Editing Dermatology

{{Short description|Field of medicine dealing with the hair, nails, skin, and its diseases}}
{{For|the journal|Dermatology (journal)}}
{{Redirect|Dermatologic surgery|the journal|Dermatologic Surgery (journal)}}
{{Too short|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox medical specialty
| title        = Dermatology
| subdivisions =
| caption      = Dermatology
| system       = [[Human skin|Skin]]
| diseases     = [[Skin cancer]], [[skin infection]]s, [[eczema]]s, [[burn]]
| tests        = [[Skin biopsy]]
| specialist   = Dermatologist
}}
'''Dermatology''' is the branch of [[medicine]] dealing with the [[Human skin|skin]].<ref name="randomHouse">''Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.'' Random House, Inc. 2001. Page 537. {{ISBN|0-375-72026-X}}.</ref><ref name="aad.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.aad.org/public/specialty/what.html |title=What is a dermatologist? |access-date=2008-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216054753/http://www.aad.org/public/specialty/what.html |archive-date=2008-12-16}}</ref> It is a speciality with both medical and surgical aspects.<ref name="aocd.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.aocd.org/page/DermProcedures|title=Dermatology Procedures - American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD)|website=www.aocd.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dermnetnz.org/dermatologist.html |title=What is a dermatologist; what is dermatology. DermNet NZ |publisher=Dermnetnz.org |date=2009-06-15 |access-date=2012-10-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/what_is_a_dermatologist.asp |title=What is a Dermatologist |publisher=Dermcoll.asn.au |access-date=2012-10-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525085929/http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/what_is_a_dermatologist.asp |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref> A [[List of dermatologists|dermatologist]] is a specialist medical doctor who manages diseases related to skin.<ref name="aad.org" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aad.org/|title=Welcome to the American Academy of Dermatology |publisher=American Academy of Dermatology|website=www.aad.org}}</ref>

==Etymology==
Attested in English in 1819, the word "dermatology" derives from the [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] δέρματος (''dermatos''), genitive of δέρμα (''derma''), "skin"<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dde%2Frma δέρμα], Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, ''A Greek-English Lexicon'', on Perseus</ref> (itself from δέρω ''dero'', "to flay"<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dde%2Frw δέρω], Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, ''A Greek-English Lexicon'', on Perseus Digital Library</ref>) and -λογία ''[[wikt:-logia|-logia]]''. Neo-Latin ''dermatologia'' was coined in 1630, an anatomical term with various French and German uses attested from the 1730s.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Janssen|first=Diederik F.|date=2021-04-04|title=Dermatology: coinage of the term by Johann Heinrich Alsted (1630)|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijd.15551|journal=International Journal of Dermatology|volume=60|issue=7|language=en|pages=877–878|doi=10.1111/ijd.15551|pmid=33817784|s2cid=233026849|issn=0011-9059}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of dermatology}}
In 1708, the first great school of dermatology became a reality at the famous [[Hôpital Saint-Louis]] in Paris, and the first textbooks (Willan's, 1798–1808) and atlases ([[Jean-Louis-Marc Alibert|Alibert's]], 1806–1816) appeared in print around the same time.<ref name="Fitz">Freedberg, et al. (2003). ''Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine''. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Professional. Page 3. {{ISBN|0-07-138076-0}}.</ref>

== Training ==
{{Infobox Occupation
| name              = Dermatologist
| image             =
| caption           =
| official_names    = Doctor, Medical Specialist
<!------------Details------------------->
| type              = [[Specialty (medicine)|Specialty]]
| activity_sector   = [[Medicine]], [[surgery]]
| competencies      =
| formation         = [[Doctor of Medicine|Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)]] or <br /> {{nowrap|[[Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine|Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)]]}} or <br /> {{nowrap|[[Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery]]}}
| employment_field  = [[Hospital]]s, [[Clinic]]s
| related_occupation=
}}
{{Globalize|article|Western culture|date=November 2012}}

