Types of Dermatology
There are several categories of dermatology, organized by the type of skin condition or disease being treated, including Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, Surgical Dermatology, and Pediatric Dermatology.
Cosmetic Dermatology — focuses on the aesthetic improvement of the skin, including treatments like botulinum toxin injections for wrinkle reduction, as seen in the work of dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt, who popularized the use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes.
Medical Dermatology — involves the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases like psoriasis, with the National Psoriasis Foundation providing resources and support for patients with this condition.
Surgical Dermatology — encompasses the surgical treatment of skin conditions, including skin cancer removal, as performed by dermatologic surgeons like Dr. Mohs, who developed the Mohs surgery technique for removing skin cancer.
Pediatric Dermatology — specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions in infants, children, and adolescents, such as Dr. Lawrence Green, who has written extensively on pediatric dermatology.
Main Categories
- Cosmetic Dermatology — focuses on the aesthetic improvement of the skin, including treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing, with Dr. Zein Obagi's Obagi Skin Health Institute offering a range of cosmetic dermatology services.
- Medical Dermatology — involves the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases like acne, eczema, and dermatitis, with the American Academy of Dermatology providing guidance on the treatment of these conditions.
- Surgical Dermatology — encompasses the surgical treatment of skin conditions, including skin cancer removal, scar revision, and reconstructive surgery, with Dr. Sumner A. Slavin's work on surgical dermatology highlighting the importance of this specialty.
- Pediatric Dermatology — specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions in infants, children, and adolescents, such as Dr. Amy Paller's research on pediatric skin diseases, including epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin.
Comparison Table
| Category | Cost | Scale | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Dermatology | High | Small-scale | Fast |
| Medical Dermatology | Medium | Medium-scale | Medium |
| Surgical Dermatology | High | Large-scale | Slow |
| Pediatric Dermatology | Medium | Small-scale | Medium |
How They Relate
Cosmetic Dermatology and Medical Dermatology often overlap, as cosmetic procedures can be used to treat medical skin conditions, such as using botulinum toxin to treat hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating.
Surgical Dermatology and Medical Dermatology also intersect, as surgical procedures are often used to treat skin diseases, such as Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal.
Pediatric Dermatology and Medical Dermatology are closely related, as pediatric dermatologists often treat skin conditions that require medical management, such as atopic dermatitis, a common condition in children.
Specific pairs of categories that are commonly confused include Cosmetic Dermatology and Surgical Dermatology, as both involve procedures that can be used for aesthetic improvement, but Surgical Dermatology is a distinct specialty that requires additional training and expertise.