The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. It reflects the health of the body and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. Unfortunately, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease - infants, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. One in six (15%) of all visits to the family doctor (GP) involves a skin problem.
Dermatology is the medical specialty which focuses on the diagnosis of skin diseases and disorders. A physician who specialized in this field is called a dermatologist. Dermatologists identify and remove skin cancers, cysts, and other skin growths. They also help treat other skin issues such as acne, skin allergies, rashes, and abnormalities of the skin such as psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, dermatitis, and more. Many dermatologists also do some aesthetic, elective procedures such as laser treatments, anti-aging, botox injections, and collagen injections.
Common skin diseases include
Skin cancer
Warts
Fungal infections
Dermatitis
Psoriasis - a skin disorder which affects 100,000 New Zealanders.
Acne affects every teenager to one degree or another.
Hand dermatitis, resulting from external contact with detergents and household chemicals, affects most |
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women with young families.
One in six of all children develop atopic eczema
One in five persons suffers from cold sores (herpes simplex).
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