DERMATOLOGY IN ANCIENT ROME: 27 B.C.-476 A.D.

Valentine J. Belfiglio*, Clayton L. Thomas, Roy W. Davies and Valentine Belfiglio

ABSTRACT

Dermatology did not become a medical specialty until the early Nineteenth century. This article demonstrates that Roman physicians acquired a significant body of knowledge about common skin disorders and techniques designed to cure them. The study focuses on acne, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis psoriasis, and skin cancer because these skin disorders are discernible by reading the writings of ancient, Roman physicians. Future studies may be able to build upon the findings in this article and add to the growing body of knowledge about ancient, Roman dermatology.

Keywords: Eczema, seborrheic dermatitis psoriasis, and skin cancer.