What is dermatology? 

Dermatology refers to the study of the skin, its appendages and the immediate visible mucous membranes.

What are the skin appendages?

These include the nails and hairs

Why is the skin important to us?

The skin carries out important functions for the human proper well-being of the human body. These include:

• Prevention of loss of body moisture

• Regulation of body temperature

• Provision of immune response to various infections like bacteria, viruses etc

• It is a sensory organ to temperature and touch

• It reduces the harmful effect caused by the direct exposure to the sun

What are the commonest skin conditions seen among people with skin concerns here in western Uganda?

Various conditions are seen but the common ones are due to : 

• Bacterial infections

• Fungal infections

• Viral infections

• Parasitic infestations

• Immune response related skin disorders

Others which may not be so common are skin cancers

Why is it necessary to consult about / treat skin disorders?

It is not only good to consult about or treat skin disorders, but it is better to do so as soon as one notices any skin changes. It is even better to prevent some of the conditions rather than wait for their full manifestation. Some of the advantages include: 

• Early diagnosis saves time, money and other resources that may be needed to treat a full overt skin disorder

• Some systemic disorders may show their early presence in the body via the skin

• There are very many skin care products on the open market, some of which contain hazardous material that may need regulation from knowledgeable resourceful contacts.

• Some cultural practices may leave permanent scars on the skin which some people may regret as they grow older in life!