Dermatologist

Dermatologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the skin, nail and hair. Pediatric dermatologists are trained to cure any skin disorders in infants, children and young adults. Cosmetic dermatologists are trained specialists in beautifying the skin by removing scars and external marks on the skin either through medications or surgical procedures. Dermatologists have to complete medical school and then an internship period of one year followed by three years residency program in dermatology. After completion of the residency program, they take up training in sub-specialties of dermatology such as cosmetic dermatology, pediatric dermatology etc.

Task of a dermatologist

Dermatologists have the prime responsibility of providing care to the most exposed organ of the body, their task includes:

• Skin reflects the conditions of the internal organs and any kind of disorder in any of these organs reflect on the skin, thus dermatologists have to have expertise in other medical specialties too.
  
• They treat conditions such as ,skin cancer.
  
• Overall conditions of the skin are improved by removing any superfluous growth, discolorations, damage caused due to exposure to sunlight etc.
  
• They prescribe medications or ointments to treat problems of the skin.
  
• Phototherapy along with application of ointment on the skin is suggested in extreme cases.

Latest techniques employed in the field of dermatology

With the newer techniques available for treatment in the field of dermatology it has become easier to treat skin related with ease.

• Laser techniques are profoundly used to cure skin related problems.
  
• Variety of creams and lotions provide solutions to many skin problems.
  
• Modern surgical techniques help in correcting the disorders of the skin.
  

Diathermy

Diathermy is a non-invasive, therapeutic technique that uses electrical energy to produce heat deep within the body. It has been used for many years to treat various medical conditions, including pain, inflammation and muscle spasms.

Diathermy is based on the principle that electrical energy can be converted into heat when it flows through a conductive medium, such as water or tissue. The process involves the application of an alternating current (AC) to the body, which causes the tissues to resist the flow of electricity. This resistance generates heat in the affected area.

There are three primary types of diathermy:
1. Shortwave Diathermy: Also known as microwave diathermy, this type uses frequencies between 2.45 and 10 GHz to produce heat. Shortwave diathermy is commonly used for deep tissue heating.
2. Ultrasonic Diathermy: This type employs high-frequency sound waves (20-40 kHz) to produce heat through cavitation and thermal conduction. Ultrasonic diathermy is often used for superficial heating.
3. Radiofrequency Diathermy(RF Diathermy): Also known as radio wave diathermy, this type uses frequencies between 10 kHz and 100 MHz to produce heat. Radiofrequency diathermy is commonly used for deep tissue heating.

Benefits:
1. Pain Relief: Diathermy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain by increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles, and releasing endorphins.
2. Inflammation Reduction: Diathermy can help reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow and promoting the removal of waste products.
3. Muscle Relaxation: Diathermy can help relax muscle spasms and reduce muscle tension.
4. Wound Healing: Diathermy has been shown to improve wound healing by increasing blood flow, promoting collagen synthesis, and reducing bacterial growth.

Diathermy can be classified broadly into two types:
1. Continuous Wave (CW) Diathermy: This type of diathermy uses a continuous wave of energy to produce heat.
2. Pulsed Wave (PW) Diathermy: This type of diathermy uses pulses of energy to produce heat, which can be more effective than CW for deep tissue heating.

Diathermy is primarily used in the following conditions:
1. Orthopedic Conditions: Diathermy is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.
2. Chronic Pain Management: Diathermy is often used to manage chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome.
3. Muscle Spasms: Diathermy can help relax muscle spasms and reduce muscle tension.
4. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Diathermy is sometimes used as part of post-surgical rehabilitation protocols to promote healing and reduce pain.

Contraindications:
1. Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs): Diathermy can interfere with the functioning of these devices.
2. Metallic Implants: Diathermy should not be used near metallic implants, as it may cause heating or sparking.
3. Cancer: Diathermy is generally contraindicated in cancer patients, as it may stimulate tumor growth.
4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Diathermy is generally contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there is limited research on its safety in these populations.

Electrocoagulation: This minimally invasive method employs high-frequency electric currents to seal blood vessels through heat, thereby achieving hemostasis. Electrocoagulation is based on the principle that a high-frequency electric current can be used to generate heat, which in turn causes coagulation of blood vessels and surrounding tissue. This process creates a localized thermal effect that seals off blood vessels, stopping bleeding and allowing for precise surgical dissection.

Electrical Current: High-frequency electrical currents (often in the range of 0.3 to 5 MHz) are delivered through an electrode.
Heat Generation: The electrical current generates heat as it passes through tissues, leading to coagulation.
Tissue Effect: The heat causes proteins in the tissue to denature, leading to coagulation, which seals blood vessels and stops bleeding.

1. Surgical Hemostasis: Electrocoagulation is commonly used during surgical procedures to make bloodless incisions, reducing the risk of bleeding complications and enabling more accurate tissue dissection. It is especially useful in procedures involving highly vascular tissues.
Tumor Resection: Used to remove tumors while minimizing blood loss.
Polypectomy: Removal of polyps, particularly in gastrointestinal and gynecological surgeries.

2. Nosebleed Control: This technique is also effective in controlling nosebleeds, allowing for prompt and safe management of this common condition.

3. Abnormal Vessel Treatment: Electrocoagulation can be used to treat abnormal blood vessel formations, such as spider naevi, by delivering the electric current through a fine needle. This minimizes tissue damage and promotes targeted treatment.

4.Dermatology: Removal of Skin Lesions: Effective for removing warts, moles, and other benign skin lesions.
Acne Treatment: Used to reduce the size of sebaceous glands and treat severe acne.

5. Gastroenterology: Endoscopic Procedures: Used during endoscopy to treat bleeding ulcers, remove polyps, and manage gastrointestinal bleeding.
6. Gynecology: Cervical Procedures: Used in procedures such as loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove abnormal cervical tissue.
7. Urology: Bladder and Prostate Surgery: Used to control bleeding during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and other urological surgeries.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is used in procedures for which general anesthesia is not required and wherein the patient needs to respond to questions. The American dental association started using this phrase extensively; they used this procedure to keep their patients comfortable during a dental procedure. Conscious sedation is a type of sedation wherein the patient can respond to verbal directions even while under the influence of sedation. This type of sedation is classified under moderate sedation. Conscious sedation is achieved using intravenous agents.

Conscious sedation procedure is used in biopsy, dental procedures, plastic and reconstructive surgeries, dermatology, Endoscopy procedures and minor surgeries. Generally carried out as a day care procedure, a patient needs to be reviewed completely before administering conscious sedation. It is generally considered a safe procedure and is low cost when compared to general anesthesia.

A certified medical professional carries out this procedure. The patient is given medication that relaxes and then the pain killer is administered to eliminate pain during the procedure. In a few cases, medications are administered for the patient to forget the procedure (amnesic). Throughout the procedure, the patient's heartbeat, breathing, pulse rate, etc are continuously monitored. Once the procedure the patient is kept under observation until he/she completely recovers. Recovery is much faster when compared to general anesthesia. The patient takes 24-48 hours to experience complete recovery from the procedure.

Common side effects from conscious sedation include nausea, headache, muscle pain and sore throat. No solid foods must be eaten for a few hours prior to the procedure. Do inform the physician if you are diabetic, lactating mother or allergic to medications.

Tags: #Dermatologist #Diathermy #Conscious Sedation