If you need a dermatovenerologist, examination is an integral part of the subsequent diagnostic search and treatment.
One of the main mistakes many patients make is ignoring the need to visit a doctor. Because of the shame of having an STD or any skin disease. Meanwhile, there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. After all, the doctor will not laugh, but will try to provide the most competent assistance to those who seek it.
What tests does a dermatovenerologist take, and what else can happen at a doctor’s appointment, patients often ask.
How to prepare for going to the doctor, and what examination options are there?
Dermatovenerologist: what kind of doctor is this?
Not all patients know what a dermatovenereologist actually does. And this profession, meanwhile, is one of the most in demand in the medical industry. In fact, everything is very simple. First of all, you need to understand that a dermatovenerologist is a doctor who combines two medical fields: dermatology and venereology.
The first direction is dermatology. She specializes in the study of skin diseases, directing her efforts to their timely diagnosis and treatment. These doctors also deal with the prevention of skin pathologies.
The second direction is venereology. Doctors in this specialty treat infectious diseases that can be transmitted from person to person through sexual contact.
Timely detection of these ailments and their prevention are also the responsibilities of the doctor.
People often wonder why these two specialties are combined into one. After all, at first glance they have little in common with each other. The thing is that sexually transmitted diseases often manifest themselves with various skin symptoms. It is necessary to have knowledge in both areas to distinguish rashes caused by STDs from rashes caused by skin pathologies. Because of this feature, dermatovenerology is often found as a single profession. Although, of course, there are both simply dermatologists and simply venereologists.
What symptoms require testing?
Dermatovenerologists are mainly consulted to undergo examination for sexually transmitted infections.
Naturally, a person will be prompted to visit a doctor by certain symptoms that make him think about his health. A patient comes to the doctor's office with the following symptoms:
- there is discharge from the genital tract, which can vary in abundance, color, intensity;
- there is some kind of rash on the skin, not only in the genital area, but in general;
- there is severe skin itching, which can significantly complicate life, preventing a person from sleeping or performing other daily activities;
- rashes, ulcers, erosions have appeared on the mucous membranes of the genital tract or in the oral cavity, which may also indicate infection with certain diseases;
- the patient complains of problems with urination, whether it is the presence of a painful urge, the pain of the process itself, etc.;
- Couples who have been suffering from infertility for a long time often turn to dermatovenerologists, and the doctor helps in establishing its cause;
- in some cases, the patient is bothered by a significant increase in the size of the lymph nodes, which may also indicate unfavorable processes in the body.
- In fact, there is a wide range of symptoms for which the path lies in the office of a dermatovenerologist.
- If a person is in doubt, he can first visit a therapist, and from him get a referral to a specialized doctor.
For what diseases should you see a dermatovenerologist?
A visit to a doctor who specializes in skin and sexually transmitted diseases is recommended for many patients. However, doctors separately identify a number of pathologies in which it is impossible to pass by the office.
STD
When a person hears about a skin doctor, first of all he remembers diseases that are classified as sexually transmitted infections. This is a large group that includes various fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
As doctors note, some STDs can occur without any noticeable symptoms. In some cases, on the contrary, the symptoms are so pronounced that they force you to consult a doctor without delay (for example, gonorrhea).
The question of what tests a dermatovenerologist takes if an STD is suspected worries many patients. The list is extensive:
- Both men and women submit smears for testing, and in the former, the biomaterial is taken mainly from the urethra, and in the latter, from the vagina;
- a man can always have his sperm tested for STDs by a dermatovenereologist, since pathogenic pathogens are often found in it, and its assessment makes it possible to make a diagnosis;
- scrapings can also be taken, however, this procedure, in comparison with a smear, is performed much less frequently, since in terms of information content it is practically no different from a smear, being more invasive and unpleasant for the patient;
- blood testing for sexually transmitted infections is another test option that is recommended for STDs.
Patients suffering from sexually transmitted diseases may need several additional tests. The full range of necessary diagnostics is determined by the doctor.
Demodex
Demodex mites are the culprit of a large number of skin diseases. It can provoke the development of seborrhea, dermatitis, acne, blepharitis and other pathologies.
If a patient suspects that he has encountered this parasite in his life, he should visit a dermatovenerologist.
