Introduction
Dermatology is a branch of science handling hair, skin and nail issues, and dermatologists diagnose and treat them along with the membranes that line the nose, mouth and eyelids. A dermatologist can also recognise underlying health issues.
They are also termed skin specialists performing plastic and cosmetic surgeries. Dermatologists help people regain confidence by providing radiant and healthy skin after treatment. Common dermatology treatments include treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal nails, hair loss or thinning, dandruff, pigmentation, sunburn etc.
Common dermatology treatments
The dermatologists in Visakhapatnam treat common conditions like:
1. Acne:
It is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, inflammation, swelling etc., appear throughout the face decreasing self-esteem.
The cause varies in individuals; hormonal changes, genetics, stress, diet, and certain medications can trigger its prevalence. Dermatologists will prescribe topical or oral medications, lifestyle changes and professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy.
2. Eczema:
Otherwise known as dermatitis, eczema is a chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy and inflamed patches of skin. It can be severe, causing the skin to crack, bleed and become infected. It commonly affects infants, but adults are not immune to it.
Certain foods, allergens, stress, climate and irritants like soaps and detergents can trigger and cause flare-ups. Dermatologists prescribe moisturisers, topical steroids, antihistamines and immunosuppressant medications for the specific condition.
3. Hair thinning/ loss:
Male and female pattern baldness is the prevalent form of hair loss. Genetic factors and hormonal changes are the culprits in most cases. Also, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, scalp infections and chemotherapy drugs accelerate hair loss. Lifestyle disorders like stress, poor nutrition and hair styling products etc. damage the hair.
Dermatologists can order diagnostic tests to identify coronary heart disease and enlargement of the prostate, prostate cancer, diabetes and obesity and high blood pressure have been related to androgenetic alopecia that is common in males. Treatments include PRP, steroid injections, micro-needling, laser therapy etc.
4. Nail fungus:
Nail fungus or onychomycosis affects the nails on hands or feet, typically of older adults over 60. Dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds infect the tissue underneath the nails and cause yellow or white spots on the nails.
Nail thickening, brittleness, nail shape distortion and separation of the nail from the nail bed are some of the consequences. Skin specialists may prescribe topical or oral antifungals for its treatment.
5. Warts:
Warts are small, non-cancerous growths on the skin, hands, feet and face caused by the human papillomavirus. They are of different types- common warts, plantar warts, genital warts and flat warts.
Treatment for warts depends on the type and location of the wart and the patient’s overall health. Dermatologists may do a biopsy to examine or prescribe topical medications or do cryotherapy, laser therapy and surgical removal.
6. Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is caused by exposure to UV radiation. The main types of skin cancer are- basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is less common but is the most dangerous as it is spreadable.
Changes in size, shape or colour of the mole are examined by skin biopsy. Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk for melanoma, but if detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 99 percent. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
7. Rosacea:
It is a common skin condition causing redness, swelling and bumps on the face- the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. In more severe cases, it causes eye problems such as redness, irritation and swollen eyelids.
Although there is no cure, topical or oral medications reduce inflammation and redness and laser therapy and lifestyle modifications are advised by dermatologists to manage the conditions.
8. Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition where the skin cells grow and form thick, scaly patches on the skin. It is itchy and painful and affects the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. Dermatologists prescribe topical treatments, phototherapy and lifestyle modifications etc.
9. Moles:
Moles are the small dark brown spots of skin growths that appear on the body by clusters of melanin pigment-forming cells- melanocytes. A mole may be cancer if it has irregular borders and shapes or changes in colour, shape, size or height. A dermatologist can surgically remove a mole or do a biopsy to check if it’s cancerous.
10. Genital sores:
Genital sores are lesions or ulcerations appearing on or around the genital area. A dermatologist can diagnose by taking a swab from the sore, and a lab test confirms if the sore contains herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although there is no cure, a dermatologist may prescribe antiviral medication and advise on self-care tips to heal the sores.
11. Shingles:
Shingles(herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that causes a rash which turns into a painful blister. Consult the dermatologist within three days of infection to reduce complications. The dermatologist will scrape the fluid from a blister and send it for testing in the lab to confirm the presence of the virus. Antivirals and pain medications are prescribed for treatment.
12. Excessive sweating:
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is abnormally excessive sweating of hands, feet, underarms, face etc. The two types are primary focal hyperhidrosis, which has no other underlying medical condition and secondary hidrosis, caused by an underlying medical condition or side effect of medicine or food supplement. Dermatologists prescribe antiperspirants, medications, botox injections, and surgery according to their severity.
13. Varicose and Spider Veins:
Varicose veins are large, swollen, and twisted veins visible under the skin, whereas spider veins are smaller and typically appear as red, blue, or purple spiderweb-like veins on the skin’s surface. Risk factors for varicose veins include age, family history, obesity, pregnancy and prolonged standing or sitting. Spider veins also be caused by sunlight, hormonal changes or an injury.
Dermatologists may advise lifestyle changes, exercise, weight loss, compression stockings, and medical procedures such as sclerotherapy or laser therapy.
14. Skin discolouration:
Skin discolouration is the appearance of darker or lighter spots on the skin due to variations in melanin levels in the skin. The causes include exposure to harmful UV rays, ageing, sun spots, vitiligo, a burn, rash, change in hormones, melasma, rosacea, psoriasis etc.
Skin specialists determine the underlying cause and do an appropriate treatment. Common dermatology treatments include topical treatment, biological and oral agents, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, micro-needling, laser treatment etc.
The takeaway
What is a dermatologist, and what they do is overlooked compared to other doctors. Certified dermatologists have extensive training and accurately diagnose and treat more than 3,000 issues of skin, hair and nails and other cosmetic concerns.
The best dermatologist in Visakhapatnam is well-equipped to perform specialised diagnostic procedures, do surgery for facial reconstruction, remove scars etc., thus improving quality of life. They can identify the early signs of diabetes, heart disease or skin cancer and be a life saviour.
Are you exploring a skin specialist in Visakhapatnam? Visit Queen’s NRI hospital for expert skin specialists care. We provide International standard treatments with a holistic approach to managing skin disorders and medical and aesthetic needs.