DERMATOLOGY

 

Dermatology

Dermatology is one of the branches of medical sciences related to physiology and pathology of the skin, hair and nails. The field involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases of the skin and appendages. 

The skin is part of the integumentary system which is the largest organ system of the human body. The word Integumentary comes from the Latin word 'tegere', which means to cover. In humans, this system accounts for about 16 percent of total body weight and covers 1.5-2m2 of surface area. Accessory structures of the skin are the hair and nails, sweat glands and oil glands. The skin and accessories are prone to various acute and chronic problems from acne, rashes, warts, hair and nail problems to skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo and so on. Hair related problems like hair loss, dandruff etc. are common. These diseases and beauty consciousness among people have made dermatology which treat diseases as well as cosmetic problems related to skin and scalp, a career of the present age.

A physician trained to treat diseases and conditions of the skin is called a dermatologist. Dermatologists manage acute and chronic disorders of the skin i.e they take care of  diseases in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails. Dermatologists also study the structure and function of the skin, and the relationship between skin pathologies and malfunctions of other organs of the body. They assess the affected area and take skin scrapings, tissue samples, or blood samples for further testing and examination. They often examine samples using a microscope or through biological and chemical testing. Once a diagnosis has been made, dermatologist creates a treatment plan. Dermatology often overlaps the practice of other medical specialties, e.g., neurology and internal medicine. 

Dermatologists have been leaders in the field of cosmetic surgery. The terms Dermatology and Cosmetology are often mistaken as one and the same. But, Dermatology and Cosmetology are two entirely different streams which deals with human skin and related issues. One main difference between Cosmetology and Dermatology is that- Cosmetology is the study of beauty treatments which have practical applicability which include hairstyles, hairdressing, shampoos, skin care specialties and nail treatments etc. Dermatology is a division of medicine which include the study of skin and related issues, prescribes medicine and even conduct surgery if needed. It is an actual science. It also involves various methods of diagnosing, treating, and protecting skin from external and internal impacts. Acne scar removal, treatment of aged or sun-damaged skin, chemical peel, dermabrasion / dermaplaning, cryosurgery etc. are some of the treatments done by a cosmetic dermatologist.

Dermatology : Eligibility

As the dermatologist is a physician, he/she must complete the Bachelor's degree in medicine (MBBS) and then get specialized by taking a Master's degree in Dermatology.

Educational: An aspiring candidate wanting to make a career as dermatologist needs to opt for science stream with physics, chemistry and biology as subjects at 10+2 level. After plus two they have to go through the entrance exam and get a seat for MBBS. After MBBS, one can do a Master's degree program in Dermatology or a Doctorate in medical science in the related field of Dermatology. One can also opt for a post graduate diploma or diploma course in the respective field after Bachelors in Medicine.

Personal attributes : Dermatologists must possess the following qualities as in any other medical field.

• care and concern
• critical thinking
• ability to counsel
• an eye for detail
• determination
• stress management
• friendly approach
• Patience
• Receptiveness
• understanding

Dermatology : Job Prospects & Career Options

People, young as well as old are becoming more conscious about their skin and looks. Owing to this, the demand for professionals in this field of skin care is expected to upsurge in the coming years.

Dermatologists could work in hospitals or clinics or take up private practice. They could even take up positions as professors, teaching faculty, supervisors or research heads in their specialized fields in medical colleges and institutes/universities. After gaining considerable experience in India, dermatologists can pursue lucrative careers aboard as the demand is increasing tremendously. 

Private practitioners may opt for specialized dermatology courses in pediatric and cosmetic dermatology. The specializations in dermatology can be done in the fields like immuno dermatology, dermo pathology, pediatric dermatology and cosmetic dermatology.

Areas of specialisation

Cosmetic Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology is a scientific super-specialty of Dermatology which aims to bring science to the concept of Beauty. Dermatologists after completing a MS in the field of surgical dermatology are trained to use laser surgery, botox and fillers. Further, the cosmetic procedures include chemical peels, dermabrasion, derma roller,  bhepharoplasty, face lifts and liposuction. They treat scars, acne, hair fall, wrinkles, black spots, pigmentation etc. using different procedures depending upon the type of the skin. 

Dermatopathology -A Dermatopathologist is a pathologist or dermatologist who specializes in the pathology of the skin. This is a field which is shared by pathologists and dermatologists who complete one year of dermato-pathology fellowship (which includes six months training in general pathology and six months in dermato-pathology). Dermatopathologist diagnoses and monitors diseases of the skin including infectious, immunological, degenerative, and neoplastic diseases.

Immunodermatology - This field specializes in the treatment of immune-mediated skin diseases such as pemphigus valgaris, bullous pemphigoid, lupus erythema etc. These individuals work in immuno-pathology labs.

Mohs surgery- Is a sub-specialty that focuses on the management of skin cancer, using a tissue-sparing technique. Physicians trained in this technique receive exhaustive training in pathology, as well as surgery.

Pediatric Dermatology- Physicians qualify for Pediatric Dermatology after completing a pediatric, as well as dermatology residency. Some opt for a post-residency fellowship. Pediatric dermatology includes complex diseases of the neonates, hereditary skin ailments or genodermatoses. Pediatric dermatologists treats specific skin disease categories with emphasis on those diseases which predominate in infants, children, and adolescents.

Tele-Dermatology - Tele-dermatology is the sub-section, wherein, telecommunication technologies are utilized to exchange medical information, via media, invariably done by non-dermatologists to evaluate off-site by the dermatologists. This subspecialty deals with options to view skin conditions over a large distance to provide knowledge exchange, to establish second-opinion services for experts or to use this for follow-up of individuals with chronic skin conditions.