by Attila Niall
There are a lot of people out there that are unfamiliar with what a dermatologist is and what they do. A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in hair, nails, and skin. Some of the things that a dermatologist will treat are things such as psoriasis, skin cancer, moles, melanomas, and skin tumors. Dermatologists have to be certified by The American Board of Dermatology.
In the U.S., dermatologists must undergo rigorous training and graduate from an accredited medical school or osteopathic school in order to be qualified. Dermatologists that graduate from medical schools outside of the United States are required by law to obtain a foreign graduate certificate before they are permitted to practice dermatology. Just like other medical doctors, dermatologists have been trained and have completed at least one year in a residency program for clinical training in emergency medicine, family practice, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, general surgery or internal medicine. Dermatologists are considered medical specialists, as they are fully trained medical doctors who have undergone specialized training in matters pertaining to skin conditions.
A person with a skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis or skin cancer, is most likely referred to a dermatologist by their regular doctor. Because of their specialized training, a dermatologist is better suited to treat skin conditions or assist in managing them. Often, the treatment that they offer includes dermabrasion or chemical peels, laser resurfacing, tissue augmentation, hair transplants, liposuction or sclerotherapy (to treat vascular malformations). Specially trained in the latest, most effective surgical techniques, a dermatologist is also an expert in managing skin disorders that accompany aging, such as hair loss, skin discolorations and other skin changes. Some even specialize in cosmetic treatments, such as botox injections, collagen injections and eyelid surgery.
Though already deemed a specialist in the care of skin conditions, some dermatologists further specialize in other treatments. For instance, a dermatopathologist specializes in infectious skin diseases or those that are immune system related or degenerative. Such doctors specialize in microscopic examinations useful in identifying these diseases. Often these specialists even work in hospital settings where contagious skin infections sometimes occur.
Other dermatology specialists include pediatric dermatology. These doctors work specifically with childhood skin conditions, such as eczema and other skin allergies common in childhood. These dermatological specialists are generally part of a larger medical team used to treat children who often have very complex medical conditions with multiple symptoms.
When it comes to skin conditions like eczema, especially in children, dermatologists are trained to treat them in large numbers. The common characteristics of red, scaly, leather looking skin can affect all ages from infant to adolescent. Since skin allergies surface too often, dermatologists are recommended anytime a child has succumbed to one. Eczema treatments in children can range from oral medications to topical creams. However, as your child grows older, they’ll most likely outgrow the eczema, even though some have to continue with their dermatology visits.
When most people think of a dermatologist, teen acne is perhaps the first type of treatment they associate with this specialty. Acne is characterized by the appearance of pimples, blotchy skin, cysts, whiteheads or blackheads. These eruptions are the result of bacteria and oil, which blocks the skin’s pores and causes mild to severe skin eruptions. For persistent or very severe cases of acne, a dermatologist is sought for treatment and relief. The treatment offered may include the dermatologist draining the pimples or cysts with specially designed instruments and a dermatologist may prescribe medications to specifically target and reduce acne problems. In cases where acne scarring has occurred, a dermatologist may perform collagen injections, dermabrasion, a chemical peel or laser surgery to correct the appearance of unsightly pit marks and scars.
Psoriasis is another skin condition that a dermatologist may be called upon to treat. Most commonly affecting adults, psoriasis can also be found in children. Characterized by inflamed, thick, discolored patches of skin, psoriasis is actually caused by an overreaction of the immune system. While most cases are mild to moderate, some patients with psoriasis actually experience arthritic symptoms, and loss of fingernails and toenails as a result of this condition. While most cases of psoriasis can be treated with over the counter or home styled remedies, in these more severe cases a dermatologist may be called upon for specialized treatment and to help a person with psoriatic arthritis manage daily life.
Something that is probably the most untreated or unlooked at skin disease is that of cancer. This is because most people do not know that you can develop skin cancer from moles on your skin. If you have moles on your skin you really should go to a dermatologist and have them look at them to make sure that they aren’t cancerous. Now there are other things that are related to skin cancers, such as melanomas, and skin tumors and in the case of all three of these the dermatologist will likely do some type of skin biopsy, surgical incisions, or a special procedure to remove the tumors.
Now that you know a little bit more into what a dermatologist can do, you probably now realize that there are some things that you can relate to and may need to see one. Dermatologists take care of a wide variety of things in the medical field that help make life healthier and easier. Most people do not realize that your skin is the single largest organ in your body and you need someone who is an expert in the field to make sure that you are safe. Most people who know will not disagree that a dermatologist deserves the same type of attention of a heart or brain surgeon.
About the Author:
Located in Charleston, SC, East Coast Dermatology is a state of the art medical practice aimed to provide our patients with the highest quality of expert skin care in a comfortable and professional environment. Visit our
Dermatologist for skin conditions from Acne to
Skin Cancer