Dermatology

Also known as: Dermatology · Skin medicine (colloquial)

Definition

Dermatology is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. In the Philippines, dermatology is a PRC-recognized medical specialty, with board certification administered by the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) — the only dermatology specialty society recognized by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and Philippine College of Physicians (PCP). Philippine dermatology encompasses general medical dermatology, cosmetic/aesthetic dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, and tropical dermatology — the latter particularly relevant given the Philippines’ tropical climate and its associated skin conditions. (Wikipedia — Dermatology)

Identities

Source Type	Identity
Wikipedia	Dermatology
Wikidata	Dermatology (Q82750)
DBpedia	N/A
ProductOntology	N/A
Wiktionary	dermatology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)	Dermatology
MeSH	Dermatology
NCBI Taxonomy	N/A
AGROVOC	N/A
Google Scholar	dermatology Philippines tropical skin diseases
ConceptNet	N/A
OpenCyc	N/A

Also Known As

Dermatology
Skin medicine (colloquial)

Examples and Analogies

Specialty analog: Dermatology is to skin/hair/nails what cardiology is to the heart, neurology to the nervous system, and gastroenterology to the digestive tract — a PRC-recognized organ-system specialty.

Usage Scenarios

1. General Medical Dermatology

Diagnosis and treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, pigmentation disorders, skin cancer screening, and other skin conditions.

2. Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dermatology

Chemical peels, laser treatments, injectable fillers, botulinum toxin, thread lifts, and other aesthetic procedures — performed by board-certified dermatologists or under their supervision.

3. Tropical Dermatology

Philippine-specific conditions: melasma (sun-induced hyperpigmentation), tropical acne, fungal infections (tinea versicolor, ringworm), parasitic skin conditions (scabies), and heat-related dermatoses.

4. Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment

Early detection and treatment of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma — increasingly important in the Philippine tropical-sun context.

Strategies

Board-certified dermatologist consultation for any persistent skin condition
Sun protection (SPF 30+) given Philippine tropical UV exposure
Avoid self-medication with unregulated skin-lightening products

Security and Safety Measures

Seek treatment only from PDS-certified dermatologists
Verify FDA Philippines product notification for any prescribed topical treatment
Avoid aesthetic procedures performed by non-physician personnel in beauty salons

Historical Context

Philippine dermatology developed as a distinct specialty in the mid-20th century, with the Philippine Dermatological Society founded in the 1950s–1960s as the authoritative specialty body. The field has grown significantly in the 21st century, driven by increasing awareness of skin health, the growth of aesthetic medicine, and the specific challenges of tropical dermatology in the Philippine climate.

Challenges and Controversies

Aesthetic Clinic Regulation

The boundary between medical dermatology (physician practice) and aesthetic cosmetology (non-physician services) is a recurring Philippine regulatory issue.

Skin-Lightening Product Safety

Unregulated skin-lightening products containing excessive hydroquinone, mercury, or steroids remain a public health concern in the Philippines.

References

Wikipedia — Dermatology