Dermatology is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, nails and adjacent mucous membranes. A dermatologist is the doctor who has been trained to identify and treat these conditions. Generally, when people think of these medical professionals, the first things they think about are the acne skin problems many young people suffer from. While the specialists work with many teens to resolve this problem, they perform many other kinds of diagnoses and treatments. To become a dermatologist, a person must first go to medical school and then to a residency program for specialized training. Depending on the doctor's specialty and interest, he or she may train to treat both children and adults. People who work in this branch of medicine receive very specialized training in the following areas:. Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin. Management of contact dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders, such as rashes. Diagnosis and treatment of skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases. Surgical techniques used in dermatology. Dermatologists also treat cosmetic disorders of the skin, including hair loss, scars, and the skin changes associated with the aging process. Some perform cosmetic work, such as Botox ® and collagen injections, and perform eyelid surgery and liposuction. There are sub-specialties within this medical field. A dermatopathologist uses the microscope to diagnose skin diseases that are infectious, degenerative, or related to the immune system. In order to do these examinations, the doctor uses specially prepared tissue sections, cell scrapings, and smears of skin lesions using a variety of microscope techniques, including light microscopy, electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. Another sub-specialty, pediatric dermatology, focuses on skin diseases that are more common in children, including birthmarks and neonatal issues. These physicians often work with a medical teams treating children with multiple complex medical conditions. Once thought to be a lightweight specialty, dermatology is really a very critical specialty dedicated to the body's major organ: the skin. Bring with you ... ... a complete medical history, including allergies, past surgeries, conditions, all current medications and dosages, and family history of diseases and conditions. Because that information is critical in helping the doctor avoid any possible medication or procedural interactions. The doctor should ask you why you are there. The more quickly and thoroughly you can articulate your reasons, the more time the doctor will have to focus on them and to fill you in on what you can do about them. The more organized you are in presenting your needs, the less likely you are to be thrown off track by an interrupted doctor. ... a pen and a notebook. Why? Because when the doctor offers you his or her advice, you will be able to write it all down. This is really helpful if you want to take some time to consider what your options are. ... a friendly attitude toward the office staff, especially the physician assistants. In my experience, it's the PAs who know the day's schedule. They are the ones who linger with the patient after the doctor has left to be sure that there are no loose ends, unanswered questions, or incomplete follow-up instructions; they can even discuss payment options.

• published: 23 Nov 2013
• views: 1