Common Dermatology Issues in the United States By Steven Greene

IntroductionAfter earning his doctor of medicine from the

University of North Carolina, dermatologist Steven Greene, MD, completed his internship in internal medicine at Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, Pennsylvania, followed by a residency in dermatology at Rochester, Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic. In 1984, he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he became a staff dermatologist at Group Health Permanente. Today, Dr. Steven Greene teaches his specialty as a clinical associate professor in the Dermatology Division of the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington.

About DermatologyDermatology refers to the study and

treatment of the skin, hair, and nails, and their diseases and disorders. It encompasses a very broad range of concerns and hundreds of discrete conditions. Many Americans first visit a dermatologist for the treatment of acne, an unsightly condition usually characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Another common skin disorder is psoriasis, a chronic condition characterized by scaly red patches of skin that often itch.

Conclusion Another area of concern for many Americans is skin

cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that about 3.5 million Americans, or more than 1 percent of the population, are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Of these, more than 125,000 have melanoma, the deadliest form, which kills more than 9,000 Americans every year. However, skin cancer in all forms is largely preventable. If detected early, it is also responsive to treatment - of all melanoma patients whose cancer is treated before it can spread to the lymph nodes, for example, some 98 percent are still alive five years after treatment. The AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer program is a comprehensive approach to educating the general public about preventing skin cancer, as well as recognizing and treating it.