A dermatologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They address a wide range of concerns, from common ailments to complex diseases. Dermatologists also manage issues related to mucous membranes. They provide care for individuals across all age groups.
The Foundation: General Dermatology
General dermatologists serve as the initial point of contact for many individuals with skin, hair, and nail concerns. They are trained to diagnose and treat over 3,000 different conditions. Their scope of practice includes common issues such as acne, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and psoriasis. General dermatologists also perform routine skin cancer screenings, identify various rashes, and manage skin infections. They provide both medical and surgical treatments, including externally applied or injected medicines, ultraviolet light therapy, and biopsies.
Specialized Areas of Practice
Dermatology includes several sub-specialties. These specialized fields allow dermatologists to provide targeted care for diverse patient needs and complex conditions.
Surgical Dermatology
Surgical dermatologists concentrate on procedures to remove skin conditions. A prominent technique is Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer. This precise outpatient procedure involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time, examining each under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. This method preserves healthy tissue while achieving high cure rates for common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical dermatologists also perform excisions of moles, benign lesions, and other skin growths.
Pediatric Dermatology
Pediatric dermatologists specialize in skin conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. They address the unique needs of younger patients. They commonly treat conditions such as birthmarks, pediatric eczema (atopic dermatitis), and various genetic skin disorders. Pediatric dermatologists also manage common childhood skin problems like molluscum contagiosum and warts. Their expertise ensures gentle yet effective treatments suitable for children.
Cosmetic Dermatology
Cosmetic dermatologists focus on procedures designed to improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails. These specialists utilize various techniques to address aesthetic concerns, often related to aging, sun damage, or skin texture. Common procedures include injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, which reduce wrinkles and restore facial volume. Laser treatments are also widely used to target pigmentation irregularities, improve skin texture, and remove unwanted hair. Other cosmetic interventions can include chemical peels and body contouring procedures.
Dermatopathology
Dermatopathology is a laboratory-based sub-specialty that diagnoses skin diseases by examining tissue samples under a microscope. Dermatopathologists are physicians with training in both dermatology and pathology. They support clinical dermatologists by providing accurate diagnoses. This includes identifying inflammatory skin diseases, infections, and skin cancers. Their analysis of biopsies guides appropriate treatment plans.
Medical Dermatology (Complex/Immune-mediated)
Medical dermatologists specialize in complex or rare skin conditions, particularly those that are immune-mediated or have systemic implications. These specialists manage diseases where skin manifestations link to internal medical conditions. Examples include autoimmune blistering disorders, lupus erythematosus, and severe forms of psoriasis requiring advanced therapies. They also treat conditions like vasculitis and cutaneous lymphomas. This field frequently involves collaboration with other medical specialists to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex health challenges.
Finding the Right Expert
Selecting the appropriate dermatologist depends on your specific skin, hair, or nail concern. For common issues like acne, eczema, or routine skin checks, a general dermatologist is typically the most suitable choice. If your condition is more specialized, such as a suspected skin cancer requiring surgical removal, a pediatric skin issue, or an aesthetic concern, seeking a dermatologist with sub-specialty training may be beneficial. You can start by discussing your concerns with your general practitioner, who can provide a referral to a specialized dermatologist if needed. Researching a dermatologist’s credentials and areas of focus can also help in finding the right expert.