Dermatology Q & A

What is dermatology?

Dermatology is the part of medicine that deals with the health of your skin. Dermatologists treat hair and nail conditions as well.

Skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects you from invading bacteria and viruses while making sure you don’t get too hot, cold, wet, or dry. Your skin is continually repelling attacks of one kind or another, so it’s not surprising that many different problems could affect your skin.

As well as the conditions that directly affect your skin, dermatology concerns the care and protection of your skin. Cleansing, moisturizing, and preventing signs of aging are all areas that dermatology includes.

What conditions does dermatology include?

Dermatology covers every type of skin, hair, or nail condition. Some skin conditions aren’t harmful but more of an aesthetic concern, like rosacea, birthmarks, melasma, and other areas of unwanted pigmentation.

There are also fungal infections that can affect the skin, like athlete’s foot and ringworm, viral infections like herpes and warts, and contagious skin diseases like impetigo. Some of the skin conditions seen most commonly at Sunstate Medical Associates are:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Dandruff
• Dermatitis
• Skin allergies

Dermatology also deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

What is skin cancer?

It’s one of the most widespread types of cancer and can be fatal, but skin cancer is also highly treatable if you get a prompt diagnosis.

Skin cancer typically develops because of prolonged or excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. You can also overexpose your skin to ultraviolet if you use sunbeds too often. In Florida alone, around 750 people die each year from skin cancer.

The most aggressive skin cancer is malignant melanoma. It typically develops from an existing mole, making it change in appearance or start bleeding or itching. If you spot a mole that looks like it’s changing in any way, or you see a new lesion developing, you should visit Sunstate Medical Associates without delay.

If the team suspects you have a melanoma, they can take a sample of the lesion or remove it entirely before it gets a chance to spread.

For all your dermatology needs from rashes to skin cancer, the Sunstate Medical Associates team provides expert care. They can also refer you to a specialist if your skin condition requires in depth assessment.

Call Sunstate Medical Associates today for more information or book an appointment online.