What is Dermatology

Have you seen the Head and Shoulders ads? They have pretty people with beautiful hair endorsing the shampoo. Often, at the end of the advertisement, they mention that "most dermatologists" recommend it. So, I think that must give a hint that a dermatologist is someone who has something to do with hair. Well, that's right, but an incomplete explanation. So, what is dermatology? Dermatology is a study or specialization in the treatment of skin, scalp, hair, genital membranes and nails.

The easiest way to understand the science, would be to fathom what the scientist does, right? Dermatologists (mostly) have additional training in diagnosing and treating skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin. They are also trained in managing contact dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders, recognizing skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases, dermatopathology, surgical techniques using dermatology. They also manage cosmetic disorders of the skin, hair loss issues, scars and aging-related changes in the skin.

They sound like a very useful lot! Especially, considering that a lot of what they do has implications on a person's appearance. There are five, very basic types of dermatology distinguished on the basis of their procedures and uses.

Cosmetic Dermatology: Dermatologists are the pioneers, when it comes to cosmetic surgery! Some of the dermatologists prefer to join a fellowship for surgery. However, dermatology training includes basic training in the use of botox, fillers, and laser surgery. There are some dermatologists who perform liposuction, blepharoplasty, and facelifts (clearly, these days, they make a lot of dough thanks to these procedures). Some dermatologists prefer to stick to the less invasive cosmetic procedures.

Pediatric Dermatology: Obviously, these dermatologists treat children! A physician would qualify for this specialization, if he or she has completed both, pediatric and dermatology residencies. This field includes treatments like hereditary skin disorders (genodermatoses), complex neonatal diseases, and other pediatric disorders.

Immunodermatology: Whoa!! big word!! But small meaning. Immunodermatologists treat immune-mediated skin disorders, like lupus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris etc. Specialists in this field have an option of running their own immunopathology labs (hopefully, you understood what that meant!).

Dermatopathology: Another big word! I wonder why scientific words are so big!! Anyways, dermatolopathology is a synchronization of dermatology and pathology. So, its clear, that a dermatopathologist is one who should have a residency in both. They specialize in skin-related disorders only (specifically).

Mohs Surgery: Yes, it is named, after one specific surgeon! These surgeons perform a certain procedure that was developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in 1930s ("excision of skin cancers using a tissue-sparing technique that allows intraoperative assessment of 100% of the peripheral and deep tumor margins"). It is a specialization that can be opted for during the dermatology residency. One can also choose a super-specialization fellowship after their dermatology is completed. A physicist who aims at being trained in this technique needs to be comfortable with pathology and surgery.

Dermatologists are the modern-day Greek-god makers. They are the ones with the "power" to make a "Gossip Girl" out of an "Ugly Betty". Be it tumescent liposuction, laser hair removal or even tattoo removal, these magicians "get the job done"!! All in all, if there need be a Cleopatra, I have half a mind to believe that there is dermatology behind her beauty secrets!! Behind every (or most) beautiful faces, there is a dermatologist!!