Dermatology

Dermatology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, which constitute the largest organ of the human body. Also known as skin diseases (Cildiye), this specialty covers a wide range of conditions, including allergic skin diseases, infectious skin diseases, autoimmune skin diseases, skin tumors, cosmetic dermatology, and sexually transmitted diseases. The Koru Hospital Dermatology Department provides high-level skin health services to its patients with its expert physicians and modern equipment.

What is Dermatology and Why is it Important?

The skin is the largest organ of our body that is in direct contact with the external environment and has a surface area of approximately 1.5-2 square meters. Serving as a protective barrier, the skin performs vital functions such as defense against infections, regulation of body temperature, sensory perception, and vitamin D synthesis. Skin diseases can lead not only to physical discomfort but also to serious psychological and social problems.

Dermatologists are physicians who have in-depth knowledge of the structure and physiology of the skin and are specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. They determine the most appropriate treatment plan by making accurate diagnoses of diseases using methods such as visual examination of skin lesions, dermoscopy, biopsy, and laboratory tests.

Diseases Diagnosed and Treated in the Dermatology Department

Allergic Skin Diseases

Allergic skin diseases constitute one of the most frequently encountered disease groups in dermatological practice. The main diseases in this group are as follows:

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A chronic skin disease characterized by intense itching that develops on the basis of genetic predisposition. Atopic dermatitis, which especially begins in childhood, significantly affects the quality of life of patients.
• Contact Dermatitis: An allergic or irritant reaction that develops against substances that come into contact with the skin. Substances such as nickel, perfume, latex, and detergents are among the most common triggers.
• Urticaria (Hives): A condition characterized by sudden onset, itchy, raised red plaques, which can follow an acute or chronic course.
• Drug Allergies: Skin rashes that develop due to various drugs can range from mild maculopapular rashes to severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Infectious Skin Diseases

Skin infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The main infectious diseases treated in the dermatology department are:

• Fungal infections: Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), scalp fungus (tinea capitis), nail fungus (onychomycosis), and candidiasis.
• Viral skin diseases: Warts (verruca), herpes simplex, shingles (herpes zoster), molluscum contagiosum, and viral exanthems.
• Bacterial skin infections: Impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, folliculitis, furuncle, and abscess.
• Parasitic diseases: Scabies, lice infestation (pediculosis), and larva migrans.

Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Inflammatory skin diseases are significant dermatological conditions that develop as a result of abnormal activation of the immune system and can follow a chronic course:

• Psoriasis: A chronic disease characterized by red plaques covered with silvery-white scales, which emerges with genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Joint involvement (psoriatic arthritis) may accompany it.
• Acne: A condition that develops with the inflammation of oil glands, which is common in adolescence but can also occur in adults.
• Rosacea: A chronic skin disease characterized by redness on the face, visible blood vessels, and inflammatory papules-pustules.
• Lichen planus: A disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, manifesting itself with purplish-red papules.

Hair and Nail Diseases

Hair diseases constitute an important subfield of dermatology. Hair loss (alopecia) can develop due to many different reasons, and an accurate diagnosis is critical for treatment success.

• Androgenetic alopecia: The most common type of hair loss in men and women. Genetic predisposition and hormonal factors play a role.
• Alopecia areata: A disease characterized by round, hairless areas that develop through autoimmune mechanisms.
• Telogen effluvium: Manifests as widespread hair loss due to stress, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Cicatricial alopecias: A group of diseases that cause irreversible hair loss due to permanent damage to hair follicles.

Nail diseases also fall within the scope of dermatology. Nail fungus, ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis), nail psoriasis, nail dystrophies, and nail tumors are evaluated and treated by dermatologists.

Skin Cancers and Tumors

Skin cancers are among the most common types of cancer worldwide, and the rate of treatability with early diagnosis is quite high. The main skin tumors followed in the dermatology department are:

• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer; it grows slowly and usually does not metastasize. It is more common in sun-exposed areas.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: The second most common skin cancer. It can develop on the basis of actinic keratosis and can show regional spread if not treated.
• Melanoma: The most aggressive type of skin cancer. Early diagnosis is life-saving. Immediate dermatological evaluation should be performed if existing moles show changes or if new abnormal lesions appear.
• Benign skin tumors: Monitoring and, if necessary, removal of benign growths such as seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, lipoma, hemangioma, and nevi (moles).

Dermoscopy and Mole Monitoring

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows detailed examination of skin lesions with a special magnifying device. It is accepted as the gold standard, especially in the early diagnosis of melanoma and other skin cancers. At the Koru Hospital Dermatology Department, mapping and periodic monitoring of moles are performed with digital dermoscopy.

Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic dermatology is an important sub-branch of dermatology that aims to improve aesthetic appearance as well as skin health. The main services offered in this field are:

• Chemical peeling: Skin renewal and treatment of blemishes and fine wrinkles using various acid solutions.
• Laser treatments: Laser procedures applied for vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, acne scars, tattoo removal, and skin rejuvenation.
• Botulinum toxin applications: An effective method used in the treatment of mimic wrinkles and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) problems.
• Filler applications: Defining facial features and eliminating volume loss with hyaluronic acid-based fillers.
• Mesotherapy and PRP: Injection treatments applied for hair loss treatment and skin rejuvenation.
• Cryotherapy: Treatment of warts, seborrheic keratosis, and actinic keratosis by freezing with liquid nitrogen.

Autoimmune Skin Diseases

Autoimmune skin diseases are conditions that develop as a result of the immune system attacking the body's own tissues and can follow a serious course:

• Pemphigus vulgaris: A serious autoimmune disease characterized by painful blisters on the skin and mucous membranes.
• Bullous pemphigoid: A chronic disease characterized by tense blisters, especially seen in elderly individuals.
• Vitiligo: An autoimmune condition characterized by the formation of white patches on the skin due to the loss of melanocytes.
• Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease that affects the skin and muscles.
• Lupus erythematosus: Skin findings of a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect many organs as well as the skin.

Current Treatment Approaches in Dermatology

In modern dermatology, biological agents have been a revolutionary development, especially in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Targeted therapies such as TNF-alpha inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, and IL-4/IL-13 inhibitors provide extremely effective results in patients who do not respond to classical treatments.

Phototherapy is a method used in the treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and some other skin diseases. Phototherapy protocols such as narrow-band UVB and PUVA are successfully applied in the dermatology department.

When Should You Consult a Dermatologist?

It is recommended that you consult a dermatologist in the following situations:

• Newly formed or changing moles, lesions, or color changes on the skin
• Complaints of long-term itching, redness, or rash
• Hair loss or problems with the scalp
• Changes in nail shape or color
• Chronic skin problems such as acne, rosacea, or eczema
• Suspicion of skin infection (fungal, viral, or bacterial)
• Signs of sun damage and skin aging
• Excessive sweating or skin sensitivity problems

In the Koru Hospital Dermatology department, our expert physicians offer you the most appropriate treatment plan for your skin, hair, and nail diseases using the most current diagnostic methods and evidence-based treatment protocols. You can apply to our dermatology outpatient clinic for all your complaints regarding your skin health.