Learn about medical dermatology and common skin conditions treated at a dermatology office in this guide from Borealis Dermatology, located in Garden City and Syosset, New York.
What makes Medical Dermatology different?
Dermatology is the branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats skin, hair, and nail conditions. There are different types of dermatology, where cosmetic dermatology focuses on improving the appearance of the skin, and surgical dermatology focuses on performing minor and major skin procedures to improve the skin. Medical dermatology, which is concentrated on understanding, diagnosing, and treating skin conditions, is the center of dermatology. It is important to understand the medical aspect of skin, hair, and nail conditions in order to treat it properly.
What are common skin conditions that can be addressed by Medical Dermatology?
- Acne: The most common condition patients see a dermatologist for, acne has different types like blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.
- Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, this skin condition is characterized by dry skin, rashes, and extreme itching that can result in red blotches or blisters when scratched at. There is no cure for this chronic condition, but with professional intervention, eczema patients can learn what triggers their condition and get help managing their symptoms.
- Hyperpigmentation: A condition where patches of your skin become darker in pigment. While hyperpigmentation can be harmless in most instances, it can indicate an underlying medical condition. To rule out possible underlying conditions, it is important to consult with a medical dermatologist.
- Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition characterized by red patches of skin with flaky, white scales. There is no cure for this condition either, but a medical dermatologist can recommend the appropriate treatment for your psoriasis, depending on the severity.
- Rosacea: Common facial redness and visible vessels caused by damaged or broken capillaries. While there is no cure, the symptoms can be managed and minimized with prescriptions recommended by your medical dermatologist.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: A form of eczema that affects the scalp, causing dandruff and dry patches. A common misconception is that this condition is contagious and is caused by a lack of hygiene. Seek professional help before the condition worsens as it can lead to hair loss.
What are uncommon skin conditions that can be addressed by Medical Dermatology?
- Sarcoidosis – a rare condition that causes small patches of swollen tissue, called granulomas, to develop in the organs of the body including lungs, lymph nodes, and can skin.
- Skin Lupus – a skin disease that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells and damages your skin. This can cause redness, itching, pain, and eventual scarring.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa – a chronic skin condition that causes small, painful lumps to form under the skin. The lumps usually develop in areas where your skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breasts leading to lesions and infection.
- Bullous Pemphigoid – a rare skin condition that causes large, fluid-filled blisters to develop on areas of skin that often flex, such as the lower abdomen, upper thighs, or armpits.
- Biologic Therapies – a type of treatment that uses substances made from living organisms to treat disease. Some biological therapies stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer or other conditions. Side effects of this treatment may include redness, itching, swelling, and pain.
When is it time to seek professional care?
You can seek professional care whenever you feel the need to! Whether it is because of a few pimples or if a certain rash is interfering with your daily tasks, you should seek dermatological help. Borealis Dermatology has two locations for your convenience in Garden City and Syosset, New York. For a consultation or appointment, call the best-reviewed dermatology office in Long Island today and talk to a skin expert at 516-246-8800.
