A dermatologist is a physician specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the skin, hair, and nails. This medical specialty, known as dermatology, addresses the health of the body’s largest organ system, the integumentary system. The skin acts as a primary physical barrier protecting the internal body from infection, injury, and environmental stress. Changes in the skin can often be the first visible indicator of an underlying systemic illness.
The Extensive Training of a Dermatologist
The path to becoming a board-certified dermatologist typically requires over a decade of post-secondary education and supervised training. This begins with four years of undergraduate study, followed by four years of medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
After medical school, the specialist must complete a mandatory PGY-1 internship year, involving broad clinical training. This is followed by a three-year, full-time residency program dedicated exclusively to dermatology, focusing on the diagnosis and management of complex skin conditions. Board certification is achieved by passing a comprehensive examination administered by a recognized body like the American Board of Dermatology (ABD).
Conditions Treated by Dermatologists
Dermatologists manage a vast spectrum of conditions, ranging from common rashes to life-threatening cancers, with over 3,000 distinct diseases under their purview. They frequently treat chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells resulting in thick, silvery scales. Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is another prevalent condition that causes persistent dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
The specialty also addresses common issues such as acne, treated with topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, or isotretinoin in severe cases. Dermatologists are experts in treating hair loss (alopecia), nail disorders, and various skin infections caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. A primary focus is the early detection and management of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). They routinely perform full-body skin examinations and conduct biopsies for definitive diagnosis, improving patient outcomes through prompt intervention.
Specialized Dermatological Procedures
Dermatologists perform a wide array of specialized procedures involving advanced surgical or technological techniques. Mohs micrographic surgery is used for high-risk or cosmetically sensitive skin cancers like BCC and SCC. This procedure involves surgically removing the tumor layer by layer, with the surgeon immediately examining the margins under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. This maximizes cancer removal while preserving healthy tissue, leading to high cure rates and improved cosmetic results.
Dermatologists also utilize various light and energy-based devices, such as lasers, to address issues like scarring, vascular lesions, and unwanted hair. Phototherapy, often using ultraviolet (UV) light, is employed to treat widespread inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo. