Medical dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on treating skin ailments. It is different from cosmetic dermatology which improves the appearance of skin, although medical dermatologists can also provide cosmetic treatments.
A medical dermatologist is a doctor who has undergone advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases and conditions. These doctors use a variety of special treatments to improve the health of the skin.
Medical dermatologists develop treatment plans according to the patient’s skin condition and individual needs. These treatments may include photodynamic therapy, UVB light therapy, Excimer laser therapy, and skin surgery. Each of these treatments works differently to address various skin problems.
Photodynamic therapy combines light energy with a drug to destroy cancerous and pre-cancerous skin cells. The light activates the drug, known as photosensitizer, which then kills cancer cells.
To perform photodynamic therapy, the medical dermatologist applies the photosensitizer drug to the target area. Over the course of a few hours or days depending on the drug used, the cancer cells absorb the photosensitizer. Next, the patient sits or lies on an examination table, wearing protective gear and clothing but exposing the area of skin to be treated. The doctor then shines a special light that emits blue light that activates the photosensitizer; the light will remain on for just over 16 minutes.
Doctors perform photodynamic therapy at outpatient clinics, so it does not require an overnight stay in a hospital. The treatment sometimes causes a stinging, prickling, or burning sensation, similar to sunburn. The sensations usually go away immediately after treatment, but they may take up to 2 days to go away completely.
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UVB Light Therapy treats psoriasis, a condition in which skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal; the buildup of skin cells causes scales and itchy, dry patches to form. This type of therapy exposes the skin to ultraviolet light B (UVB), which penetrates the skin to slow the growth of treated skin cells. Treatments involve exposing the skin to UVB for a set length of time on a regular basis. While UVB light therapy does not cure the underlying cause of psoriasis, it can help manage symptoms and help prolong remission, which is a period when the symptoms disappear temporarily.
There are two main types of UVB treatment: narrowband and broadband, sometimes referred to as narrowband and broadband. Narrowband UVB treatments release a smaller range of UVB light than broadband. Narrowband may clear psoriasis faster, produce longer remissions, and require fewer treatments per week.
Dermatologists can use full body units to treat large areas, handheld units to treat hard-to-reach areas, or small units to treat localized areas, such as hands and feet. Some UVB units use traditional UVB bulbs while others use LED bulbs.
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Excimer Laser Therapy treats a variety of difficult-to-treat skin diseases, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis. This phototherapy laser treatment is gentle and painless and does not require any post-treatment downtime. It also uses advanced technology that targets only the affected area and spares surrounding healthy tissue from exposure.
Excimer laser therapy is fast but requires repeat treatments. Patients typically undergo Excimer laser therapy two to three times a week for a treatment, which usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes each, for about 6 weeks. Results are usually visible after just a few sessions. Patients may enjoy long-lasting, treatment-free remissions for months; most appreciate being free from the burden of other daily treatments, such as topical steroids.
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Skin surgery is often the most effective procedure for many skin cancers, growths, and other skin conditions. Dermatologists often perform skin surgery in the office as an outpatient procedure, so patients do not have to stay overnight in a hospital.
Medical dermatologists may perform other procedures to improve the health and appearance of the skin. For more information, give us a call at 503-297-3440 or simply schedule an appointment online today.