Unfortunately, the Demodex mite is small in size. Because of this, it is impossible to see it with the naked eye, like other ticks. But a doctor can help with diagnosis.
The doctor initially pays attention to the symptoms of the disease and evaluates them. Then he prescribes an examination for demodex, and based on its results he makes a final diagnosis. The examination does not require any special equipment, except for a microscope. It is with the help of a magnifying device that the presence of parasites on the skin can be detected.
Demodex is an unpleasant disease. A patient may suffer for years from various manifestations of infection with this mite, without even knowing what specific tests should be taken. For example, you can treat acne unsuccessfully for many years in a row, because acne medications do not kill the mite, and therefore do not eliminate the cause of the disease.
Skin diseases
The desire to be tested for skin diseases by a dermatovenerologist is another common reason why patients turn to this doctor. This happens if the patient has signs of skin damage. But at the same time, he is confident that he does not have sexually transmitted diseases. If skin diseases are suspected, a dermoscopic examination is performed first. With its help, the doctor can assess the condition of the skin, draw conclusions about the intensity of hair growth, and determine parasites visible to the eye using a microscope, if any.
In addition to dermatoscopy, other studies may be recommended. For example, histological examination is often performed. Its main task is to identify malignant processes in the body and begin their treatment in a timely manner.
Using histology, suspicious skin tumors that can develop into malignant ones are examined.
Skin allergies also refer to skin diseases and, if the hospital does not have an allergist on staff, a skin doctor can treat it. To diagnose the disease, a number of specific skin tests are usually performed. They allow you to accurately identify the allergen and understand what exactly the patient’s immune system reacts to with an excessive reaction.
HIV
Regular HIV testing is considered an integral part of the treatment of this complex viral disease. It would seem how the human immunodeficiency virus, which affects the immune system, is connected with the skin. Patients are perplexed, but in reality everything is simple.
The skin is an organ that takes the brunt of the environment and protects us from most infectious diseases by performing a barrier function. However, the skin would not be able to perform this function fully without the participation of the immune system.
Immunity ensures the fight against pathogens found on the skin, preventing them from entering the body. Naturally, if the functioning of the immune system is disrupted under the destructive influence of HIV, the skin is one of the first to suffer. Various chronic skin infections develop.
An examination by a dermatovenerologist for mycoses that have developed against the background of HIV infection allows not only to diagnose the fact of infection itself. But also start timely treatment, which does not allow the barrier functions of the skin to suffer even more.
In addition to mycosis, foci of infection can form streptococcus and staphylococcus. Also other pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms that gain strength in conditions of weakened immunity.
Planning a pregnancy
An important stage in pregnancy planning is an examination by a dermatovenerologist, to the surprise of many women who dream of having a child in the near future. Not all representatives of the fair sex understand why this research is done. With it you can:
- determine the presence of allergic reactions that may worsen during pregnancy or even be transmitted to the child;
- identify chronic skin pathologies that can also be transmitted to the child or become complicated during pregnancy;
- promptly diagnose and pre-treat STDs that adversely affect pregnancy.
It is important to keep in mind that visiting a doctor is recommended not only for the woman, but also for her sexual partner.
It is a mistake to believe that all problems during pregnancy come only from the female body. After all, a man can be a source of diseased genes that cause the development of a disease, or a source of infection that infects a woman. If both the man and the woman are examined before the couple has a child, this will help reduce many of the risks. After all, the health of both parents is a big contribution to the health of the future offspring. What many people forget about, completely neglecting such a concept as pregnancy planning.
How to prepare for an appointment with a dermatovenerologist
The dermatovenerologist, of course, will collect tests from the patient who came to him for a consultation. However, in his work, not only the results of various studies are important, but also data obtained directly from the patient. Because of this, it is recommended to be prepared before visiting the doctor's office. The preparation is quite simple.
