17+ Types of Medical Treatments Served at Skin Clinics
Aesthetics Daily – When you have skin problems, you will probably see a dermatologist as soon as possible. They will perform cosmetic or medical treatments depending on your skin condition. Then, maybe you are starting to think what is the difference between cosmetic treatments and medical treatments?
Cosmetic treatments focus more on maintaining the appearance of patient’s skin while medical treatments address certain conditions affecting the health and appearance of the skin. The development of medical technology made it possible for the two to be done simultaneously. So, it’s a good idea to recognize the types of medical treatments offered at beauty clinics.
Types of Medical Treatments Performed by Dermatologists
1. Acne
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Although acne can affect people of all ages, acne mainly affects adolescents and young adults. Acne is not caused by dirt but by human hormones which increase during adolescence. There are several types of acne, namely whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
Dermatologists may prescribe topical creams, gels or lotions with vitamin A, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or antibiotics to help open clogged pores and remove acne-causing bacteria. Other acne treatments that are often performed in beauty clinics are:
- Microdermabrasion,
- Chemical peels,
- Laser skin resurfacing,
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT),
- Intense pulsed light (IPL).
2. Acnitic Keratosis
Years of sun exposure can cause acnitic kerastosis, which is the appearance of rough, scaly patches on the skin. This skin condition is usually found in parts of the body such as ears, back, hands, forearms, neck and scalp. Acnitic kerastosis, also known as solar kerastosis, can enlarge gradually.
Not always cancerous, acnitic kerastosis is often easier to remove if treated early before it develops into skin cancer. Acnitic kerastosis treatments at beauty clinics include:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT),
- Cryotherapy,
- Chemical peels,
- Curretage.
3. Dry Skin
Hot or cold weather, immersion in hot water, air conditioning and low humidity in the air can cause dry skin. This skin condition is generally not too serious which can be overcome by using skin care products such as a moisturizer. Dry skin that feels uncomfortable is characterized by itchy, scaly, and cracked skin. These signs of dry skin often appear on the legs, arms and hands.
In some cases, dry skin that gets worse is not enough to treat it with just a moisturizer. If the skin does not resolve immediately then it is time for you to see a dermatologist to get the most appropriate treatment.
Types of treatments for dry skin are as follows:
- Skin care products,
- Oxygen Medi-Facial,
- LED Light Therapy.
4. Athlete’s Foot
Also called tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection characterized by itchy, sore scaly rashes between the toes. Fungal infections commonly found in athletes can also affect the hands and toenails. People whose feet are very sweaty and damp because the feet are being caged in tight shoes are prone to athlete’s foot.
Although athlete’s foot is harmless, it is sometimes difficult to cure. To overcome athlete’s foot, you need to see the nearest dermatologist in your city. Several types of treatments to cure athlete’s foot are:
- Cream,
- Powder,
- Antifungal tablets,
- Antifungal oinment.
5. Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Excess sweating, also known as hyperdrosis, can occur in unusual situations such as cooler weather. If excessive sweating has no medical cause it is called primary hyperdrosis. Meanwhile, if excessive sweating is caused by a medical condition, this is called secondary hyperhidrosis. Some of the health conditions that may cause excessive sweating include leukemia, lymphoma, menopause, diabetic hypoglycemia, and neurologic disease.
Anywhere on the body can be affected by excessive sweating including the hands, face and head, armpits, feet, and groin. There are several ways to treat this condition including:
- Antiperspirant,
- Iontophoresis,
- Antocholinergic tablets,
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox),
- Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
6. Eczema (Dermatitis)
A skin condition that causes red, itchy skin is called atopic eczema. There are several types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, contact dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Signs of atopic dermatitis (eczema) include dry, cracked skin, red patches, and itching. Eczema usually affects children, but does not rule out the possibility of attacking adolescents and adults.
Complications of atopic dermatitis may include asthma, hay fever, chronic hives, skin infections, and sleep problems. There are several treatments to control and reduce eczema symptoms, reduce itching, improve the appearance of skin, and improve sleep. Treatment options for treating eczema include:
- Topical medications,
- Phototherapy,
- Emmollients,
- Antihistamines.
7. Itching
Most of us will scratch the skin immediately to relieve itching. Also called pruritus, itching is a sensation that we experience every day, caused by the stimulation of muscle cells in the skin. This is what encourages us to do the scratching. When we scratch, we send low-grade pain to the brain. These pain signals temporarily divert the brain from itching and release serotonin in the brain.
The complex interaction between cells in the skin and nervous system causes itching. One of the most common causes of itching is dry skin. You need to immediately see the nearest doctor if the itching does not go away immediately. Itching can be treated with several treatments including:
- Topical anesthetics,
- Cooling agents,
- Antihistamines,
- Phototherapy,
- Medical acupuncture.
8. Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Normally, the lost hair will be replaced by new hair. However, this does not always happen to everyone. Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, can develop gradually over years or suddenly. A common cause of hair loss is heredity. If you have a family history of baldness you will be more prone to have hair loss.
Hormonal changes can also cause temporary hair loss including pregnancy, child birth and menopause. If you are losing more hair than usual then you need to be more vigilant. Types of treatments to cure hair loss include:
- Medication,
- Laser therapy,
- Hair transplant.
9. Lentigo
Brown or black spots can appear on the skin as we age. Usually, these spots called lentigo appear on areas that are often exposed to direct sunlight including the face and the back of the hands. Lentigo can appear very slowly for years or suddenly. There are several types of lentigos: lentigo simplex, ink spot lentigo, tanning bed lentigo, PUVA lentigo, radiation lentigo, and solar lentigo. Unlike ephelis (freckle), lentigo does not go away in the winter months.
