Our skin is the largest organ in the body and is made up of basically, 3 layers viz. the outer epidermis, the underlying hypo dermis and the dermis in between. In addition to the skin cells themselves, it contains many different specialised structures made up of a variety of tissue, viz. supporting tissue, vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries and lymphatics), nerves and their recpetors, sebacous glands, apocrine glands, sweat glands, pigment producing cells (melanocytes), muscle, hair follicles and shafts and the fatty tissue layer that lies underneath.
The skin serves many functions. It protects us from organisms and germs, radiation and trauma. It has many receptors that help us perceive touch, so that we can appreciate our environment and do so safely. It helps to regulate our body temperature. It is important in the activation of vitamin D which is required for good, strong healthy bones. It is also an important organ of social interaction, contributing to our identity and helping us express emotion.
A dermatologist is a medically qualified doctor who has then chosen to spend several years training specifically in dermatology. Dermatology encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin AND its appendages viz. hair, nails. Because the skin in made up of different kinds of tissue, dermatologist treat conditions involving the skin cells, AND all its associated tissue, each with its own potential to cause disease.
Dermatologists, therefore have specific interest areas in this field e.g. medical consultative dermatology (skin disease manifesting as or having manifestations of disease elsewhere in the body), paediatric dermatology (children), geriatric dermatology (elderly), dermatologic oncology (skin cancers), dermatologic surgery (surgery involving the skin), to name just a few. In addition to dealing with just skin disease, dermatologists also offer improvement in non-diseased skin by way of cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology using a variety of topically applied, minimally invasive or procedural techniques, used alone or in combination to achieve a desired result.
In South Africa, a dermatologist requires to be first registered as a general practitioner who then undergoes a prescribed dermatology training at an academic institution (usually a medical university) for a further period of four years. In South Africa, the training to become a fully qualified specialist in dermatology is agreed nationally and examinations are conducted nationally.