===United States===
After earning a medical degree ([[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] or [[Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine|D.O.]]), the length of training in the United States for a general dermatologist to be eligible for board certification by the [[American Academy of Dermatology]], [[American Board of Dermatology]], or [[American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology]] is four years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a dermatologist? |url=https://www.aad.org/public/fad/what-is-a-derm |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=www.aad.org |language=en}}</ref> This training consists of an initial medical, transitional, surgical, or pediatric intern year followed by a three-year dermatology residency.<ref name="aad.org" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abderm.org/residency.html |title=American Board of Dermatology |publisher=Abderm.org |access-date=2012-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610234130/http://www.abderm.org/residency.html |archive-date=2013-06-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aocd.org/qualify/board_certification.html |title=American Osteopathic College of Dermatology - Qualifications Overview |website=Aocd.org |access-date=2012-10-28 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015061926/http://www.aocd.org/qualify/board_certification.html}}</ref> Following this training, one- or two-year post-residency fellowships are available in [[immunodermatology]], [[phototherapy]], [[laser medicine]], [[Mohs micrographic surgery]], [[cosmetic surgery]], [[dermatopathology]], or pediatric dermatology. While these dermatology fellowships offer additional subspecialty training, many dermatologists proficiently provide these services without subspecialty fellowship training. For the past several years, dermatology residency positions in the United States have been one of the most competitive to obtain.<ref name="most competitive">{{cite journal |title=The academic strength of current dermatology residency applicants|quote=...has been the most competitive of all specialties for at least the last 5-6 years as seen by results published by the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).|vauthors=Wu JJ, Tyring SK |journal=Dermatology Online Journal |year=2003 |volume=9|issue=3|page=22|doi=10.5070/D340v593q5|pmid=12952769 }}</ref><ref name="most competitive2">{{cite journal |title=Dermatology Residency Program Characteristics That Correlate With Graduates Selecting an Academic Dermatology Career|quote=Dermatology continues to be the most competitive residency to enter... |vauthors=Wu JJ, Ramirez CC, Alonso CA, Mendoza N, Berman B, Tyring SK |journal=Archives of Dermatology|date=July 2006|volume=142|issue=7|pages=845–850 |doi=10.1001/archderm.142.7.845|pmid=16847199 |doi-access=}}</ref><ref name="most competitive3">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/fashion/19beauty.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin |title=For Top Medical Students, an Attractive Field |work=The New York Times |first=Natasha |last=Singer |date=2008-03-19 |access-date=2010-05-01}}</ref>

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists are trained to diagnose and manage over 3,000 distinct skin, hair, and nail conditions across patients spanning various age groups.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |last2= |date=2019-12-10 |title=What Is Dermatology? |url=https://www.castleconnolly.com/topics/dermatology/what-is-dermatology |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Castle Connolly |language=en}}</ref>

The United States has been experiencing a national shortage of dermatologists for more than a decade. A study published by the ''Journal of the American Medical Association'' reported fewer than 3.4 dermatologists for every 100,000 people.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Analysis of Trends in Geographic Distribution and Density of US Dermatologists|publisher=American Medical Association|date=2017-04-01|doi=10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.5411|last1=Glazer|first1=Alex M. |last2=Farberg|first2=Aaron S. |last3=Winkelmann|first3=Richard R.|last4=Rigel|first4=Darrell S.|journal=JAMA Dermatology|volume=153 |issue=4|pages=322–325|pmid=28146246|s2cid=9283682}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
In the UK, a dermatologist is a medically qualified practitioner who has gone on to specialize in medicine and then subspecialize in dermatology. This involves:
* Medical school for five years to obtain an MBBS, MBBCh, MB, or BChir degree
* Two years of foundation rotations in various specialties
* Two to three years training in general medicine to obtain a higher degree in medicine and become a member of the [[Royal College of Physicians]]
* Having obtained the [[Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom|MRCP]] examination, applying to become a Specialty Registrar (StR) in Dermatology and training for four years in dermatology
* Passing the Specialty Certificate Examination in dermatology before the end of training

Upon successful completion of the four-year training period, the doctor becomes an accredited dermatologist and is able to apply for a consultant hospital post as a consultant dermatologist.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-07 |title=Dermatology |url=https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/medicine/dermatology |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=healthcareers.nhs.uk |language=en}}</ref>

