Cosmetic Dermatology of the Skin, Scalp, and Hair

Cosmetic dermatology of the skin, scalp, and hair: This area of dermatology treats healthy skin, its appendages, and the correction of minor conditions and disease.

Overview: This chapter provides you with data about certain disorders of the skin, scalp, and hair. This information will teach you to recognize disorders that may be treated by the cosmetologist.

Behavioral objectives-student goals: After completion of this chapter, and after instruction and study, you will be able to perform and demonstrate competency in cosmetic dermatology of the skin, scalp and hair by identifying, explaining and/or listing detailed information concerning the following areas: classes of skin diseases, common terms, lesions of the skin, pigments and growth of the skin, dandruff, common disease, disorders and allergies.

Cosmetic dermatology is a division of dermatology that treats healthy skin, its appendages, and the correction of conditions and minor diseases.

Since the skin, hair, and nails are the principal areas with which the cosmetologist deals, it is important to know the simple facts about the disorders that may be encountered. In addition to recognizing certain hair, scalp, and skin conditions, the cosmetologist should know what procedures to follow when treating a specific condition. Any condition that the cosmetologist does not recognize or is not permitted to treat should be referred to a medical doctor. To protect the health of the cosmetologist and the public, patrons with contagious skin diseases or infections should be serviced in the beauty salon until the condition has cleared.

Physicians who specialize in the treatment of various skin conditions are called dermatologists. Even a physician makes a study of skin during training. However, a dermatologist conducts an intensive study of the skin and the treatment of its diseases.

The purpose of all cosmetic dermatology treatments is the improvement of appearance. This goal is realized by treatments for prevention and treatments for correction. Experienced cosmetologist knows that this diagnosis of pathological conditions and the prescription of remedies are beyond their province. They practice only what comes within the limits of the practice of cosmetology.