UV radiation exposure is a common cause of lentigo which is more likely to affect people with fair skin. To find out the causes and treatments of lentigo, you need to meet your trusted dermatologist. Some of the treatments for treating lentigo include:
- Medication,
- Laser therapy,
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy,
- Chemical peels,
- Cryotherapy.
10. Melasma
Melasma, also known as chloasma, is more common in women although men can get it too. The visible signs of melasma are patches of discoloration that are darker than normal skin color. Brown patches can appear on the forehead, chin, bridge of the nose, neck and cheeks. People with darker skin are more prone to getting melasma than lighter skin.
Sun exposure can also cause melasma because ultraviolet rays affect cells that control pigment. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy, the use of certain skin care products can trigger the growth of melasma. To treat melasma, your doctor may recommend:
- Chemical peels,
- Microdermabrasion,
- Dermabrasion,
- Laser therapy,
- IPL therapy.
11. Nail Fungus
Nail fungus called onychomycosis has some noticeable signs including white or yellow patches under the tips of the nails or toes. Nail fungus can cause your nails to discolor, smell, and crumble around the edges. Nails will also appear thicker than usual. Generally, nail fungus affects the toes but it may also affect the fingers.
The main cause of fungal nail infection is a variety of fungal organisms, especially dermatophytes. Cracks in the nails allow fungus to get into them. Anyone can be affected by nail fungus but men is more susceptible to infection. The available reatments to remove nail fungus include:
- Anti-fungal drugs and oinments,
- Laser treatments.
12. Warts
Viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family are the cause of warts that can appear anywhere on the body. The virus triggers the growth of extra cells that make the outer layer of the skin thick and hard. Warts that look like solid blisters or small cauliflowers are more likely to affect the hands or feet. Everyone who comes in contact with HPV does not always get warts, depending on their immune system.
There are several types of warts some of which are plantar warts, genital warts, and flat warts. In some cases, harmless warts can go away without treatment. However, there are types of warts that require a special treatment by a dermatologist. Treatments to remove skin, as follows:
- Cryotherapy,
- Medication,
- Laser surgery,
- Hyfrecation.
13. Moles
The melanocytes that give skin its natural color grow in clusters instead of spreading across the skin, causing moles to form. There are the most common moles such as congenital mole, common mole, and atypical mole. Most moles appear on the skin during childhood and the first 25 years of a person’s life. As we get older, these moles will change in size and color.
Generally, a black or brown mole appears anywhere on the skin. The majority of moles are harmless. However, moles need to be watched out for cancer when there is a significant change in size, shape, height and color. To get rid of moles, these types of treatments may help:
- Surgical shave,
- Surgical excision.
14. Rosacea
A common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels on the face is known as rosacea. Often mistaken for acne, rosacea can appear for weeks until months before disappearing. Middle-aged women with light skin are more prone to rosace. Rosacea symptoms include swollen bumps, facial redness, enlarged nose, and eye problems.
Until now it is not known exactly what causes rosacea. There are several factors that may play a role such as bacteria, blood vessel problems, genetics, drugs, and cosmetic products. The range of treatments for rosace includes:
- Medications,
- Laser therapy.
15. Poison Ivy
An allergic reaction to an oily resin called urushiol can cause poison ivy rash. This oily resin is found in the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy. Poison ivy that grows as a vine can make skin red, swollen, severe itching, and blisters for anyone who touches it.
If you come in contact with this type of oil, wash your skin immediately. Depending on the sensitivity of the skin, anyone can get poison ivy rash. A rash that affects your skin can last for weeks. To get rid of poison ivy rash, your doctor may recommend:
- Steroid creams,
- Steroid medications and injections,
- Antibiotics.
16. Vitiligo
Patches developing on the skin called vitiligo can affect any area on the body. Over time, the area that changes its color will usually increase. Vitiligo can also affect the inside of the mouth and hair. When the melanin-producing cells stop working properly, it triggers vitiligo. Although not contagious and dangerous, vitiligo can be frustrating for some people since it affect their physical appearance.
Some of the visible symptoms of vitiligo are uneven skin color and premature whitening of the scalp, beard or eyelashes. Vitiligo, which can affect any skin type, usually appears before the age of 30. However, people with darker skin are prone to vitiligo. The available treatments for vitiligo that may be suitable:
- Topical treatments,
- Phototherapy,
- Camouflage,
- Depigmentation.
17. Skin Tags
Skin tags, which are benign, non-cancerous skin tumors, can appear on several parts of the body such as the groin, armpits, eyelids, upper chest and neck. Often overlooked, skin tags can fall off painlessly. Skin tags that don’t hurt are connected to the skin by small, thin stalks called peduncles. Common in men and women after the age of 50, skin tags can remain small in size, but they can also get bigger.
If you feel bothered by the presence of skin tags, then you might consider going to a dermatologist. Your doctor may recommend some of these treatments:
- Electrosurgery,
- Cryotherapy,
- Ligation,
- Surgical removal.
18. Skin Cancer
Abnormal growth of skin cells that generally occurs in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun is called skin cancer. It can also affect areas that are not exposed to the sun. There are 2 types of cancer defined by the cells involved, namely keratinocyte carcinoma and melanoma. Keratinocyte carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer while melanoma develops from the skin-forming cells (melanocytes).
Uncontrolled development of mutations in skin DNA can form skin cancer. If you find signs of skin cancer, you must immediately see a dermatologist immediately. Various skin cancer treatments include:
- Mohs surgery,
- Excisional surgery,
- Cryotherapy,
- Chemotherapy,
- Photodynamic therapy.
