Introduction to the Skin and Dermatology

Abstract

Dermatology is more versatile than almost any other clinical discipline in the diagnosis and treatment of skin-related pathological conditions that affect all aspects of medicine. The skin is not only the largest human organ but also a major barrier to the environment and is thus exposed to a variety of influences that significantly determine an individual’s life. The fact that the skin is not only a passive shell of the body but performs complex functions has become increasingly apparent in recent decades and is the basis of modern dermatotherapy, which has taken advantage of this knowledge in the development of topical and systemic therapeutics. Many skin diseases, even if they are not life-threatening, are very stressful for many affected persons and result in a substantial reduction in the quality of life. In comparison, chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis or atopic eczema lead to a similar reduction in quality of life to cancerous diseases. In addition, skin diseases are common and affect all age groups. In medical practice, approximately every fourth to sixth patient has a skin disease. Every doctor should therefore have a basic understanding of the most important skin diseases.