Dermatology is the branch of medicine encompassing the study of skin, diseases of the skin and the relationship of cutaneous lesions to systemic disease. As the skin is the largest organ and most visible organ in the body, diseases of the skin may cause patients considerable physical, psychological and social distress. Conversely, successful treatment of skin diseases often leads to significantly improved general health and wellbeing.
Parallel to the broader medical domain, many sub-specialties have developed within dermatology, highlighting the breadth and scope of this specialty. Inflammatory, immunological and infectious skin disorders, connective tissue disorders with skin manifestations, photodermatoses, genodermatoses and skin malignancies demonstrate the wide range of areas studied in dermatology. Dermatology is an area of exciting research with innovative treatments, both medical and surgical, being discovered continuously.
