Skin Specialist Near: Dermatologists are physicians who focus on identifying and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Some dermatologists practise surgery as well.

What is a dermatologist?

Your skin serves a variety of vital purposes and is your largest and heaviest organ. You are shielded from pathogens, the cold, heat, and harmful substances. Changes in the texture or colour of your skin can indicate a medical issue, making it a fantastic predictor of your general health.

Taking good care of your skin and monitoring its general condition is crucial.

Dermatologists are physicians who focus on identifying and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Some dermatologists practise surgery as well.

A dermatologist is a doctor who has expertise in the care of:

  • Skin
  • Hair
  • Nails

They’re experts in diagnosing and treating skin, hair and nail diseases, and they can manage cosmetic disorders, including hair loss and scars.

What Do Dermatologists Do?

Dermatologists identify and handle skin issues. They can also identify skin-related symptoms that may point to internal health issues, such as organ illness or dysfunction.

Skin condition-related specialised diagnostic procedures are frequently carried out by dermatologists. They employ therapies like:

  • Externally applied or injected medicines.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.
  • A range of dermatologic surgical procedures include mole removal and skin biopsies.
  • Cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, sclerotherapyand laser treatments.

What Training And Qualifications Do Dermatologists Have?

To become a dermatologist, doctors must complete:

  • Four years of college.
  • Four years of medical school.
  • One year of an internship (training in dermatology and other fields).
  • Three years of residency (continued training concentrating on the field of dermatology).
  • One to two years of a fellowship. A fellowship isn’t mandatory but offers additional training in a dermatology subspecialty.
  • Licensing/certification. In the United States, dermatologists must obtain a license to practice medicine and pass a board certification exam offered by the American Board of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

What Are Common Conditions That Dermatologists Treat?

Some of the most common conditions a dermatologist may treat include:

  • Hair loss.
  • Nail fungus.
  • Skin cancer.

What Types Of Procedures Do Dermatologists Perform?

Common procedures include:

  • Electrosurgery:Electrosurgery involves the surgical use of a high-frequency electric current to cut or destroy tissue.
  • Cryosurgery:Cryosurgery involves the surgical use of extreme cold to freeze and destroy tissue.
  • Laser surgery:Laser surgery involves the surgical use of special light beams.
  • Excision surgery:Excision surgery involves using a sharp knife (scalpel) to excise (remove by cutting) tissue with appropriate closures.
  • Mohs surgery:Mohs surgery is a surgical technique that involves a layer-by-layer removal of cancer cells from your skin.
  • Moleremoval: A mole removal involves the partial or total removal of a mole from your body. They study the mole for cancer or other skin diseases.
  • Veintreatment: After evaluating your damaged veins, dermatologists may treat them with sclerotherapy or laser treatments.

What Are Some Dermatology Subspecialty Fields?

Some dermatology subspecialty fields include:

  • Mohs surgery.
  • Pediatric dermatology.
  • Cosmetic dermatology.

What Is The Difference Between Dermatologists And Estheticians?

Medical doctors are not estheticians. They are unable to provide diagnoses for skin conditions or write prescriptions.

They can only offer assistance with procedures that change the way your skin looks. The following are some aesthetician procedures:

  • Scrubbing (exfoliating) skin.
  • Teaching how to use makeup to conceal scarring.
  • Applying acne treatments.
  • Suggesting skin care products.
  • Airbrush tanning.

When Should I Make An Appointment With A Dermatologist?

Some of the more common symptoms for which you may want to see a dermatologist include:

  • A patch of skin or a mole has changed in size, color or shape.
  • Skin cancer.
  • Severe or persistent acne.
  • Dark spots on your face (hyperpigmentation).
  • Long-lasting skin irritation.
  • Hair loss.
  • Nail disorders.
  • Signs of aging.
  • Varicose and spider veins.

How Should I Prepare For My First Dermatologist Appointment?

To get the most out of your first dermatologist appointment, it’s helpful to prepare. You can:

  • Bring a list of the most important issues you want to discuss with your dermatologist.
  • Note any changes in your overall health.
  • Keep a symptom diary (and bring it with you) and record your events, including the day and time they occurred, how long the event lasted, severity, triggers, symptoms and any action you took to end the event. Bring clear photos, if possible.
  • Learn about your family medical history. This information can help your dermatologist make an accurate diagnosis.
  • Wear loose clothing so your dermatologist can easily perform an examination.
  • Avoid wearing makeup or nail polish. Wearing makeup or nail polish may make it difficult for your dermatologist to properly examine your skin or nails.
  • Consider using a washable pen to circle spots on your body. Physical reminders help you remember what to mention to your dermatologist.
  • Bring copies of test results, including images and lab work ordered by other healthcare providers outside your dermatologist’s healthcare network.
  • Bring a list of all current products you take or use. Include prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal products, soaps, makeup and sunscreens. Also, let your dermatologist know about any previous medications that didn’t work or caused side effects.
  • Bring a list of your known allergies.
  • Bring a friend or relative with you to take notes and be another set of ears and eyes to the appointment. This person can help review your dermatologist’s discussion, ask questions and remind you about scheduling tests and follow-up appointments.
  • Ask if you should schedule another appointment to discuss any additional concerns.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Dermatologists are physicians who focus on the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists also deal with cosmetic issues including scarring and hair loss.

Your dermatologist will evaluate you, place a lab test order, make a diagnosis, and prescribe medicine or perform a treatment to address your condition.

If necessary, they may collaborate with another expert and recommend them to you. Prepare notes and arrange your medical information before to your meeting.

Ask any questions that come to mind, of course. Your dermatologist wants to support you and assist you in accurately diagnosing, treating, or managing your problem.