You are probably aware that dermatologists treat different skin conditions, but did you know that they also treat disorders that involve the hair and nails? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), dermatologists diagnose and treat over 3,000 conditions.
Here are three surprising conditions that dermatologists treat.
1. Hyperhidrosis
This medical condition is characterized by excessive sweating. People who have hyperhidrosis sweat even when their body temperature is normal or they are sitting still. The most common parts of the body affected by this condition include the feet, hands, underarms, and face. There is no known cause for primary hyperhidrosis.
Some people have secondary hyperhidrosis, which is caused by another medical condition such as diabetes, menopause, or nervous system disorders. Once a dermatologist determines the cause of the condition, they can treat it with either iontophoresis, Botox injections, prescription cloth wipes, or certain medications.
2. Alopecia Areata
Many people experience hair loss, especially as they age. However, alopecia areata is a different type of hair loss in which the hair falls out in small patches. This condition occurs when the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles. While alopecia areata can affect people of all ages, it is especially common for those under the age of 20.
For some people with this condition, once they lose their hair, it will never grow back. Despite this fact, there are some things that dermatologists can do to slow down the loss of hair or to stimulate hair growth. Some of these treatment options include topical agents that get applied to the head, steroids that get injected into the affected parts of the head, an oral immunosuppressant, or light therapy.
3. Onychosis
Onychosis occurs when the nail separates from the skin underneath. This condition usually occurs when the nail becomes injured. An injury to the toenail can be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or stubbing the toe on a hard object. Onychosis also can also occur from repeated tapping of the fingernails. Being allergic to certain ingredients in nail polish or nail polish remover can also cause this condition. In some cases, onychosis is a symptom of another medical problem, such as a yeast infection, thyroid disease, psoriasis, or a mineral deficiency.
Once a dermatologist determines the cause of onychosis, they can effectively treat the nail disorder. In most cases, the dermatologist will recommend that the nailbed be kept clean and dry. Depending on the cause, a dermatologist may also treat onychosis with either topical or oral medications.
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