Still, you will have to make a little effort to obtain accurate diagnostic data and, accordingly, an accurate diagnosis during your visit. The recommendations are as follows:
- before visiting a doctor, the skin is not treated with any dyes, even for disinfection purposes (iodine, brilliant green, etc. are excluded);
- if an examination is planned using a gynecological chair, do not actively wash with antiseptics;
- women are advised to avoid douching and vaginal suppositories and tablets;
- men should also wash themselves the day before only with running water;
- if the gynecologist takes smears for examination, it is recommended to avoid going to the toilet for 2-3 hours;
- it is necessary to follow a minimal diet, limiting the consumption of harmful foods, as well as sexual abstinence for 2-3 days before going to the doctor;
- If the patient is taking antibiotics for any reason, they will have to be discontinued in advance under medical supervision.
Proper preparation guarantees the reliability of all results obtained.
What does a visit to a dermatovenerologist consist of?
Patients often wonder what a visit to a doctor specializing in skin and venereological diseases entails. Typically, the procedure takes place in 4 main stages.
During the conversation, the doctor clarifies how long the patient has been bothered by the symptoms and how severe they are. The life history is also clarified, information is collected about the possible sources of the disease or trigger factors that could provoke the disease.
- Carrying out an inspection
After the history is completed, the doctor will examine the patient. In this case, most likely, the patient will be asked to undress. Assessment of the external condition of women can be performed in the gynecologist's chair, for which you need to be prepared.
The doctor takes tests only after talking with the patient and examining him. No wonder.
The conversation and examination help to roughly understand what data is needed for further diagnosis. Prescribing tests blindly is irrational.
If any deviations are detected, the last stage of administration is the choice of medications.
The last stage can either be postponed until the analysis results are received, or be performed immediately.
Options for examination by a dermatovenerologist
There are two options for getting a doctor.
In the first case, the patient goes to the skin and venereal disease clinic at his place of residence, undergoing a consultation free of charge. In the second case, a paid examination by a dermatovenerologist is possible, which is performed in private diagnostic centers.
Naturally, each person can choose the most optimal option for himself.
However, many patients prefer private centers. This is explained by the fact that when contacting a private center, the anonymity of the patient is more strictly observed.
The likelihood of the diagnosis being disclosed even with a positive result tends to zero.
Dermatovenerology is an important branch of modern medicine. It helps in diagnosing and combating many diseases of the skin and genital organs.
- If a patient seeks medical help in a timely manner, a medical professional can cope with almost any pathology.
- The main thing is not to forget to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding further examination and treatment.
- If you need to undergo an examination, please contact the author of this article, a dermatovenerologist in Moscow with many years of experience.
Source: https://onvenerolog.ru/zppp/obsledovanie-u-dermatovenerologa.html
Dermatovenerologist - what examination he conducts and how to prepare
- We talk about dermatovenereology as a branch of medicine that studies skin diseases arising from STDs.
- A dermatovenerologist works with a capricious human organ – the skin.
- The body's protection from adverse external influences depends on the condition of the skin.
- If everything is fine with the skin, then the person feels comfortable and does not have complexes in the presence of other people.
- A good doctor not only makes the correct diagnosis.
- But he also prescribes effective treatment that does not interfere with the use of other medications for the treatment of concomitant pathologies.
- An examination by a dermatovenerologist consists of:
- visual inspection
- taking scrapings or smears to determine the infectious agent and prescribe other tests
- drawing up an individual treatment plan
- monitoring the development of the disease and adjusting drug therapy
Paid examination by a dermatovenerologist
- Dermatovenereologists work in state medical institutions and provide paid appointments in private offices and clinics.
- A paid examination is preferable, since the patient can pay for additional examination and necessary tests.
- In addition, doctors in paid offices and clinics are more attentive and competent.
- With paid dermatovenerologists, we immediately see what tests can be done, what manipulations and examinations can be performed.
- So the choice is yours.
- But a person should have a choice in diagnosis and treatment.
What tests does a dermatovenerologist recommend?
- For the modern approach to diagnosing diseases, a laboratory and instrumental approach is important for making the correct diagnosis.
- Although no one canceled the examination and interview of the patient.
- A dermatovenerologist will refer you for tests to identify fungus and to identify STIs.
- What specific tests need to be taken are decided by the dermatovenerologist himself, based on the clinical manifestations of the disease, age, gender and individual characteristics of the organism being examined.
Before visiting a dermatovenerologist, you must find out the biochemical blood parameters and do tests for the content of sex hormones and thyroid hormones.
