Dermatology is the field of medicine that studies the skin and skin diseases, their diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
There are many skin diseases, so dermatologists often specialise in different areas. Specialisations such as oncodermatologist (specialising in skin oncology), venereologist (specialising in sexually transmitted diseases), dermatologist (specialising in general dermatology) are often heard.
In general dermatology, the most common diseases are acne, infectious skin diseases, scaly skin, atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, etc. Each skin disease presents with its own symptoms, but may also have common non-specific lesions. Various laboratory tests and biopsies are performed to clarify the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment is prescribed.
As dermatology has many diseases where there is no clear cause, treatment is sometimes not as effective as the patient and the doctor would like. But each case is individual and, even if the disease is incurable, ways are sought to improve the patient’s comfort and general condition.
