Introduction
Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the hair, nails, skin and its diseases. It is a unique specialty with both medical and surgical aspects.A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails.
Venereology is a branch of medicine with the study and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. A physician specializing in venereology is called a venereologist. The specialty is sometimes combined with dermatology.
The venereal diseases include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Some of the important diseases are HIV infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, candidiasis, herpes simplex, human papillomavirus infection, and genital scabies. Other sexually transmitted infections studied in the field include Chancroid, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Granuloma inguinale, Hepatitis B, and Cytomegalovirus infection.
Training
After earning a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), the length of training for a general dermatologist to be eligible is a total of four years. This training consists of an initial medical, transitional, or surgical intern year followed by a three-year dermatology residency. Following this training, one- or two- year post-residency fellowships are available in immunodermatology, phototherapy, laser medicine, Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic surgery or dermatopathology.