Analysis for skin diseases by a dermatovenerologist
- First, let's talk about skin diseases that a dermatovenerologist treats.
- We are talking about psoriasis, vitiligo, allergic dermatoses (contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis and urticaria), seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, fungal skin lesions (lichen versicolor) and the like.
- In case of skin diseases, allergic substances are identified, antibodies and antigens are being studied.
- Tests are carried out to identify twenty products that can cause allergies (we are talking about a food allergy panel).
- Microbiological studies and analyzes of scrapings from the skin are performed.
Examination for STIs by a dermatovenerologist
- Doctors have been interested in sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) for a long time.
- Because humanity has been suffering from them for many centuries.
- We are talking about syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomonas, chlamydial and mycoplasma infections, herpes, HPV, cytomegalovirus and HIV infections, molluscum contagiosum and viral hepatitis.
- There are over twenty infections in total.
- Screening for STIs includes not only examinations and questioning, but also laboratory tests, primarily PCR, bacterial cultures and microbiological testing.
In addition, in laboratories they do cultures for antibiotic sensitivity (based on fluid from the prostate or biomaterial from the vagina).
Smears for tests (from the urethra, from the vagina, from the eye, from the anus and from the mouth) by a dermatovenerologist
- Urethral swabs are taken from both the male and female urethra.
- At least two to three hours must pass after emptying the bladder before a swab is taken from the urethra.
- The smear is collected at a depth of two to four centimeters in the urethral canal with a sterile swab.
- Vaginal swabs are taken after removing excess moisture and mucus-like secretions using sterile gauze pads.
- Due to the presence of destroyed own cells, leukocytes, detritus and microbial cells in the vagina.
- Then a stroke is applied to the center of the glass and its fine distribution.
- Before packaging for transportation, it must be marked and dried.
- Discharge (usually purulent) from the ocular conjunctiva is collected using the inner surface of the eyelid (usually the lower one), moving a sterile swab from the outside into the gap between the eyelids.
- If the discharge from the eye is scanty, then the swab is soaked using sterile saline solutions or sterile distilled water.
- Before taking a swab from the anus, wash it thoroughly using plain soap.
- A sterile tampon is inserted to a depth of two and a half centimeters deep into the rectum, and careful rotational movements are made along the anal folds.
- The transport medium for placing the swab depends on the infectious agent that is planned to be detected.
- If the epiglottis is inflamed, throat swabs are not taken.
- Smears are taken either on an empty stomach or two to three hours after eating or drinking a variety of drinks.
- Do not rinse your mouth before taking a smear.
- If there is pus, then smears are collected from the border area of healthy and affected tissue.
- The swab with the smear is stored in a test tube filled with transport medium.
- These are the rules for taking smears from the urethra, from the vagina, from the conjunctiva of the eye, from the anus and pharynx.
Anonymous examination by a dermatovenerologist
- Nowadays there are many dermatovenereologists in private clinics and offices who conduct anonymous consultations.
- People visit them and are examined without giving their names.
- They do all kinds of analyzes without identifying themselves, and receive research results also anonymously.
- This facilitates earlier contact with a specialist.
- A person goes to the doctor when complaints appear, and not when he “presses”.
- Moreover, there are very shy or public people who do not want anyone to know about their visit to a dermatovenerologist.
- And simply, almost any person does not want anyone to know about it.
- And the sooner a patient complains to a doctor, the fewer complications he risks getting.
Examination by a dermatovenerologist for HIV infection
- Initially, a patient with HIV infection undergoes a full clinical examination by his attending physician and a full range of laboratory tests.
- To confirm your status and presence of complications.
- Then you need to be examined by related specialists, including a dermatovenerologist.
- A dermatovenerologist carries out a set of necessary laboratory tests and examination of the skin.
- Since the dermatovenerologist comes into contact with the patient during the examination, he is subject to mandatory preventive examination to determine the presence or absence of HIV infection.
Examination by a dermatovenerologist when planning pregnancy
When planning a pregnancy, a woman is required to visit a dermatovenerologist and undergo a full examination to rule out any STI before conception.
If it is not possible to visit a dermatovenerologist, then you should definitely get vaginal smears from your gynecologist to check for STIs.