== Fields ==

=== Cosmetic dermatology ===
[[File:Obagijf1938.JPG|thumb|A Cosmetic dermatology unit in [[SM City North Edsa]], Philippines]]
Dermatologists have been leaders in the field of cosmetic surgery.<ref name="Andrews">James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology'' (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 895. {{ISBN|0-7216-2921-0}}.</ref> Some dermatologists complete fellowships in surgical dermatology. Many are trained in their residency on the use of [[botulinum toxin]], fillers, and laser surgery. Some dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures including [[liposuction]], [[blepharoplasty]], and [[face lift]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daytonskinsurgery.org/fellowship.html |title=Dayton Skin Care Specialists: Fellowship Information |website=Daytonskinsurgery.org |access-date=2012-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928023900/http://www.daytonskinsurgery.org/fellowship.html |archive-date=2012-09-28 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=UC Davis Health System, Department of Dermatology |url=http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/dermatology/education/fellowship.html |title=ACGME Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship |website=Ucdmc.ucdavis.edu |date=2010-04-21 |access-date=2012-10-28}}</ref> Most dermatologists limit their cosmetic practice to minimally invasive procedures. Despite an absence of formal guidelines from the [[American Board of Dermatology]], many cosmetic fellowships are offered in both surgery and laser medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dermatology |url=http://www.medicalexpert.com/dermatology.html |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=medicalexpert.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Dermatopathology ===
{{Main|Dermatopathology}}
A dermatopathologist is a [[pathologist]] or dermatologist who specializes in the [[pathology]] of the skin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medschool.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=1158&action=detail&ref=838|title=What is dermatopathology? Diagnosing disorders of the skin - David Geffen School of Medicine - Los Angeles, CA|website=medschool.ucla.edu|date=2 December 2016 |access-date=2018-09-06}}</ref> This field is shared by dermatologists and pathologists. Usually, a dermatologist or pathologist completes one year of dermatopathology fellowship and according to market projections, it is estimated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% from 2022 to 2030. This usually includes six months of general pathology and six months of dermatopathology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dermatopathology Fellowship Goals and Objectives with General Competencies |date=2005-06-17 |url=http://uwpathology.org/academics/residency/fellowship/DermGoals.pdf |access-date=2012-10-28}}</ref> Alumni of both specialties can qualify as dermatopathologists. At the completion of a standard residency in dermatology, many dermatologists are also competent at dermatopathology. Some dermatopathologists qualify to sit for their examinations by completing a residency in dermatology and one in pathology.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

=== Trichology ===
{{Main|Trichology}}
Trichology specializes in diseases, which manifest with hair loss, hair abnormalities, [[hypertrichosis]] and scalp changes. [[Trichoscopy]] is a medical diagnostic method that is used by dermatologists with a special interest in trichology.<ref name="Wang">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wang EH, Monga I, Sallee BN, Chen JC, Abdelaziz AR, Perez-Lorenzo R, Bordone LA, Christiano AM| title = Primary cicatricial alopecias are characterized by dysregulation of shared gene expression pathways | journal = PNAS Nexus | volume = 1 | issue = 3 | pages = pgac111 | date = Jul 2022 | pmid = 35899069 | doi = 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac111| pmc = 9308563 }}</ref>

=== Immunodermatology ===
{{Main|Immunodermatology}}
This field specializes in the treatment of immune-mediated skin diseases such as [[lupus]], [[bullous pemphigoid]], [[pemphigus vulgaris]], and other immune-mediated skin disorders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://medicine.utah.edu/dermatology/labservices/immunodermatology/services/disease-list.php|title=Disease List - U of U School of Medicine - {{!}} University of Utah|website=medicine.utah.edu|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-date=2022-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126044148/https://medicine.utah.edu/dermatology/labservices/immunodermatology/services/disease-list.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Specialists in this field often run their own immunopathology labs.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} Immunodermatology testing is essential for the correct diagnosis and treatment of many diseases affecting epithelial organs including skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The various diseases often overlap in clinical and histological presentation and, although the diseases themselves are not common, may present with features of common skin disorders such as urticaria, eczema and chronic itch. Therefore, the diagnosis of an immunodermatological disease is often delayed. Tests are performed on blood and tissues that are sent to various laboratories from medical facilities and referring physicians across the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-01 |title=Immunodermatology Laboratory |url=https://medicine.utah.edu/dermatology/lab-services/immunodermatology |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Dermatology {{!}} U of U School of Medicine |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Mohs surgery===
{{Main|Mohs surgery}}
The dermatologic subspecialty called Mohs surgery focuses on the excision of skin cancers using a technique that allows intraoperative assessment of most of the peripheral and deep tumor margins. Developed in the 1930s by [[Frederic E. Mohs]], the procedure is defined as a type of [[CCPDMA]] processing. Physicians trained in this technique must be comfortable with both pathology and surgery, and dermatologists receive extensive training in both during their residency. Physicians who perform Mohs surgery can receive training in this specialized technique during their dermatology residency, but many seek additional training either through formal preceptorships to become fellows of the American Society for Mohs Surgery<ref>{{cite web| title=About ASMS|publisher=American Society for Mohs Surgery| url=http://www.mohssurgery.org/about-asms/}}</ref> or through one-year Mohs surgery fellowship training programs administered by the American College of Mohs Surgery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mohscollege.org/acms/difference.php |title=The Mohs College Difference |publisher=Mohscollege.org |access-date=2012-10-28 |archive-date=2011-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512214738/http://www.mohscollege.org/acms/difference.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2020, the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) received approval from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to establish a board-certification exam in the subspecialty of Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (Mohs Surgery). The exam was first offered in October 2021 to any US board-certified dermatologist who practices Mohs surgery, regardless of whether they received their training in dermatology residency or as part of a fellowship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abderm.org/public/announcements/mds-subspecialty-certification-exam-study-guide-and-faqs.aspx |title=MDS Exam |publisher=abderm.org |access-date=2021-10-30 |archive-date=2021-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202210214/https://www.abderm.org/public/announcements/mds-subspecialty-certification-exam-study-guide-and-faqs.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>

