Dermatology FAQS - Dermatologists South Africa

Visit the skin conditions and treatment sections for more information.

Whats the difference between Dermatologists and Skin Treatment Clinics

Wikepedia describes Dermatology as a medical practice in the treatment of disease of the skin, hair and nails. Note the word medical practice, dermatologists are doctors with speciality training. Many other beauty and cosmetic businesses will offer treatment skin, hair, and nail conditions but this does not mean they are dermatologists. These businesses will not be held to the same medical standards as dermatologists, and will often be staffed by untrained and unqualified people. They may be cheaper but sometimes cheap is more costly.

Additionally dermatologists often offer cosmetic procedures as part of their treatment packages, which may confuse some people because this may blur the difference between genuine dermatologists and other skin treatment businesses.

We will always recommend seeking the guidance of a qualified dermatologist if you have any doubt about a skin condition.

What conditions will Dermatologists Treat

Believe it or not, but there are over 3,000 different recorded conditions that a dermatologist may be asked to remedy.

The most common of these conditions are:

Acne

Acne isone of the most common skin related conditions, particularly in teenagers. Is associated with clogging of the skins oil glands. In severe cases it can lead to permanent scarring, and is recommended to be treated by dermatologists as soon as it gets out of hand.

Dermatitis and eczema

Dermatitis and eczema isinflammation or swelling of the skin where the skin comes out in a rash that is itchy. Usually described as a dryness and crustiness of the skin.

Finger Nails and Toe Nails

Finger Nails and Toe Nailsare a great indicator to overall body health. Many nail conditions are a result of fungal infections, and often easily treatable.

Fungal infections

Fungal infectionsof the skin are common, including thrush and Candida.

Hair Loss

Dermatologists are usually associated with hair loss treatments, however a proper diagnosis may reveal a condition rather than hereditary reasons.

Psoriasis

Psoriasisis a skin condition resulting in thick red flaky and inflamed skin with silvery scales. Can sometimes difficult to treat, and treatment requirements may vary. Your local dermatologist is always best to be consulted with this condition.

Rosacea

Rosaceais a facial skin condition that causes ares of the face to turn red, it looks a little bit like blushing and can sometimes will be accompanied with small red pimples like bumps.

According to CANSA South Africa has the second highest rate of skin cancer incidence in the world among Caucasians, Australia is a number one in this list. Fortunately if diagnosed early most skin cancers can be successfully treated.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo iswhen the skin loses pigmentation, and starts to look like you have patches of different coloured skin. The vitiligo is a lighter coloured patch of skin, very difficult to treat.

Warts

Warts are acontagious benign skin growths, caused by a virus that invades and infects the top layer of skin.