Examination by a dermatovenerologist for mycoses
- Mycoses are fungal infections of the skin.
- Mycoses can occur on the human body, feet and hands.
- Mycoses include dermatomycosis and candidiasis.
- A dermatovenerologist, in case of mycotic lesions, does a full examination and questioning of the patient, and scrapes from the elements of the lesion.
- To confirm in a laboratory way the type of fungal infection that caused mycosis.
- Based on the data obtained, treatment with antifungal drugs (Introconazole, Terbinafine and Fluconazole) is prescribed.
- Local medications are also used in the form of creams, ointments and sprays (such as isoconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, etc.).
- If the skin is not pathologically changed and microscopic examination shows the absence of fungi, then we can talk about correctly carried out effective treatment.
Selected tests during examination by a dermatovenerologist
- When dealing with skin diseases, the main thing is to make a correct diagnosis.
- It consists of collecting an anamnesis of the disease and life in general, visual and instrumental examinations, dermatoscopy, laboratory and microscopic examinations.
- The biomaterial for laboratory and microbiological studies is blood and scrapings from the skin and scalp.
- Speaking about skin type, we examine its typological features, its oiliness and other parameters.
- After making a diagnosis, a dermatovenerologist carries out treatment.
- Allergic skin reactions are the body's response to external irritants.
- Such irritants can be certain foods and substances contained in the air.
- Allergic skin manifestations to the consumption of citrus fruits, eggs and seafood are known.
- Pollen from flowering plants (for example, poplar) is also considered to be the cause of allergic reactions on the skin.
- The use of certain medications can cause allergic skin reactions.
All this should be studied by a dermatovenerologist and the necessary allergological studies should be carried out.
It is even better to immediately be examined by an allergist, but if this is not possible, then you can also see a dermatovenerologist.
- Examination of skin scrapings by a dermatovenerologist
- Superficial scrapings are obtained by scraping the skin with a sharp blade moistened with oil, preferably mineral oil.
- A deep scraping is done in the same way, but with pressure until a drop of blood appears.
- Then we place this scraping on a glass slide in a drop of mineral oil and cover it with another glass.
- Such a preparation is examined under a microscope.
- At first with a fourfold increase, and then twenty times.
- In order for the drug to be informative, it is important to choose the right place from which the scraping is taken.
- Examination for demodex and Wood's lamp by a dermatovenerologist
- The examination to identify demodex mites is carried out in two stages.
- First: this is scraping from the skin.
- The second stage is the eyelash test.
- Preparation for demodex tests consists of prohibiting the use of decorative cosmetics seven to ten days before taking the biomaterial.
- And three days before the tests and on the day of the tests, you can’t even wash your face.
- Otherwise, you may get an unreliable result.
- The skin of the body and scalp are examined under a Wood's lamp.
- Before such a study, you should not use cosmetics and hygiene products for the skin.
- A Wood's lamp has a fluorescent light and is used to study lesions that have arisen on the skin.
- Dermatoscopy and histological examination by a dermatovenerologist
- We are talking about dermatoscopy as a modern method for studying tumors that have arisen on the skin without using a surgical approach, with a tenfold magnification.
- Using dermatoscopy, you can distinguish an ordinary mole from melanoma.
- We talk about histological examination when the histological features of biopsy samples are examined under a microscope lens.
- The method of histological examination can be light, phase-contrast, interference, polarization, luminescent, ultraviolet, electronic, autoradiographic and cytospectrophotometric.
- Each method has its own scope of application, its pros and cons.
- Regardless of complaints, at the first appointment, a person should come to a dermatovenerologist with general clinical and biochemical blood tests.
- If the examination suggests the presence of various skin infectious pathologies or STDs, then additional blood tests are prescribed to confirm or refute the preliminary diagnosis.
Such tests are done to detect antibodies to various pathogenic microflora.
- Imprint smear, oncocytology, tumor markers
- Tumor markers include protein structures that are produced by malignant cancer cells.
- For oncocytological studies, for example, of the cervix, it is typical to obtain smears from the cervix to diagnose precancerous pathology.
- Imprint smears are the name given to diagnostic material that is formed from the skin with purulent exudate.
