A dermatologist is a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) who is specialised in treating the skin, hair and nails. All dermatologists receive training in the four branches of dermatology such as Clinical dermatology, Cosmetology, Dermatosurgery, and Dermatopathology. However, a dermatologist might choose to further specialize in one of these branches. 

Some trends are followed in dermatology, with growing technological advancements, the entire map of this field has changed and has been increasing enormously ever since. Most of the skin care clinics have calibrated themselves to the changes in this stream, they are well equipped to the growing trends in dermatology. The skincare specialists have been researching about the modifications that dermatology holds in future. 

The most talked-about aspect of dermatology is hair. The ever-changing requirements need to be fulfilled by these hair clinics. Hair clinics need to accommodate the new changes in this industry like partial longitudinal follicular unit extraction. 

Let us see the recent advances in dermatology in general –

  •  Significant advances in the development and use of lasers has revolutionized their application in the practice of modern dermatology. New concepts in laser technology further extend to encompass the successful treatment of photoaged skin and removal of unwanted hair. Xenon Chloride excimer laser is useful for the treatment of autoimmune diseases (e.g. psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata). The present surgical lasers that are available at our disposal are- 1) co2 laser 2) Erbium 3) Holmium laser.

There is a disposal of a wide range of laser equipments, often very similar to each other, which can treat many cutaneous diseases with absolute efficacy and safety. Few examples include- Co2 lasers are used to treat scars, photo damaged skin and Pulsed dye laser are used to treat vascular lesions. Lasers have been revolutionized for years now.

  •  Robotics- Amazing high-tech machines appeared on the stage of medicine lately. There are new systems these days that do a  whole-body skin lesion mapping system. It can take a 360-degree scan of the entire body and identifies all the lesions on the skin. But what is even more exciting is the potential in robots helping dermatologists, primarily aesthetic dermatologists in the future. Robots tend to be precise in detecting lesions which are more consistent, and there is substantial research backing it.

In the future, we can expect laser therapies to be carried out by robotic surgeons with humans controlling the entire surgery.

  •  Biologics in Dermatologic therapy- what are biologicals?  Biologics, derived from living organisms, have been in use for decades (e.g., insulin or vaccines derived from eggs). Today’s biologics – those developed in the past 15 years – are protein-based drugs created from genetically modified cells.

Biologics are typically a third-line treatment option for patients with psoriasis, autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, who don’t respond or have an insufficient response to topicals, immunosupressants and phototherapy. Choosing a treatment for psoriasis may be challenging due to  the unpredictable and chronic nature of the disease. Biologicals has a very good control of the disease activity in psoriasis. 37% of the 800 dermatology products (approx) in development are biologic agents. The most important feature of biological treatments is that the therapy is target directed. In the light of technological developments, the concept has emerged of treatment that leads to a patient’s specific goal.

  •  Psychodermatology- A relationship between psychological factors and skin diseases has long been hypothesized. Psychodermatology addresses the interaction between the mind and the skin. Today, we know that it is essential to consider both biopsychosocial approaches and pathophysiological approaches to the treatment, which involves being durable with body and skin.  we cannot deny the fact that in many cases, specialized psychiatric care is necessary. In future, the dermatologists need to learn about thoughtful ways of treating patients.
    •    3D printing- The answers for organ shortages of all kinds, including skin, as well as to the increasing reluctance to test new cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical products on animals, is 3D printing. Many innovators recognized it already, and plenty of research is going on.  Numerous Scientists have presented a prototype for a 3D bioprinter that can create an entirely functional human skin. 3D food printing ensures there are no tissue shortages.

    Future holds a more significant potential when it comes to dermatology, new advancements and new equipments have chartered a new outlook. With lasers to 3D food printing, Dermatology is going to flourish in future with the inclusion of AI and robotics. Dermatology isn’t just about skin, but it is much more intricate than that.