Dermatology and Skin Diseases: Know the Basics

Dermatology or the medical science, which involves the study of skin, has made great advances in the diagnosis and cure of skin diseases. This branch of medicine has ancient roots with skin treatment methods mentioned in Ayurvedic or ancient Indian texts, as also in Chinese and Egyptian treatments, which go back as far back as 1600 BC. A separate, modern Dermatology as a specialty based on Western medicine can be said to trace its origins to the early nineteenth century, although several books and treatises on the subject were written by general Western medicine practitioners before then.

In this article, we'll take a look at the beginnings and scope of Western Dermatology, some skin diseases and some sub specialties.

Dermatology and Skin Basics

The word 'dermatology' has its roots in 'derma', which is ancient Greek meaning skin, and deals with the study of skin in all its aspects including

• Anatomical features - the study of skin structure,
• Physiological features - how the skin and its parts functions,
• Pathologic features - study of skin diseases, their cause, development and effects.
  
  

The skin has three layers - the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers. The epidermis is the outer, elastic layer, formed by dead cells, which are flattened. There is shedding of this layer continuously. When the body grows, the skin also grows and expands. The other purpose of the epidermis is to produce pigments giving colour to the skin, and to protect the body from heat and cold. The Dermis layer contains sweat glands, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which keeps the hair free from dust. Below the dermis is the sebaceous layer, which is made up of connective tissues and fat. Blood vessels and neurons are found in this layer.

The skin functions as a protection for the body, maintains body temperature, expels dirt from the body in the form of sweat, acts as a sensory organ and produces Vitamin D.

Any disturbances in the layers constituting the skin can inhibit the normally functioning of the skin. Usually, any abnormality in the functioning of the skin is immediately visible in the form of rashes, discolouration etc.

The field of Dermatology has extensively studied the constituents of the skin and its functioning, in order to accurately diagnose and pinpoint source of any abnormality and provide appropriate treatment.

Beginnings of Modern Medical Dermatology

The early nineteenth century saw the emergence of medical dermatology as a separate specialty. Previous research and writings on the subject did exist, but were written by general medicine physicians. An English surgeon, Daniel Turner, wrote the "De Morbis Cutaneis", a manual on skin diseases, considered to be the first book in the subject English in 1714. In 1776, Joseph Plenck of Vienna, wrote the book "Doctrina de Morbis Cutaneis", where he associates disorders of the skin with types of rashes or lesions.

Robert Willan, an English general practitioner, built upon Plenck's work and published an illustrated textbook - "On Cutaneous Diseases". The publication of Willan's works were summarised in "A Practical Synopsis of Cutaneous Disease", by his assistant, Thomas Bateman, in 1812. Robert Willan came to be considered to be the Father of modern medical dermatology in the Western world. In France, Jean Louis Alibert's clinic at Hopital St. Louis was a major learning centre or academy for skin related disorders.

Eventually, cosmetic dermatology and dermatosurgery branched out as sub specialties, leaving the traditional cure to medical dermatology. An MD in Dermatology is required to specialise in this field today.

Some Skin Diseases - Common and Rare

Some diseases studied by dermatologists include Atopic Dermatitis or eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea, and skin cancer conditions. Conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis and acne are considered to be common in Dermatology.

Dermatitis is characterised by inflammation of the skin, where they may be rashes, itching and similar conditions. There are different types of Dermatitis which include:

• Atopic or eczema - The symptoms of this condition may be itching, and blisters. Eczema may be hereditary or may be due to allergies.
• Contact - Caused by an allergic reaction to some substances, which can be types of plants, chemicals or even cosmetics, this condition is known by the appearance of pink and red rashes.
• Seborrheic - This condition causes scaling on the scalp and in other areas. The exact cause of this condition is not known.

Rosacea is a condition that impacts the face - the nose, eyes, cheeks and chin. Flushing and redness of skin usually characterises Rosacea. In severe forms of this condition, the skin around the nose can become thick.

Conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis and Rosacea have no permanent cure, but the symptoms may best be controlled with medications. Dermatologists also advise that people who suffer from these conditions should avoid the triggers that bring on episodes of the flushing or redness. Medications used to manage symptoms may be topical steroids which help to reduce inflammation in a particular area, antibiotics if the skin is suspected to be infected, or Isotretinoin, a strong medication for severe cases of Rosacea. Laser treatments also exist for the treatment of both diseases.

Other Sub Specialties

Cosmetic Dermatology has become so popular in modern times that experts fear that medical students are abandoning the practicing of traditional skin disease treatment as a career in favour of performing cosmetic surgeries. While, cosmetic surgery is invaluable in treatment of burns victims by skin grafting, other procedures, such as nose reshaping and Botox injections are becoming popular. Laser treatments also are used for hair removal. The field of dermatosurgery is also used in reversing signs of aging. Advanced treatment has been seen in the form of cutting edge laser surgery for skin diseases. Pediatric dermatology has also emerged as a separate sub specialty.