- Hematoxylin-eosin causes hematophilic pus to turn red-brown, which means there is an acute bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
- If there is the presence of mononuclear pus, bluish-gray in color, it indicates a fungal infection, oncopathology or chronic inflammation.
- Blood biochemistry and immunogram
- As I already said, a blood biochemistry test is done for all primary patients in order to know the state of the body before treatment.
- An immunogram, as the name suggests, is the obtaining of the results of the ratios of immune system cells and their activity.
- To determine syphilis, dark field microscopy is performed.
- The use of indirect serological tests for syphilis is also popular: treponemal and non-treponemal.
- Treponemal tests (TT) are RIF, RPGA, ELISA, immunoblotting reaction and RIBT.
- Non-treponemal tests (NTT) include: VDRL, RPR, toluidine red test and others.
- Only the treating dermatovenerologist knows which analysis is best, taking into account the individual capabilities of the body.
- Cultures from the skin and urethra are done to diagnose the presence of a fungal infection in the body.
The skin is examined by bacteriological culture for microflora and sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs.
- PCR from skin for herpes and syphilis
- PCR is a very modern and highly accurate analysis.
- For its application, a variety of biomaterials are used, including skin cells.
- Even a small concentration of the pathogen is not an obstacle to PCR.
- PCR is based on multiple copies of the DNA of the infectious agent and subsequent determination of the type of virus or Treponema pallidum.
- This is a difficult job for a dermatovenerologist, requiring a lot of knowledge and skills to correctly diagnose and carry out effective treatment.
- For examination, please contact the author of this article, a dermatovenerologist in Moscow with many years of experience.
Source: http://www.venerologia.ru/dermatovenerolog-obsledovanie
Dermatologist - what he treats, where he takes him, diagnostic methods and therapy
Dermatology mainly specializes in the treatment of problems with the skin, nails and mucous membranes. In case of unpleasant manifestations of pathologies of superficial vessels, a consultation with a dermatologist is also required. How does it go? What diagnostic and therapeutic methods does the specialist use? Details are provided later in the article.
What kind of specialty
A dermatologist is a specialist to whom patients are referred for advice on skin problems.
The direction is divided into several profiles.
- Children's doctor. He diagnoses and recommends treatment for diseases in childhood.
- Cosmetologist. Cares for and corrects the condition of the skin in adolescents and adults.
- Trichologist. Deals with hair and scalp problems.
- Oncologist. Doctors with this profile treat types of cancerous skin pathologies.
- Venereologist. Specializes in manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases.
This branch of medicine is directly related to endocrinology, allergology, cardiology and phlebology.
Consultation with a doctor on skin diseases is necessary when identifying pathologies of capillaries and superficial blood vessels.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a dermatologist include collecting the patient's medical history. He carries out the necessary diagnostics and gives directions for a number of laboratory tests. Based on the results obtained, the doctor makes an appropriate diagnosis.
The doctor writes out recommendations for necessary medications. Monitors the therapeutic process. If necessary, he must adjust the treatment and achieve stable recovery or remission together with the patient.
What vascular diseases require consultation?
Very often, when vascular pathologies appear in the epidermis, an appointment with a dermatologist is required. As a rule, a therapist refers you to him.
Consultation is required if you suspect diseases such as:
- vasculitis;
- Wegener's granulomatosis;
- purpura;
- telangiectasia;
- varicose type dermatitis;
- rosacea;
- Kawasaki syndrome.
Both adults and children can be subject to these disorders.
Alarming symptoms that require immediate medical attention are:
- rash of unknown etiology in various parts of the body;
- the appearance of non-traumatic bruises;
- itching;
- peeling of the top layer of skin;
- the appearance of spider veins or spider veins on the face and limbs;
- pale spots indicating poor circulation.
It is very important not to put off going to the doctor indefinitely. Each symptom may indicate the development of a serious illness.
Where does it take
You can get a consultation or make an appointment at:
- government medical institutions;
- in specialized dispensaries;
- sanatoriums;
- in diagnostic organizations;
- in private centers.
In municipal clinics, upon presentation of a compulsory medical insurance policy, consultation and examination of the patient is carried out at the expense of the institution’s budgetary funding. Some tests may make exceptions.
In private paid centers, the approximate price of an initial appointment varies from 1000 rubles.
