December 02, 2025

Episode 115: Dermatology in Art | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

24 minutes

Summary

In this episode of the Future of Dermatology podcast, Dr. Vail Reese explores the fascinating intersection of dermatology and art throughout history. He discusses how skin conditions have been represented in various art forms, the cultural implications of these representations, and how they relate to modern perceptions of beauty and villainy in movies. The conversation also touches on the future of dermatology in relation to art and cultural shifts, including the portrayal of skin conditions in anime and digital art.

Read Dr. Reese's article, co-authored by Jenmesh Patel, "The Art of Skin," https://dermpub.foleon.com/dermpub-february/volume-2-issue-1/dr-vail-reese

Takeaways

- Dermatology has historical roots in art and culture.

- Skin conditions have been depicted in art for centuries.

- Cultural stigma around skin conditions has evolved over time.

- The Renaissance marked a shift in realistic portrayals of skin.

- Villainous characters in movies often have visible skin conditions.

- Syphilis was a significant concern in historical dermatology.

- The Mona Lisa features a skin condition, showcasing art's attention to detail.

- Beauty marks have cultural significance and historical context.

- Modern art may shift away from realistic depictions of skin.

- Anime portrays scars positively, reflecting cultural attitudes towards imperfections.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Dermatology and Art

01:23 - The Intersection of Dermatology and Historical Art

05:05 - Cultural Perspectives on Skin Conditions

09:30 - Villainy and Skin in Movies

13:01 - Syphilis and Its Representation in Art

16:31 - The Mona Lisa: A Skin Condition Revealed

18:22 - Beauty Marks and Cultural Significance

21:12 - Future Trends in Dermatology and Art

...more

View all episodes

By thefutureofdermatology

44 ratings