Dermatologia

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that deals with the health of the skin and diseases of the hair, nails and mucous membranes. The skin is the largest organ in the body. The skin acts as the first line of defense against bacteria and injuries, and often reflects overall health. A study carried out in 2013 found that 42.7% of patients see their doctor at some point because of skin disorders.

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes disorders. Presently, there are about 8,500 qualified dermatologists in the United States. A dermatologist can also provide support for cosmetic problems by helping patients revitalize the appearance of their skin, hair, and nails. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that in 2010 there were 39 million visits to non-federally employed, office-based dermatologists in the United States.

Here are some dermatological techniques used by a dermatologist to treat various types of skin diseases:

1.Botox treatment

Botox is clinically used to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically for removing wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles. Botox is produced from a neurotoxin known as botulinum toxin; this is produced by the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Although Botox is a powerful poison, when it is used properly, it has a lot of applications.

Botulinum toxin is given by diluting the powder in saline and direct injection into the neuromuscular tissue. Botulinum toxin starts to work between 24 and 72 hours. In very rare cases it can take up to 5 days to fully observe the effect of botulinum toxin.

Botulinum toxin should not be used in pregnant or nursing women, or in people who have previously had an allergic reaction to the drug or any of its components.

Botox is particularly effective against wrinkles that are not yet defined - "dynamic" wrinkles that appear when you move your face, for example when you frown. "In the event that you do not move your muscle too much, you do not create wrinkles," says dermatologist Monica Halem, from Columbia University. She considers Botox to be preventive.

How does BOTOX work?

BOTOX works by blocking the signal from the nerve muscles. This makes it difficult for the injected muscles to contract (tighten) as forcefully, this results in relaxation and softening of the wrinkles.

BOTOX can be used on forehead lines, frown lines crow’s feet, bunny lines (lines in the nose), chin (for dimpling), skin bands on the neck, and around the mouth (for smoker’s lines and down-turned corners of the mouth). Wrinkles that occur as a result of sun damage and gravity often do not respond to BOTOX. It is important to note that BOTOX is NOT a face filling product (i.e., it does not fill the existing wrinkles). What it does is to relax the muscles that create these wrinkles.

Botulinum toxin injections usually begin to work a few days after treatment. Depending on the problem solved, the effect may last for three months or longer. To maintain the effect, you will need regular monitoring injections.

2.Chemical peel

A chemical peel is a technique that is used to improve skin appearance on the face, neck or hands. The chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new skin which is regenerated is usually smooth and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun. Chemical peels can be of three types:

There are three types of chemical peels you can get. These include:

1. Superficial peels, this makes use of mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate. It penetrates only the outermost layer of the skin.

2. Medium peels, in this type; Trichloroacetic Acid or Glycolic Acid is used to get into the middle and outer layer of skills. This makes it more effective in removing damaged skin cells.

3. Deep peels, that fully penetrate into the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or trichloroacetic acid.

Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?

You cannot be a good candidate for a chemical peel if you have:

• A history of abnormal scarring of the skin
• Naturally dark complexion or skin tone
• A tendency to have extra pigmentation of your scars
• If you have used some acne treatments in the past year
• Skin problems or medications that make the skin more sensitive than normal

Chemical peels are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Acne Scars
• Aging skin
• Crow's feet
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma 
• Scars
• Sun damaged skin
• Sagging skin
• Wrinkles

How Much Does Chemical Peels Cost?

Chemical peels are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance is rarely covered. You will pay for the procedure from your pocket. Your first consultations visit can, however, be covered by insurance.

There are differences in the cost of the procedure and this depends on the factors such as location, the expertise of the provider, and the type of skin you want to get. Light peels can cost only $ 150, and deep peels can cost $3000 or more (especially if it requires anesthesia or hospital stay). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current average cost of chemical peel is $ 673.

3.Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers; these are gel-like substances which are injected under the skin for the purpose of restoring lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases or enhance facial contours. Every year more than one million men and women choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be an economical way of looking younger without surgery or downtime.

What dermal fillers can do?

• Plump thin lips
• Enhance shallow contours
• Soften facial creases and wrinkles
• Improve the appearance of recessed scars
• Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
• Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids

Dermal fillers have been found to be helpful for individuals with early signs of aging, or as a value-added part of facial rejuvenation surgery.

What results should I expect after dermal filler?

The results of a soft tissue augmentation with the use of dermal fillers are apparently immediately and last from a few months to a few years, depending on the type of fillers used and the patient to be injected. Maintaining good general health and maintaining healthy, strong skin with appropriate products and skin treatments will improve results and longevity.

4.Dermatology consultation

Dermatology consultation is a service rendered by dermatologist or dermatology clinic. Most of the times, this service are free mostly for patients who want advice on existing skin, scalp, hair, nail, lips and mouth. Majority of this condition can be diagnosed by a simple physical examination. A patient receives clear information about their condition and available treatment options when they visit a dermatologist. Going for early consultation will help reduce the potential risks and complications that may arise from the dermatological condition.

Who needs a dermatological consultation and expect results

Dermatology consultation is useful to anyone who has symptoms of dermatological conditions that affect skin, hair, scalp, nails, mouth, and lips, including:

• Rashes
• Skin itching
• Abnormal skin growths
• Skin Lesions
• Cutaneous pain

The consultations are also recommended for patients with a diagnosis of dermatological conditions such as:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Skin infections
• Warts
• Impetigo
• Ringworm

How does the procedure work?

Some patients go directly to the dermatologist, while others require consultation with a dermatologist at the recommendation of a general practitioner or a family physician. The consultation usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes, but may take longer depending on the patient's condition.

During the consultation, the dermatologist will review the patient's medical history, ask questions about symptoms and major complaints, and physically examine the affected area.

In most cases, a physical examination is usually enough to diagnose the disease. However, in some cases, some tests may be required, such as the following.

• Blood test
• Skin swab
• Skin biopsy

Once the condition is diagnosed, the dermatologist will review the existing treatment options, their risks, their side effects, and expected results. The patient is not required to be committed to treatment during the consultation but must have a clear knowledge of his or her option so that an informed decision can be made and commence treatment as soon as possible.

The patient can begin treatment immediately in case of mild dermatological conditions. In most cases, treatment may involve the use of certain medications. The dermatologist may already provide the necessary prescriptions during the said appointment. In such cases, patients will be asked to return after one or two months of monitoring, during which the dermatologist will assess whether the treatment is working properly or has had the desired results so far. Otherwise, the treatment plan will be adjusted.

As mentioned above dermatology is widely known as the branch of medicine that deals with the health of the skin and diseases of the hair, nails and mucous membranes. The first line of defense against bacteria and injuries is the skin, and if often reflects the overall health of the body. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of conditions that affect the skin, nails and mucous membranes disorders is known as a dermatologist. A dermatologist can also provide support for cosmetic problems by helping patients revitalize the appearance of their skin, hair, and nails. Some procedure used by dermatologist to treat skin conditions includes dermal Fillers, chemical peel, skin lightening, skin treatment, sweating treatment, thread lifts, varicose veins treatment, vitiligo, wrinkle removal forehead and Botox treatment among others.