Dermatologists specialize in treating diseases and disorders of the skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body and must be considered in the same way as one thinks of the heart or brain or kidneys and not merely for protection.

The skin protects us from injury and infections, plays an important role in appearance, shields us from the effects of light and heat, helps in regulation of our body temperatures, helps relay information about our environment to the brain, stores water, fat and vitamin D and plays an important role in immune function.

The skin is thus a barometer of our state of health and any poor nutritional habit can affect its appearance. It acts as an organ of expression betraying our inner most feelings of anxiety by sweating, fear by pallor and anger by redness.

The skin changes as we age and everyone's skin changes differently according to genetics, sun exposure, pollutants, lifestyle choices and so on. It is the sun's ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB that are accountable for more skin damage than any other factors. Sunspots, liver spots, epidermal thinning, crow's feet fine lines and wrinkles progress with age. A tan, no matter how light or deep, is the skin's response to ultraviolet injury. Tanning is due to skin damage and increases the chance of premature ageing and skin cancer, which is a growing health problem worldwide.

Sunscreens are therefore skin's best friends. It must block UVB, UVB and infrared rays. A formula with a SPF of preferably 30 is needed for protection. Other preventive measures include;

• Avoiding mid day sun between 11 am and 3 pm
• Seeking natural shade when outside on a sunny day
• Use of clothing as a sunscreen including, T-shirts and hats

Common dermatological conditions seen by the DHTC specialist include;

• Viral warts, which can be treated with liquid nitrogen sprays
• Dermatitis and Psoriasis
• Food allergies and urticaria
• Hair problems such as alopecia and seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Nail disorders and pigmentary disorders, both hyperpigmentation and vitiligo

An integrated approach in the management of common skin disorders is practiced by combining Detox procedures and herbal preparations (including natural immuno-stimulants and energy medicine) along with conventional medicine.