Dermatovenerology is a branch of medicine that combines dermatology and venereology. Dermatology focuses on the function and condition of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes, as well as methods of treating and preventing these disorders. Venereology, on the other hand, studies the course, prevention and treatment of infections, which are mainly transmitted through sexual contact.
Dermatovenerology also focuses on fungal lesions of the skin, nails and mucous membranes, pathologies that are the subject of a separate science - mycology.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and a dermatovenerologist
A dermatologist differs from a dermatovenerologist in terms of specialisation and scope of practice. Let's define them for each specialist.
Dermatologist
The main tasks of a dermatologist are the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. This includes eczema, psoriasis, acne, various types of dermatitis, fungal lesions of the skin and nails, skin tumours (e.g. warts, moles), hypersensitivity reactions, and hair and nail diseases.
Dermatovenerologist
A dermatovenerologist is a doctor with a broader profile, as his practice combines two branches of medicine: dermatology and venereology. The latter focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Thus, unlike a dermatologist, a dermatovenerologist treats not only skin diseases (including those related to STIs) but also infections transmitted through intimate relations.
When you may need to see a dermatovenereologist
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Regular consultations with a dermatovenereologist help to detect problems early, so that treatment can be carried out in time and complications can be avoided. You may need a consultation with a dermatovenerologist in Vilnius in the following cases.
Appearance of skin or mucous membrane tumours or changes in skin
If a mole or an area of skin has changed colour, size, shape, has started to bother you, or if pigmentation has appeared, this is a good reason to consult a dermatovenereologist. Such changes may be signs of a malignant skin formation and the effectiveness of their treatment depends on timely treatment.
During a consultation with a dermatovenereologist, you will learn how to carry out your own skin tests and self-monitoring. Warts, papillomas or condylomas, especially in the genital area, can be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Persistent acne
If you have already tried over-the-counter remedies, diets and cleansers but your acne is still a problem, don't hesitate to consult a dermatovenereologist. The doctor will help you choose effective treatments and advise you on the best way to look after your skin.
Hives, rashes that don't go away.
This skin reaction can be caused by an allergy or infection. An examination, history and diagnosis by a dermatovenereologist will help to determine the actual cause and prescribe treatment.
Scars from acne, pimples, blackheads, cuts or scratches
Scars caused by skin diseases or trauma are often not only an aesthetic problem, but can also cause psychological problems and difficulties in social adaptation. Modern medical treatments such as laser therapy or microdermabrasion can help you get rid of the cause of your discomfort or insecurity.
Constant skin irritation
Redness, flaking, itching that cannot be eliminated by non-prescription means can be caused by changes in weather conditions, the use of skincare products or chronic skin conditions. A dermatovenerologist can help diagnose the problem and suggest treatment.
Nail growth and appearance disorders, ingrown nails, fungal infections
Ingrown toenails and fungus are reasons to visit a dermatologist. The condition of the nails may reflect the general condition of the body and indicate liver disease, heart disease, anaemia or diabetes.
Hair loss
If you have more hair than usual on your pillow, you should also consult a dermatovenereologist. After examining the condition, taking a medical history and giving an examination, the doctor will suggest preventive measures and treatments that can stop hair loss.
Rashes, sores, discharge, burning or itching in the genital area.
Counselling is needed if you have any of these symptoms, especially if you have had unprotected sex, which can lead to the transmission of infections such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and others.
Unusual unloading
Genital discharge (change in colour, smell, amount of discharge) can be a symptom of venereal diseases such as gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis.
Treatment of chronic skin diseases associated with sexually transmitted infections
A dermatovenerologist should be consulted if the skin symptoms persist after treatment with a dermatologist and if the disease is suspected to be venereal.
Pregnancy planning
If a couple is planning a pregnancy, a dermatovenereologist should be consulted to rule out hidden infections that could affect the health of the mother and the child.
Which diseases are treated by a dermatologist in Vilnius
A dermatovenerologist specialises in the prevention and treatment of these diseases:
- Pyoderma or pustular disease. Pustular lesions of the skin and appendages, the most common of which are furuncle, carbuncle, folliculitis, vesiculopustulosis, hidradenitis, ostiofolliculitis, pseudofuruncle, cellulitis, swelling, etc.
- Fungal skin diseases. Infectious lesions (mycoses). Caused by pathogenic fungi. Transmission is via contact with an infected person or animal, household items and clothing. They include epidermophytosis, rubromycosis, candidiasis, trichophytosis, etc.
- Viral, herpetic skin lesions. These are the body's reaction to exposure to certain viruses. Viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, shingles.
- Papillomaviral diseases. Benign tumours on the epithelium or mucous membranes caused by papillomavirus infections. Skin manifestations of this type include small growths on the genitals, under the breasts, in the armpits, on the neck and eyelids.
- Hair diseases. Pathologies of the hair follicles that impair hair growth, structure and function. These include seborrhoeic dermatitis, dandruff, alopecia (scarring, focal).
- Parasitic skin diseases. Develops as a result of parasites infecting the skin. These include acrodermatitis, lice, scales.
- Chronic skin inflammations. Chronic skin disorders include dermatosis, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, dermatitis, eczema and immunopathological vasculitis.
- Autoimmune connective tissue and vascular diseases. Pathologies that develop as a result of a marked immune response to connective tissue. These include lupus erythematosus, scleroderma.
- Allergic skin reactions. These include atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis and chronic urticaria.
- Venereal diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases - syphilis, inguinal lymphogranulomatosis, gonorrhoea, donovanosis.
- Sexually transmitted infectious diseases. Emergency care for infections: trichomoniasis, herpes, papillomatosis, viral HIV infection, thrush, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydiosis.
How to get to a dermatovenerologist
The skin doctor will carry out a consultation consisting of the following steps:
- Patient interview.
- Taking a medical history, investigating tests if they have been done before.
- Examination of skin and mucous membranes.
- Preliminary diagnosis.
- Ordering the necessary tests and examinations (ultrasound, fungal stripping, microscopic examination, coprogram, laboratory blood tests for antibodies, allergens and antigens, histological and cytological examinations, dermatoscopy, etc).
- Final diagnosis.
- Treatment plan and recommendations.
Advantages of dermatovenereologist treatment in our clinic
Our clinic is chosen for the following reasons:
- Tailor-made solutions. Each patient is unique and each clinical condition requires individual analysis and treatment approaches. This is a key concept that helps us work efficiently.
- Highly qualified. The dermatovenereologists working in our clinic are board-certified specialists with many years of successful practice. Diseases don't stand a chance against our doctors' qualifications and experience.
- Hardware. Diagnosis is the key to effective treatment. We use both proven classical methods and modern technologies. Thanks to the constant renewal of the clinic's technical base, we remain one of the most competitive medical centres.
LT 
EN 
RU