The study of skin is called dermatology. It's a broad field encompassing many aspects of skin health, disease, and function.
What Dermatology Includes
Dermatology involves the study of:
- Skin structure and function: Understanding the layers of the skin, its role in protecting the body, and its various functions like temperature regulation. See this study on skin anatomy using high-frequency ultrasound.
- Skin diseases and conditions: Diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of skin conditions, from acne and eczema to skin cancers like melanoma. The National Cancer Institute highlights advances in melanoma and other skin cancer research.
- Genetic factors influencing skin: Investigating the genetic basis of skin pigmentation and predisposition to certain skin diseases. This genomewide association study examined genetic factors influencing skin pigmentation.
- Skin microbiology: Studying the complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing on the skin and their impact on health. Research is underway to study the skin microbiomes of marine animals.
- Skin aging and wound healing: Researching the processes of skin aging and developing treatments to promote wound healing and restore skin integrity. A recent study looked at the biological response of skin wounds treated with a specific hydrogel.
- The impact of external factors on skin: Studying how environmental factors, like sunlight and pollution, affect skin health.
Dermatology also explores practical applications, including:
- Developing new treatments and therapies: Improving existing treatments and developing new ones for various skin conditions. The University of Pennsylvania's Skin Biology and Diseases Resource-based Center focuses on translating bench research into clinical practice.
- In vivo diagnostic techniques: Developing and utilizing non-invasive methods for diagnosing skin diseases. One example is comparing skin biopsies and RT-QuIC for diagnosing synucleinopathies.
- The study of skin-to-skin contact: Examining the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for newborns and parents. Research supports the importance of skin-to-skin contact for feeding and parent-infant bonding.
The history of dermatology shows a continuous evolution in understanding and treating skin diseases. Read more about the history of dermatology. Even technological advances, such as in artificial intelligence, are being investigated for bias in their assessment of skin types and gender. A MIT Media Lab study highlights bias in facial analysis programs.
