteworthy commitments of AI to dermatology is its capacity to move forward symptomatic precision. 

In addition, AI-powered skin analysis tools use computer vision technology to assess various skin parameters, such as hydration levels, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

In a nutshell, Dermatologists refers to medical doctors who specialize in skin, hair, and nails. They also handle cosmetic disorders, like hair loss as well as scars. One's dermatologist will examine them, order lab tests, make a diagnosis, and treat their condition with medication or a procedure.