FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Missy Gough, (847) 330-0101, ext. 384, [email protected]
Karen Klickmann, (847) 330-0101, ext. 341, [email protected]
200th ANNIVERSARY OF DERMATOLOGY RECOGNIZED SCHAUMBURG, IL
SCHAUMBURG, IL (December 30, 1998) - In the 19th and early 20th century, if you went to your physician with a skin problem, you were likely to be given arsenic or antimony, a common poison. While these dangerous internal medications may have alleviated your skin condition, they might also have done serious damage to you. Today, dermatologists routinely prescribe topical treatments and oral antibiotics for teenagers suffering from acne. Yet, in the first half of this century, x-rays were the standard treatment for acne and many other non-cancerous skin conditions.
The diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions have changed dramatically from 200 years ago when only a small central core of skin diseases had been classified and defined. The lack of appropriate definitions hindered physicians' ability to provide their patients with quality medical care.
In 1798, English physician Robert Willan developed a new way to characterize, name, and classify skin conditions. In his revolutionary text entitled On Cutaneous Diseases, he characterized and illustrated 119 diseases based on appearance, systemic symptoms, and response to treatment. This contemporary approach soon attracted the attention of talented physicians who embraced the study of the skin and its problems. As a result, the specialty of dermatology was founded and dermatologists were established as the experts in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions.
"Willan's descriptions and illustrations served as the foundation of dermatology," stated John Thorne Crissey, M.D., the author of Two Hundred Years of Dermatology published in the December 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Dermatologists' ability to quickly and effectively diagnose and treat their patients can be traced to Robert Willan's outstanding contributions."
"The specialty of dermatology has grown and developed since the publication of On Cutaneous Diseases," continued Dr. Crissey. "Willan's list of 119 skin conditions has increased to 400 to 500 well-characterized entities. Applying the results of studies in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and genetics, dermatologists have discovered a great deal about the true nature of the conditions they treat, for example, the bacterial causes of impetigo and gonorrhea. They have become detectives, utilizing their training and expertise to identify clues that point to the underlying cause of an illness."
"After World War II, dermatologists were instrumental in the advancements of topical therapy and cosmetic dermatology. In addition to the development of cortisone, antibiotics, anti-fungal creams, ointments, and lotions, procedures such as hair transplants, tumescent liposuction, dermabrasion, and chemical peels were largely dermatologic innovations. Dermatologists were also quick to appreciate the power and utility of the laser and put it to use in tattoo removal and skin resurfacing."
"Dermatologists were the first to recognize the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin and were deeply involved in the treatment of skin cancer and the development and application of sunscreens to prevent skin cancer and delay the aging process. Members of the specialty have become the leaders in the campaign to educate the public on the prevention and detection of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer."
"Robert Willan would be astonished, proud, and overjoyed at the accomplishments of the members of the specialty that emerged from his pioneering efforts," stated Dr. Crissey.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership over 11,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: promoting and advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; promoting high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting the public interest relating to dermatology through public education programs.
###
RSS