Departments

Dermatological symptoms refer to signs or indications of various skin, hair, or nail conditions that may require medical attention. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following dermatological symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist:

1. Skin Rash:
   • Appearance of redness, irritation, or abnormal texture on the skin.
2. Itching (Pruritus):
   • Persistent or severe itching, which may be accompanied by redness or swelling.
3. Changes in Moles or Birthmarks:
   • Changes in size, color, or shape of existing moles or the appearance of new moles.
4. Dry or Flaky Skin:
   • Excessive dryness or flakiness, potentially accompanied by cracking or peeling.
5. Acne or Pimples:
   • Formation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts on the face, chest, or back.
6. Unexplained Bumps or Lumps:
   • The presence of raised or firm bumps, nodules, or lumps on the skin.
7. Hair Loss (Alopecia):
   • Thinning or loss of hair on the scalp or other parts of the body.
8. Nail Changes:
   • Changes in the color, texture, or thickness of the nails.
9. Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis):
   • Persistent and abnormal sweating beyond what is considered normal.
10. Skin Discoloration:
    • Changes in skin color, such as darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation).
11. Skin Lesions or Sores:
    • Open sores, lesions, or wounds that do not heal or show signs of infection.
12. Swelling or Edema:
    • Swelling of the skin, particularly in localized areas, which may be accompanied by pain or discomfort.
13. Skin Sensitivity:
    • Increased sensitivity or pain in response to touch or certain stimuli.
14. Blisters or Vesicles:
    • Formation of fluid-filled blisters or vesicles on the skin.
15. Skin Peeling or Scaling:
    • Abnormal shedding or scaling of the outer layer of the skin.

Dermatology diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation of the skin, hair, and nails to identify and understand various dermatological conditions. Dermatologists use a combination of visual examination, patient history, and, in some cases, diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose skin-related issues. Here are some common methods used in dermatology diagnosis:

1. Visual Inspection:
   • Dermatologists begin with a visual examination of the skin, looking for any abnormalities, changes in color, texture, or lesions. This inspection helps in the initial assessment of the skin’s condition.
2. Patient History:
   • Gathering information about the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, exposure to environmental factors, family history, and any medications or treatments they may be using. This helps in understanding the context of the skin condition.
3. Wood’s Lamp Examination:
   • A Wood’s lamp is a handheld device that emits ultraviolet light. It is used to examine the skin for certain fungal infections, pigmentation disorders, or bacterial infections that may fluoresce under UV light.
4. Skin Biopsy:
   • If necessary, a small sample of the skin may be taken for biopsy. This involves removing a tiny piece of tissue for laboratory analysis to confirm or rule out specific conditions, such as skin cancer or unusual skin lesions.
5. Patch Testing:
   • Conducted to identify allergic contact dermatitis. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the skin, typically on the back, and observed for any reactions.
6. Dermoscopy:
   • Involves using a handheld device called a dermatoscope to examine skin lesions in greater detail. Dermoscopy helps in identifying patterns and structures not visible to the naked eye.
7. Blood Tests:
   • In some cases, blood tests may be ordered to assess overall health or to check for specific conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or systemic diseases affecting the skin.
8. Cultures:
   • Skin cultures may be taken to identify the presence of bacteria, fungi, or viruses. This is especially common in cases of suspected infections.
9. Skin Scrapings:
   • A scraping of the affected skin may be taken to examine under a microscope, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions caused by parasites or fungi.
10. Phototesting:
    • Exposure of the skin to specific wavelengths of light to identify photosensitivity or to assess certain skin conditions.