How is the appointment going?
Before visiting a dermatologist, it is important not to use concealers that hide imperfections.
During the consultation, the doctor examines the condition of the patient’s skin using an ultraviolet lamp or magnifying glass.
Conducts a survey about the nature of the patient’s life: his diet; about taking medications; about hereditary diseases. Prescribes a number of tests to the patient, in most cases:
- general blood analysis;
- general urine analysis;
- skin infection test;
- scrapings from the lesion site.
To determine the correct diagnosis, he can refer the patient to his colleagues in a related specialty.
What diagnostic methods does it use?
To determine the cause of pathologies of superficial vessels, a dermatologist uses the following diagnostic methods:
- examines the patient;
- dermatoscopy;
- vitropression - examination of the skin using medical instruments: magnifying glass, dermatoscope;
- microscopic examination of scrapings of skin lesions;
- examines scrapings from skin areas for bacteria;
- skin tests;
- luminescent test;
- iodine test;
- immunological and general blood tests;
- PCR research;
- stool analysis.
All these methods are necessary to make a correct diagnosis of the patient.
Treatment methods
Vascular skin abnormalities are a number of pathologies. The treatment order is selected according to the type of disease.
What does a dermatologist do for vascular diseases? The doctor may prescribe local therapy and apply medications to the damaged area of skin: ointments, creams, gels.
Taking medications orally or intramuscularly is general therapy. Physiotherapy method associated with vascular spasms. In some cases, resort to laser means.
Recommendations for prevention and control
It is unpleasant for people to realize that they have health problems and pathologies of vascular surfaces. It is important to periodically see a dermatologist and adhere to the prevention procedure.
- Maintain personal hygiene and wear clean clothes.
- Have your own household items, such as towels, scissors.
- Carry out wet cleaning in the house.
- Take care of a properly balanced diet.
- To support immunity, take the necessary vitamins.
- Treat wounds and abrasions with a special disinfectant.
- Eliminate bad habits.
- Exercise.
Controlling vascular disease requires a lot of effort. If you follow all preventative measures, you can protect yourself from unpleasant injuries.
Source: https://venaprof.ru/dermatolog/
What does a dermatologist do?
A dermatologist is a highly specialized doctor who studies the cellular structure, physiological functionality, diagnosis and treatment of the human skin if it is affected by a particular disease.
A dermatologist also treats nails, hair and sebaceous glands located in the subcutaneous layer.
This specialist belongs to the category of medical workers with a narrow profile due to the fact that human skin is the largest external organ , which occupies 15% of all body tissues.
What diseases does a dermatologist treat?
- diseases associated with damage to the body by fungal infection (trichophytia, nail fungus of the upper and lower extremities, destruction of the surface layer of epidermal tissue, microsporia, epidermophytosis);
- development of viral microorganisms on the skin in the form of herpes zoster, papillomatosis, herpes, regardless of its genotype;
- any dermatological diseases of infectious origin;
- allergic reactions that manifest themselves on the epithelium in the form of multiple red rashes, urticaria, itching and other forms of irritation;
- demodicosis caused by penetration of parasites (scabies mites) into the subcutaneous layer;
- atypical changes in the cellular structure of epithelial tissues under the influence of hormonal imbalance of androgens;
- inflammatory processes in the sebaceous glands, which have already reached the stage of seborrhea or are in a borderline state;
- destruction of epidermal tissue due to the presence in the body of chronic infectious diseases of the immune system (HIV infection, AIDS);
- disturbances of metabolic processes in skin cells as a result of prolonged use of medications containing toxic components (chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer).
Depending on what problem the patient is facing, it is possible to diagnose and treat other diseases associated with impaired functionality of the skin at all levels.
In what cases is it necessary to visit a dermatologist?
It is recommended to make an appointment with a dermatologist if there are any abnormalities in skin function. Pathological changes in the functionality of the skin, requiring consultation with a specialized specialist, may appear as follows:
- the formation of red spots, rashes, ulcers of unknown etiology, when there are no special prerequisites for their appearance;
- external, internal acne, as well as multiple acne;
- flat-shaped wound surfaces with penetration into deep epidermal tissues and without this process, which constantly become wet, become covered with a yellow-pink crust and do not heal over a long period of time;
- the growth of warts, papillomas, polyps and other epithelial neoplasms of benign origin on the body;
- various seals on the skin that disrupt the symmetry of the epithelial cover, and their appearance is not provided for by the natural development of the epidermis;
- the skin tone has changed towards darkening or it has acquired a lighter color.
