Dermatology (Skin Diseases) Department | Skin Health and Dermatological Treatments

Dermatology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all diseases related to the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes such as the mouth, as well as venereal (sexually transmitted) diseases. Doctors specializing in this field are awarded the title of Dermatology and Venereology Specialist after their residency training. They are also called dermatologists, dermatology specialists, or, in common usage, skin doctors.

In the Dermatology (skin diseases) department, acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, vitiligo, urticaria, skin allergies, bacterial infections, as well as hair and nail diseases, sexually transmitted diseases (including genital warts), and the early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, especially malignant melanoma, are among the important areas of dermatology. At the same time, recognizing skin findings of diseases in all other systems by a dermatologist provides intersystem coordination in diagnosis and treatment

In the dermatology department, in addition to medical treatments, non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures and aesthetic dermatology treatments are also commonly performed.

Daviva Health Group Dermatology Department provides comprehensive healthcare services in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases as well as in the field of medical and aesthetic dermatology, with its experienced team of specialists and advanced technological infrastructure.

In the Dermatology department, the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of skin, hair, and nail diseases are performed. Get detailed information about acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.

What Is Dermatology (Skin Diseases)?

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. In addition to being an important sense organ, it surrounds the body like armor and protects the underlying structures. By controlling permeability, our skin prevents allergens and microorganisms from entering, and it also takes its place in the immune system as the first line of defense. It helps regulate body temperature and moisture balance. If the structure of the skin is damaged for various reasons, skin diseases occur.

We can give examples such as acne, eczema, vitiligo, psoriasis, rosacea, skin infections, skin allergies, hair loss, nail diseases, genital warts, and many other diseases seen on the skin

What Diseases Are Treated in the Dermatology Department?

The Dermatology department diagnoses and treats skin, hair, and nail diseases. During a dermatology examination, skin doctors diagnose and treat many dermatological diseases, from inflammatory skin conditions and infections to hair loss and skin cancers. Dermatological diseases can present in very different ways. The answer to the question of which diseases the Dermatology department deals with can be explained as follows:

If you can see what is bothering you, or if you feel burning, stinging, or itching on your skin, this is a skin disease. It would be more appropriate to first have a dermatologist examine you.

Acne (Pimples) and Acne Scar Treatment

Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that affects hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Each hair is attached to the skin by a structure called the hair follicle. Sebaceous glands are located within the follicle, and the sebum they produce protects the skin from dryness. However, with many factors such as diet, hormonal causes, and genetic factors, excessive sebum production by these glands can cause the skin to become oily and, with the effect of bacteria, lead to the formation of acne.

Acne is usually seen on the face, back, shoulders, and chest. Deep and inflamed pimples can cause acne scars over time. To prevent permanent scarring, it is important to start dermatological treatment early.

Eczema (Dermatitis) Treatment

Eczema is the general name for inflammatory skin conditions that encompass different dermatological diseases. Its most common symptom is intense itching. In cases of eczema, redness, dryness, crusting, and flaking may be seen on the skin.

Treatment for eczema is planned according to the cause of the disease. For example, in contact dermatitis, improvement in the skin may be seen when the triggering allergen or irritant is removed.

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-communicable skin disease associated with genetic predisposition. It usually appears as sharply bordered red plaques covered with silvery scales.

Itching and burning may be seen in psoriasis. In some patients, joint involvement called psoriatic arthritis may also develop. Dermatology specialists can apply different treatment methods depending on the severity of the disease.

Fungal Infection Treatment

Fungal infections (mycoses) are infections caused by microscopic fungi. These infections can occur in the skin, hair, nails, and mucosal tissues.

Normally, some fungi may be present in the human body without causing harm. However, a weakened immune system, moist environments, or damage to the skin barrier can lead to the development of fungal infections.

Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by redness of the face and visible superficial capillaries. It usually starts in the central part of the face, especially around the nose and cheeks, and may spread over time to the forehead and chin. While genetic background, diet, and environmental factors contribute to its development, it is a chronic skin disease that can be confused with internal diseases such as systemic lupus and should therefore be followed by a dermatologist

Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss can develop due to seasonal changes, stress, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, genetic factors, or scalp diseases.

In the Dermatology department, the cause of hair loss is identified and appropriate treatment methods are planned for women and men.

Skin Spot Treatment

Skin spots can occur due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, aging, acne scars, or genetic predisposition. These spots appear as a result of excessive production of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color. They are most commonly seen on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders, and chest. However, since not every spot is a simple sun spot, treatment should be planned after the diagnosis is clarified through a detailed examination and tests.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the structure of the skin. The most common types of skin cancer are:

• Malignant melanoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Early diagnosis and treatment are important in all skin cancers. While basal cell carcinoma progresses slowly, malignant melanoma is the fastest progressing and most aggressive skin cancer. However, because squamous cell carcinoma, often melanoma, can also spread to other organs, early diagnosis is of great importance. Diagnosis is usually made by clinical examination, dermoscopy, and biopsy.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These diseases are usually transmitted from one person to another when infected bodily fluids pass through mucous membranes.

With an examination performed by dermatology and venereology specialists, infectious diseases and non-infectious genital diseases are distinguished from one another and an appropriate treatment plan is created.

What Treatments Are Applied in the Dermatology Department?

