Facts About Dermatology

What is "dermatology"?

Dermatology is a medical specialty concerned with skin, including hair and nails.

What is a "dermatologist"?

A dermatologist is a physician that has been specially trained in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the skin, the hair, and the nails.

Why is my skin important to my overall health?

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and is something that is not just important but vital to your overall health. The skin is what protects you from your environment. It works as a regulator for your temperature, it protects you from infection, and it sort of holds everything that's on the inside in a convenient little package.

Does my skin have different layers?

The skin is composed of several layers. The outer layer, the epidermis, is what determines the colour of the skin. The lower layer, the dermis, is where we have collagen, elastin, and all the proteins in the skin. It's also where we have our blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles and all the structures of the skin. Beneath that we have a layer of fat.

What are the most common skin disorders?

The most common skin disorders that I think most of us see in a dermatology practice are benign inflammatory disorders like psoriasis and acne; superficial infections like herpes simplex, shingles, warts, or fungal infections; and also skin cancer. Skin cancer is very, very common. Probably 40-50% of all the cancer diagnosed is skin cancer.