Dermatology
Did you know your skin is your body’s largest organ? Your skin, hair, nails, oil glands and sweat glands are all part of the integumentary system that forms the outermost part of your body. Skin is made up of three layers of tissue:
- The epidermis is the top layer of the skin. It serves as your first line of defense against bacteria and germs and protects you from the elements. The epidermis is where new skin cells are made – your body sheds roughly 40,000 skin cells a day!
- The dermis is the skin’s middle layer. This is where the roots of hair follicles are attached. The dermis contains nerve receptors that carry the sensation of touch to your brain. Oil glands in the dermis help keep the skin from getting too dry or absorbing too much water when you swim or get caught in the rain. Sweat glands in the dermis help regulate your body temperature, releasing sweat through pores in the skin.
- The hypodermis, the skin’s inner, fatty layer provides a protective cushion for your muscles and bones if you fall or injure yourself. It also helps regulate your body temperature. Connective tissue in the hypodermis secures your skin to your muscles and bones.
Common conditions treated by dermatologists include:
- Acne and acne scarring
- Alopecia
- Cysts
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Itchy skin (Pruritus)
- Melanoma
- Moles
- Nail diseases
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Scars
- Shingles
- Skin cancer
- Vitiligo
- Wrinkles
Our Dermatologists
Dermatologists are specialists with extensive training in conditions that affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They diagnose, treat, and manage everything from acne, rashes, and psoriasis to melanoma and other skin cancers.
Some skin conditions affect only the skin. Others are symptoms of a more widespread infection such as chicken pox, shingles, or cellulitis, or of a metabolic disorder such as lupus, diabetes, or scleroderma. In cases like these, our experts collaborate with other specialists as needed.
