Dermatology

What Types of Health Conditions are Covered by Dermatology?

Dermatology is a health specialty that addresses conditions and diseases that affect the skin, hair, and nails. Doctors who specialize in dermatology are able to diagnose and treat many health conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, age spots, acne, alopecia, athlete's foot, toe fungus, and various types of skin cancer. When people think of dermatology, they often think of the only skin, but the hair and nails are included as well. This means that health conditions like alopecia, hair loss, and problems with the nails are also included. A dermatologist also treats excessive scarring and offers treatments that reduce the effects of aging on the skin.

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss. Anyone can experience it. In rare cases, the hair loss is permanent, while in others, the hair will begin to grow back. Some patients may experience hair loss in one area that eventually grows back, only to have hair in another area begin to clump and fall out. The hair falls out because the body's immune system recognizes it as something bad and takes the step to rid the body of it. Alopecia is common in individuals who have a family history of the condition or in individuals who have other autoimmune disorders. The younger a child is when the condition first appears, the more likely that the hair loss they experience will be permanent.

Are There Different Types of Acne?

There are different types of acne, which often affect the face, neck, and back. Comedonal acne deals with clogged pores and skin that does not refresh itself as it should. Inflammatory acne includes pimples that are red and irritated, blackheads, and whiteheads. Inflammatory acne is one of the more commonly recognized forms. Cystic acne is the most severe form and is often the cause of the deep scarring that results from the condition becoming irritated and infected. Hormonal-onset acne is the result of the gradual changes in a young adult's hormone levels. When boys and girls reach puberty, and their bodies begin to transition from that of a child to an adult, the resulting hormone fluctuations can lead to this form of acne.