What is the term for the medical study of skin?

The term for the medical study of skin is dermatology. This branch of medicine focuses specifically on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin disorders and diseases. Dermatologists are medical professionals who specialize in understanding the complex structure and function of the skin, as well as various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.

Dermatology encompasses a variety of areas, including surgical procedures, cosmetic treatments, and management of chronic skin conditions, highlighting its significance in maintaining skin health and addressing dermatological issues. Understanding dermatology is essential for those in the medical field as skin health is closely tied to overall health, and the skin serves as a barrier against many environmental factors.

The other terms listed, such as pathology, focus on the study of disease in general, mycology relates specifically to fungi, and cytology is the study of cells. While these areas of study are important, dermatology is distinct in its sole focus on skin health and disease.