In the Dermatology department, many different methods are used in the treatment of skin, hair, and nail diseases. Treatment of skin diseases is planned by the dermatology specialist according to the type and severity of the disease and the patient's overall health status. The main treatment methods applied in the Dermatology department are as follows:

Medical Dermatological Treatments

Medical dermatological treatments include treating skin and mucosal diseases with oral medications or creams, lotions, and ointments applied to the skin. Within the scope of these treatments, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and treatments that regulate the immune system may be used.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a treatment method performed by applying liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees to the lesion in order to destroy the targeted skin tissue. This procedure, which is effective in the treatment of various skin lesions, usually takes seconds. The reaction that occurs on the skin after the procedure may range from mild erythema to fluid-filled blisters in the following days, and healing is usually completed within 10–14 days.

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

Phototherapy is a treatment method applied using ultraviolet (UV) rays at specific wavelengths. It is an effective treatment option especially for skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. While phototherapy can be applied alone in some cases, in some diseases it can be applied together with medication as photochemotherapy.

Dermatological Laser Procedures

Dermatological laser procedures are methods that aim to renew the skin tissue and treat various skin problems using laser technology. Laser beams create a heat effect in the targeted area, stimulate the skin tissue, and support the renewal process.

Dermatological laser procedures can be used in the treatment of the following conditions:

• Wrinkles and signs of skin aging
• Varicose veins and stretch marks
• Rosacea
• Skin spots and acne scars
• Scars
• Unwanted hair
• Tattoo removal procedures
• Submental fat reduction
• Laser lipolysis
• Skin tightening and resurfacing

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Dermatology Procedures

Non-surgical aesthetic procedures performed by dermatology specialists are treatments that help the skin look younger and healthier. These procedures include the following:

• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections
• Hyaluronic acid filler applications
• Collagen-stimulating treatments
• Mesotherapy
• PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment
• Stem cell applications
• Gold needle radiofrequency
• Laser applications
• HIFU focused ultrasound / sound waves

Skin Spot Treatments

Treatment for skin spots is determined according to the type and cause of the spot and is often planned as combined treatments. The following treatments can be applied for skin spots in the Dermatology department:

• Skin-lightening medical creams
• Mesotherapy with spot-lightening products
• PRP
• Chemical peeling
• Laser treatments
• Intense pulsed light (BBL) applications

Mole (Nevus) Monitoring and Dermoscopy

Moles (melanocytic nevi) are skin lesions that originate from the skin's pigment-producing cells. They are usually round or oval in shape and can be of different colors and sizes. Most moles are harmless; however, changes in shape, color, or size that develop over time in some moles, rapid growth or shrinkage, and sensations such as burning, stinging, or itching in the mole can be warning signs of deterioration.

In such cases, dermatology specialists can examine moles in detail using dermoscopy and, when deemed necessary, decide to remove the mole surgically for pathological examination or to keep it under follow-up.

What Is a Dermatoscope?

A dermatoscope is a special imaging device that allows the evaluation of not only moles but all skin lesions. It magnifies skin lesions by 10 to 140 times, allowing detailed examination and facilitating diagnosis.

Early detection of suspicious lesions is of great importance, especially for the early diagnosis of skin cancers such as melanoma. For this reason, computerized dermoscopy has increasingly come to the forefront over time.

In patients at risk of melanoma, mole mapping can be performed with computerized dermoscopy, allowing both early diagnosis of melanoma and follow-up of other moles.

How Is a Dermatology Examination Performed?

A dermatology examination is a comprehensive assessment process performed by a dermatology specialist for the evaluation of skin, hair, and nail diseases. During the examination, the doctor first performs a physical assessment. The doctor's observation and clinical experience are very important in dermatology, because many skin diseases can be diagnosed through visual findings.

During the examination, changes on the skin are evaluated in detail in terms of color, texture, borders, size, shape, and distribution on the body. In addition, symptoms experienced by the patient such as itching, pain, burning, and stinging also help to establish the correct diagnosis.

To examine skin lesions in more detail, dermatology specialists use handheld dermatoscopes in their outpatient clinics to examine changes on the skin more closely and support the diagnosis.

Diagnostic Methods Used in Dermatology Examination

Symptoms of skin diseases can vary depending on each condition. To diagnose dermatological diseases, some diagnostic tests may be performed during the dermatology examination when deemed necessary.

Swab and Laboratory Tests
To detect bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, a swab or sample may be taken from the skin surface. These samples are examined in the laboratory to determine the type of infection. The causes of the disease are also investigated with imaging and blood tests

Skin Biopsy
Skin biopsy is an important method used in the diagnosis of skin diseases. During this procedure, a small sample is taken from the skin tissue under local anesthesia. The tissue sample is examined in the laboratory to help determine the diagnosis of benign or malignant skin diseases.

Allergy Tests
Various skin tests may be applied in the Dermatology department for the diagnosis of allergic skin diseases. One of these, the patch test, is a commonly used method for identifying substances that cause allergic reactions on the skin.

What Should Be Considered to Protect Skin Health?

The following recommendations should be followed to protect skin health:

• Healthy and balanced nutrition: foods rich in vitamins and minerals support skin health.
• Avoid smoking: smoking can cause premature aging and loss of elasticity in the skin.
• Regular skin care: using cleansing and care products suitable for the skin type helps protect the skin.
• Adequate fluid intake: drinking enough water during the day helps maintain the skin's moisture balance.
• Using moisturizer: moisturizing the entire body with suitable products helps preserve the integrity of the skin and maintain its function.
• Paying attention to personal hygiene: hygiene rules should be followed to prevent skin infections.
• Protecting the skin from the sun: sunscreen products should be used to protect against the harmful effects of sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dermatology