Dermatology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. Diagnosis sometimes depends of laboratory aids to confirm clinical impressions. Microscopic changes can be recognized to help determine the management and treatment of dermatoses. The understanding of the physiology of the skin and the diagnosis of skin conditions and diseases are necessary for the dermatologist. Treatment methods are more diversified than in any other medical specialty. There are internal medications such as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-histamines, hormones, sedatives and injectable medications. Topical therapy uses lotions, ointments, soaps, and compresses. Other treatments include physical therapy, ultraviolet light, x-ray and radium therapy, cryotherapy, and surgery. The influence of professors and teachers is very important in guiding students into the various aspects of medicine. In fact the teachers must be constantly learning as post-graduates to keep up with the latest developments to stay in touch with their students. Entering the field of dermatology requires the completion of a pre-med program, then medical school and then an internship in dermatology, and an additional 3-year program in the specialized career.

Dermatologist Maurice Sullivan discusses the benefits of sunlight in treating some diseases; however, he notes that many diseases are caused by or aggravated by the sun. He shows a light spectrum chart and draws a diagram of the layers of the skin as they would appear under a microscope and then explains the effects different wavelengths have on the biologic activity of the skin. Ultraviolet rays, not filtered out by the stratum corneum, create the first stage of sunburn. Dr. Sullivan explains how tanning occurs then compares the stratum corneum depth and pigment of five studio models with different skin types. He shows a graph of major U.S. cities and skin cancer cases, which parallel the hours of sunlight and exposure in different geographic locations. To protect against sun damage, Dr. Sullivan recommends limiting exposure to the sun; using drugs such as quinine, zinc oxide, etc.; reapplying protective creams; and being aware of environmental conditions that filter or reflect the sun's rays.

Dr. Sullivan explains that dermatology is the science of skin and its diseases. Skin, covering approximately 18 square feet, is a human's largest organ and serves as the body's protection. Using both live animals from the Baltimore Zoo and representations of animals, Dr. Sullivan explains their protective mechanisms: the lizard's skin changes color for camouflage; the duck's preen gland maintains its feathers with a precursor of vitamin D; the rat's sebaceous glands repel lice; the lion's mane protects it from other animals' bites; and a turtle's shell, a porcupine's quills, and a pachyderm's thick skin all protect the animal within. Dr. Sullivan draws a diagram of the layers of human skin, stressing the epidermis and protective barrier that prevents water from penetrating skin. He notes that a frog has no transitional layer, so its skin can take up water. The human sweat glands continuously secrete a wet film on the skin. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which contains two emulsifiers that allow the skin to sweat.