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www.uniklinik-duesseldorf.de/hautklinik

The Department of Dermatology offers services in the areas of general dermatology, allergology, pediatric dermatology, dermatologic surgery, dermatopathology, cutaneous oncology, and aesthetic dermatology. Further areas of expertise are proctology and phlebology (diseases of the veins), hair diseases and male impotence and infections (andrology).  Focuses lie on the therapy of inflammatory  and autoimmune diseases including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, the treatment of skin tumours as well as the diagnostics and treatment of allergies.

Patient care

For the treatment of patients, the Department of Dermatology of the Heinrich-Heine University provides 55 beds on 4 wards. Besides full hospitalisation, the department offers a day care unit. For outpatients, the department offers clinics for general dermatology, malignant melanoma, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases of the skin (Lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis), wound healing, phlebology, viral diseases (e.g. warts), proctology, increased sweating (hyperhidrosis), hair loss (alopecia), aesthetic dermatology, and andrology. In addition twice a week clinics are offered for children with dermatological disorders in cooperation with the Pediatric Department.

The Department of Dermatology hosts a state-of-the-art unit for photo-therapy. Diagnostic procedures to identify UV-induced dermatoses together with the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis), graft-versus-host diseases and cutaneous T cell lymphomas are the special interests.

For cancer treatment, 6.000 surgical interventions are undertaken per year. Modern non-invasive therapy options for cancer treatment are available such as photodynamic therapy (photosensitation combined with light) or topical immuno-modulation.

Beyond the therapy of skin diseases, the phenomenon of aging and its intervention gains in importance for modern society. The Unit for Aesthetic Dermatology offers various state-of-the-art methods  including surgery, laser-therapy, chemical peelings, injections with dermal filler substances and botulinum toxin A.

Research and teaching

The Department’s research activities span a broad range of investigative endeavours. These include basic science efforts in cutaneous biology, immunology and tumour biology.

Subject of substantial interest is the progression and metastasis of malignant melanoma. Another focus lies in the investigation of mechanisms involved in UV-induced carcinogenesis.

With regard to immunology, the underlying mechanisms leading to the development of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis as well as cutaneous autoimmune diseases (cutaneous lupus erythematosus, scleroderma) are being extensively investigated.

Furthermore, the research activities of the Department of Dermatology focus on the pathogenesis of different forms of hair loss (alopecia).

The Department of Dermatology takes part in a series of national and international clinical studies evaluating novel therapeutics for skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and allergies.

The Department is also internationally renowned as an education facility, providing residency training in dermatology, education of medical students and certificate programs for international students. The Department of Dermatology continues to embark on new initiatives designed to foster continued growth, and to establish the department as a centre of excellence in clinical care, education, and research, and a leading centre for academic dermatology.