This technique requires the integration of the same doctor in two different capacities - surgeon and pathologist. In case either of the two responsibilities is assigned to another doctor or qualified health-care professional, it is not considered to be Mohs surgery.{{cn|date=April 2021}}

=== Pediatric dermatology ===
Physicians can qualify for this specialization by completing both a pediatric residency and a dermatology residency. Or they might elect to complete a post-residency fellowship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abderm.org/subspecialties/pediatric.html |title=Subspecialty Certification in Pediatric Dermatology |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=The American Board of Dermatology |access-date=October 30, 2014}}</ref> This field encompasses the complex diseases of the [[neonate]]s, hereditary skin diseases or [[genodermatosis|genodermatoses]], and the many difficulties of working with the [[pediatric]] population.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.medscape.com/resource/pediatric-dermatology |title=Pediatric Dermatology |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Medscape |access-date=June 22, 2018}}</ref> Another area pediatric dermatologists may focus on is treating acne. Acne is formed when follicles under the skin become clogged. This can be caused by sebum, an oil that keeps the skin moist, or dead skin cells clogging the pores. This is very common in teens and young adults, and can be treated by prescription from a dermatologist. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=NIAMS Science Communications and Outreach |date=2016-09-01 |title=Acne |url=https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases |language=en}}</ref>

=== Teledermatology ===
{{Main|Teledermatology}}
Teledermatology is a form of dermatological practice in which telecommunication technologies are used to exchange medical information and treatment through audio, visual, and data communication, including photos of dermatologic conditions, between dermatologists and nondermatologists who are evaluating patients, along with dermatologists directly with patients via distance.<ref>Burg G, Soyer H.P, Chimenti S. (2005): Teledermatology In: Frisch P, Burgdorf W.: EDF White Book, Skin Diseases in Europe. Berlin, 130-133</ref><ref>Douglas A. Perednia, M.D., Nancy A. Brown, M.L.S., OregonHealthSciencesUniversity [http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=225996&blobtype=pdf Teledermatology: one application of telemedicine]</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ford|first1=Adam R.|last2=Gibbons|first2=Caitlin M.|last3=Torres|first3=Josefina|last4=Kornmehl|first4=Heather A.|last5=Singh|first5=Sanminder|last6=Young|first6=Paulina M.|last7=Chambers|first7=Cindy J.|last8=Maverakis|first8=Emanual|last9=Dunnick|first9=Cory A.|last10=Armstrong|first10=April W.|date=2019|title=Access to Dermatological Care with an Innovative Online Model for Psoriasis Management: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial|journal=Telemedicine and e-Health|language=en|volume=25|issue=7|pages=619–627|doi=10.1089/tmj.2018.0160|issn=1530-5627|pmc=6417973|pmid=30222518}}</ref> In India, during the severe coronavirus situations, some dermatologists have initiated online consultation with their patients using some of popular apps, such as Practo, Apollo Pharmacy, Skin Beauty Pal, Lybrate, etc. This subspecialty deals with options to view skin conditions over a large distance to provide [[knowledge exchange]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dermnetnz.org/|title=DermNet NZ – All about the skin - DermNet NZ|website=www.dermnetnz.org}}</ref> to establish second-opinion services for experts,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telederm.org/|title=telederm.org - dermatological advice on a click!|website=www.telederm.org}}</ref> or to use this for follow-up of individuals with chronic skin conditions.<ref>Ebner et al. 2006 e&i</ref><ref>H. Peter Soyer, Rainer Hofmann-Wellenhof, Cesare Massone, Gerald Gabler, Huiting Dong, Fezal Ozdemir, Giuseppe Argenziano [http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=1087218&blobtype=pdf telederm.org: Freely Available Online Consultations in Dermatology]</ref> Teledermatology can reduce wait times by allowing dermatologists to treat minor conditions online while serious conditions requiring immediate care are given priority for appointments.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality | url=https://innovations.ahrq.gov/profiles/online-visits-dermatologists-enhance-access-care-patients-minor-and-serious-skin-conditions |title=Online Visits With Dermatologists Enhance Access to Care for Patients With Minor and Serious Skin Conditions, Boost Physician Productivity |date=2013-11-06 | access-date=2013-11-06}}</ref>