If you discover these skin problems, you should immediately visit a specialist, undergo an initial examination and take tests, a referral for which will be prescribed by a dermatologist. Timely initiation of treatment in 85% of cases allows for complete recovery in a short period of time, as well as avoiding possible complications with skin health in the future.
How is an examination performed at an appointment with a dermatologist?
An examination by a dermatologist begins with the specialist proceeding to the initial stage of diagnostic measures (history), aimed at ensuring that the pathology of the epithelial cover is determined as quickly and as accurately as possible. The doctor conducts an initial examination of the affected area of skin, palpates it if necessary, determines how long ago the patient has had skin problems and how severe the symptoms are.
Upon completion of the medical history, the doctor writes a referral to the patient for the following types of tests:
- biochemical blood test, which consists of determining the quality of the cellular structure of the blood, and also checking for the presence of infectious and viral pathogens that can provoke damage to the skin;
- general urine examination;
- blood reaction to immunoglobulin E;
- identification of potential allergens.
Depending on the type of dermatological disease that the doctor encountered when examining the patient, it is possible to prescribe skin scrapings, histological analysis and collection of smears from open wounds.
Source: https://furunkul.com/otveti-vracha/dermatolog-kto-eto.html
What diseases require examination by a dermatologist - Women's World
A dermatologist is a specialist focused on the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. Specialization involves dividing the profession into such profiles as venereologist, oncologist, cosmetologist, allergist, trichologist. A pediatric dermatologist has a separate profile.
What is included in the competence
A dermatologist examines and treats diseases of the mucous membrane, nails, skin and hair. Dermatologist services may include the following:
- Selection of cosmetic care products.
- Prescribing an appropriate diet and food intake restrictions.
- Origin, causes of the disease.
- Selection of individual therapeutic therapy.
- Prescribing the necessary course of cosmetic procedures.
- Conducting relevant examinations and analyses.
- Removal of moles, papillomas.
An adult dermatologist treats the following diseases:
- Alopecia areata, androgenetic, diffuse, cicatricial.
- Fungal diseases (microsporia, favus, dermophytosis, mycosis, trichophytosis).
- Viral diseases (papilloma, herpes, herpes zoster and pink, mononucleosis).
- Infectious disorders (impetigo, vitiligo, scabies, measles, hydrogenitis, erysipelas).
- Lesions associated with malfunctions of the sebaceous (sweat) glands (seborrheic dermatitis, hyperhidrosis, seborrhea, oily or dry).
- Dermatitis, neurodermatitis, eczema caused by an allergic reaction.
- Diseases caused by parasites (scabies, nematodes, ochnocerciasis, schistosomiasis, trichinosis, tungiasis).
If you suffer from one of these ailments, we advise you to consult a dermatologist.
What diseases require examination by a dermatologist:
- Acne of varying severity.
- Porphyria.
- Psoriasis.
- Ichthyosis.
- Keratosis.
- Dandruff.
- Erythema.
Skin lesions as a result of HIV infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, and pediculosis pubis are treated by a venereologist. A dermatologist-oncologist deals with diseases such as skin cancer (melanoma, epithelioma). A dermatologist-allergist treats rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and allergic reactions caused by external factors.
A pediatric dermatologist often treats:
- Urticaria.
- Itching.
- Chickenpox.
- Atopic, atypical, contact dermatitis.
- Exudative diathesis.
- Sunburn.
- Trichophytosis (ringworm).
- Balanoposthitis.
- Wart.
- Diaper rash.
In what cases should you contact
Consultation with a dermatologist is necessary if the following symptoms appear:
- Changes in the structure and color of the skin.
- Acne in adolescence and later.
- Spots and rashes of unknown etiology.
- Swelling.
- Appearance of cracks.
- Itching and burning of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Increased pigmentation.
- The appearance of pustules and boils.
- Peeling.
Source: http://wworld.com.ua/ru/28370