Dermatology Featured Writers (4)
Featured Writer (1) : Nora Tarabein, California
Dermatology is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the skin,
hair, and nails. This field covers a wide array of conditions, from common issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis
to more serious concerns like skin cancer. Dermatologists are also skilled in managing cosmetic concerns,
including aging, sun damage, and scarring.
As the body’s largest organ, the skin serves as a vital barrier against environmental factors, making its health
crucial to overall well-being. Dermatologists address medical, surgical, and cosmetic needs, performing skin
exams to detect problems early, treating chronic conditions, and offering procedures to enhance skin appearance.
Recent advances in dermatology have greatly improved the ability to treat various skin conditions.
For example, biologic therapies have revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune skin diseases like psoriasis.
Additionally, new laser and light-based technologies provide non-invasive options for treating wrinkles,
pigmentation issues, and unwanted hair.
Dermatology is both a science and an art, requiring a detailed understanding of skin health and aesthetics.
Whether managing chronic skin conditions or performing cosmetic procedures, dermatologists play a vital role
in helping patients maintain healthy skin and achieve their aesthetic goals. Given the skin’s complexity and
ongoing advancements in the field, dermatology remains a dynamic and essential branch of medicine.
Meet the Author: Nora Tarabien - Junior
Featured Writer (2) : Tania Fakharian , Nevada
Dermatology is one of the most interesting professions in the medical industry, Dermatologists focus on providing the best treatment for their patients and ensuring their patient lives a healthy lifestyle. Dermatologists treat and diagnose skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and acne, they even remove life threatening skin cancer conditions such as basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Dermatologists even perform surgical procedures to remove things on skin such as moles, cysts, and other growths. Cosmetic dermatology revolves around improving the aesthetics of a patient and helping them look better, for example botox, fillers, getting rid of scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles, along with other things people may find undesirable. Dermatologists also focus on helping with hair loss, and fungus that grows on nails. Understanding the science behind these treatments and being able to help people reach their goal on how they want their hair, skin, or nails to look is overall very fulfilling. Especially with the growing demand of botox, I aim to be able to provide my clients with the best procedures ensuring them a healthier lifestyle. Dermatologists have a wide range on what helps their client best whether it's a medical or a cosmetic concern and having that range of what I can do for my clients is very telling on why I would like to be a dermatologist.
Understanding what the science is behind acne and other underlying skin conditions and being able to figure out a
way to treat them is something I definitely see myself taking interest in in the foreseeable future.
Dermatology is one of the most interesting fields in medicine, it requires a lot of dedication towards understanding the science between how to have healthier skin, nails, and hair. There are many different things dermatologists specialize in for example, they diagnose and treat skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea, dermatologists even treat life threatening conditions such as different types of skin cancers. Dermatologists perform biopsies and other procedures to remove cancerous growths. Cosmetic dermatology focuses on improving the aesthetics of the skin for example, botox, laser therapy, and chemical peels to improve the overall appearance of the skin. They treat various hair or nail disorders, for example alopecia, nail disorders, and some fungal infections. Dermatologists focus on educating their patients on how to maintain their skin health and to live a comfortable life.
Featured Writer (3) : Katelyn Pham, California
Acne Treatment: Isotretinonin
During the midst of Covid-19, I suffered from severe acne, beyond the typical nodules associated with hormonal fluctuations. I tried every skincare product on the market, from topical retinoids to cleansing masks. Nothing seemed to make a difference in the long term.
The persistence of my acne led to a dermatology appointment in which I was given Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin, or more commonly referred to by its brand name “Accutane”, is one of the most prescribed oral medications for severe acne. It is a vitamin A derivative. Alongside hormonal medication, I was able to clear up my skin within six months. My redness and acne scars also disappeared soon after. Four years later, my skin has been consistently free of acne, with only occasional minor flare ups.
With the circulation of many acne treatments, what makes Isotretinoin so different? For starters, Isotretinon can only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider such as a dermatologist. Treatment often spans over a timeline of four to five months. Dosage often starts small, and increases through the course. Unlike other medications, it is not an antibiotic. Instead, it inhibits sebum production to prevent the spread of acne causing bacteria. Within 16 weeks, eighty-five percent of patients have skin clear of acne. This is with a dosage of around 0.5-1.0 mg/kg per day. Source: The use of isotretinoin in acne
Although Isotretinon has shown to be highly successful, it can also cause serious side effects. This includes severe birth defects for pregnant women. Before and during treatment, women must take a monthly pregnancy test and use two reliable forms of birth control. Dryness is a common side effect of Isotretinon. This includes dry skin, lips, and eyes. This medication also causes increased sensitivity to the sun and redness. With this in mind, frequency using moisturizers, applying sunscreen, and drinking lots of water will help subside the effects.
Some patients have also reported temporary vision and hearing discrepancies. There have also been cases of joint and muscle pains. Interestingly, adolescents often experience mood changes, including depression and anxiety. Despite this, most clients felt improvement in mental wellbeing due to physical progress. Therefore, there is a debate over the relationship between isotretinoin and psychological states.
With more research being conducted, Isoterininon remains one the most efficacious remedies for moderate to severe acne. It produces the necessary patient outcome that other products often lack.
Sources:
Layton, Alison. “The use of isotretinoin in acne.” Dermato-endocrinology vol. 1,3 (2009): 162-9. doi:10.4161/derm.1.3.9364
Bray, Adam P et al. “Is there an association between isotretinoin therapy and adverse mood changes? A prospective study in a cohort of acne patients.” The Journal of dermatological treatment vol. 30,8 (2019): 796-801. doi:10.1080/09546634.2019.1577545
“Accutane (Isotretinoin): Warnings & Side Effects.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19186-isotretinoin-capsules. Accessed 25 November 2024.
Meet the Author: Katelyn Pham - Junior
Featured Writer (4) : Miono Minematsu, California
I recently developed an interest in dermatology, and it all started with my struggle with acne. I didn't know how to handle it, and despite my parents' best efforts to help, nothing seemed to work. After trying a variety of different products, I finally found what worked for my skin, and I remember feeling so accomplished. That experience made me want to help others learn more about their skin and take better care of it. So, when I had to pick a career to research, I came across dermatology. At first, I wasn’t exactly sure what the field was all about, but I was eager to learn.
Dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of disorders relating to skin, hair, and nails. Skin issues can significantly impact overall health, contributing to problems like sleep loss, depression, and more. Becoming a dermatologist requires rigorous training: four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and three years of residency. Board certification is granted by organizations such as the American Board of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Dermatologists deal with both medical and cosmetic concerns - from wrinkled skin to skin disorders related to AIDS. Examples of common skin conditions include acne, psoriasis, and pemphigus. Acne occurs when hair follicles become blocked with an oily substance and dead skin cells, leading to their inflammation. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes red, inflamed skin that may be painful.
Dermatologists perform various procedures, including electrosurgery (using high-frequency currents to remove tissue) and laser surgery (utilizing focused light beams). Dermatologists, unlike estheticians, have the necessary clinical skills to detect skin diseases and prescribe medicine for treatment.
Skin, the largest organ in your body, contributes to approximately 15% of the body weight. It constantly renews itself every 28 days and sheds roughly 9 pounds of dead skin cells annually.
Credits: https://www.aad.org/public/fad/what-is-a-derm
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
https://www.olanskydermatology.com/blog/ten-fun-facts-about-your-skin/
Image from sridevihospital.com ← image is from Oasis Dermatology
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