===Dermatoepidemiology===

Dermatoepidemiology is the study of skin disease at the population level.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Barzilai|first1=DA|last2=Freiman|first2=A|last3=Dellavalle|first3=RP|last4=Weinstock|first4=MA|last5=Mostow|first5=EN|title=Dermatoepidemiology.|journal=Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology|date=Apr 2005|volume=52|issue=4|pages=559–73; quiz 574–8|pmid=15793504|doi=10.1016/j.jaad.2004.09.019}}</ref> One of its aspects is the determination of the global burden of skin diseases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.healthdata.org/research-article/global-burden-skin-disease-2010-analysis-prevalence-and-impact-skin-conditions |title=The global burden of skin disease in 2010: an analysis of the prevalence and impact of skin conditions |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=1 November 2013 |website= IHME|access-date=31 January 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.who.int/topics/global_burden_of_disease/en/|title=Global Burden of Disease|website=W.H.O. Global Burden of Disease/en/|access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref>
From 1990 to 2013, skin disease constituted about 2% of total global disease disability <ref>{{cite web|title=IHME Data Visualization: Compare|date=22 April 2014|url=http://www.healthdata.org/data-visualization/gbd-compare|access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref> as measured in disability-adjusted life-years.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Murray|first1=CJ|title=Quantifying the burden of disease: the technical basis for disability-adjusted life years.|journal=Bulletin of the World Health Organization|date=1994|volume=72|issue=3|pages=429–45|pmid=8062401|pmc=2486718}}</ref>

===Comparative Dermatology===

Comparative dermatology is a branch of dermatology that examines skin disorders across species, focusing on similarities and differences between humans and animals, such as dogs. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for enhancing our understanding of dermatological conditions and developing more effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Skin disorders are common in dogs, significantly affecting their quality of life and often requiring veterinary intervention. While some breeds are genetically predisposed to specific skin issues, there remains a notable gap in research comparing these canine conditions to similar human skin disorders. Addressing this gap can yield insights into the shared mechanisms underlying these diseases. For instance, atopic dermatitis.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Atopic Dermatitis and the Immune Response |date=2017 |pmc=5644664 |last1=Marsella |first1=R. |last2=De Benedetto |first2=A. |journal=Veterinary Sciences |volume=4 |issue=3 |page=37 |doi=10.3390/vetsci4030037 |doi-access=free |pmid=29056696 }}</ref> It is a common, itchy, and often difficult-to-treat condition. The Merck Veterinary Manual highlights various congenital and inherited skin disorders in dogs that are influenced by these factors, emphasizing the need for comparative research to improve disease management across species.<ref>{{cite web |title=Congenital and Inherited Skin Disorders in Dogs |url=https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/congenital-and-inherited-skin-disorders-in-dogs |website=Merck Veterinary Manual}}</ref> By comparing the disease in animals and humans, researchers can gain insights into its progression and variability in response to treatments. 

