皮膚科（ひふか、hifuka）
- dermatology

The word 皮膚科 (ひふか, *hifuka*) refers to the dermatology department or the field of dermatology. It is the medical specialty that deals with the skin, hair, and nails, and any diseases or conditions that affect them. It encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various skin-related issues. ⚫︎ It is a specialized area within medicine.

⚫︎ 皮膚科に行きます。 Translation: I'm going to the dermatology clinic. ⚫︎ 皮膚科の先生に相談しました。 Translation: I consulted with a dermatologist. ⚫︎ 肌のことで、皮膚科を受診しました。 Translation: I visited a dermatologist for a skin problem.

⚫︎ Use 皮膚科 when referring to the dermatology department or clinic. ⚫︎ Also, use it when talking about the medical specialty of dermatology. ⚫︎ You would use this word when discussing skin conditions, treatments, or when making an appointment with a dermatologist.

⚫︎ 皮膚科 is typically written in kanji. ⚫︎ The reading, ひふか (hiragana), is used to pronounce the word. ⚫︎ There are no variations in okurigana for this word.

There are no direct synonyms for 皮膚科 that are commonly used.

There aren't specific antonyms in the way that "good" has "bad". The opposite of going to the [皮膚科] would be not going to the [皮膚科], or seeing a different specialist for a different medical condition.

最近、肌が乾燥するので、皮膚科に行こうと思っています。 ・Translation: I'm thinking of going to the dermatology clinic because my skin has been dry lately. ・Explanation: This sentence explains the reason for the visit to the [皮膚科].

この湿疹は、皮膚科の先生に見てもらってください。 ・Translation: Please have a dermatologist look at this rash. ・Explanation: This sentence suggests consulting a dermatologist for the skin rash.

⚫︎ 皮膚 (*hifu*) means "skin." ⚫︎ 科 (*ka*) means "department" or "specialty" (in a hospital setting). ⚫︎ Therefore, 皮膚科 combines the words for skin and department to describe the dermatology department.