Furthermore, research into the genetic underpinnings of skin disorders has demonstrated that certain genetic mutations in dogs are associated with inherited skin diseases, which may serve as models for understanding similar human conditions.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Genetics of Inherited Skin Disorders |date=2016 |pmc=4877200 |last1=Bradley |first1=C. W. |last2=Morris |first2=D. O. |last3=Rankin |first3=S. C. |last4=Cain |first4=C. L. |last5=Misic |first5=A. M. |last6=Houser |first6=T. |last7=Mauldin |first7=E. A. |last8=Grice |first8=E. A. |journal=The Journal of Investigative Dermatology |volume=136 |issue=6 |pages=1182–1190 |doi=10.1016/j.jid.2016.01.023 |pmid=26854488 }}</ref> Environmental factors, such as allergens and pollutants, also play a significant role in skin health. Studies published in journals focusing on inflammatory skin conditions in humans and veterinary research reveal how these environmental influences intersect with genetic predispositions, offering a comparative framework for further study.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Comparative Analysis of Skin Diseases |date=2012 |pmc=3576775 |last1=Bandi |first1=K. M. |last2=Saikumar |first2=C. |journal=Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=156–157 |doi=10.7860/JCDR/2012/4839.2694 |pmid=23450734 }}</ref>

Treatment strategies for skin disorders also differ between veterinary and human medicine. Veterinary treatments often prioritize symptomatic relief and prevention, while human dermatological care may involve a broader range of targeted pharmaceutical options. Comparative analysis of these treatment methodologies could lead to the development of new therapies beneficial to both fields, as discussed in microbiological research into skin health.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=J.Lorber |first1=Jacob |title=Microbiological Insights into Skin Disorders |url=https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/microbiolspec.iol5-0002-2015 |journal=Microbiology Spectrum|date=2015 |volume=3 |issue=4 |doi=10.1128/microbiolspec.iol5-0002-2015 |pmid=26350317 }}</ref>

By emphasizing the comparative aspects of dermatology, researchers can contribute to a deeper understanding of skin health across species. This field underscores the importance of genetic research, environmental studies, and treatment innovations, as evidenced by ongoing research in dermatological and veterinary science.

== Therapies ==
[[File:Dermatology treatment.jpg|thumb|Facial cleansing pores in Meditec at ITESM CCM (2012)]]
Therapies provided by dermatologists include:
* Excision and treatment of [[skin cancer]]
* [[Cryosurgery]] for the treatment of warts, skin cancers, and other dermatoses
* [[Injectable filler|Cosmetic filler injections]]
* Intralesional treatment with steroid drugs or [[chemotherapy]]
* [[Laser therapy]] for the management of birth marks, skin disorders (like [[vitiligo]]), [[tattoo removal]], and cosmetic resurfacing and rejuvenation
* Chemical peels for the treatment of [[acne]], [[melasma]], and sun damage
* [[Photodynamic therapy]] for the treatment of skin cancer and precancerous growths
* [[Phototherapy]] including the use of narrowband UVB, broadband UVB, psoralen, and UVB
* [[Tumescent technique|Tumescent liposuction]]: Invented by a [[gynecology|gynecologist]], a dermatologist ([[Jeffrey A. Klein]]) adapted the procedure to local infusion of dilute anesthetic called tumescent liposuction. This method is now widely practiced by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and gynecologists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://inventors.about.com/od/lstartinventions/a/liposuction.htm |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20081107040140/http://inventors.about.com/od/lstartinventions/a/liposuction.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-11-07 |title=Liposuction - Who Invented Liposuction? |publisher=Inventors.about.com |date=2012-04-09 |access-date=2012-10-28 }}</ref>
* [[Radiation therapy]], although rarely practiced by dermatologists, some continue to provide it in their offices.
* [[Vitiligo surgery]] includes procedures such as autologous melanocyte transplant, [[Suction blister|suction blister grafting]], and punch grafting.
* [[Allergy testing]] uses "patch" testing for contact dermatitis.
* Systemic therapies include antibiotics, immunomodulators, and novel injectable products.
* Topical therapies use many of the numerous products and compounds used topically.

Most dermatologic pharmacology can be categorized based on the [[Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System|Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system]], specifically the [[ATC code D]].

== See also ==
{{col div|colwidth=18em}}
<!-- already cited * [[American Academy of Dermatology]]
* [[American Board of Dermatology]]
* [[American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology]]
* [[British Association of Dermatologists]] -->
* [[Dermatologic surgical procedure]]
* [[Skin condition]]
* [[History of dermatology]]
* [[List of skin conditions]]
* [[List of dermatologists]]
* [[Centro Studi GISED]]
* [[Dermaordinology]]
{{colend}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Dermatology}}

{{Medicine}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Dermatology| ]]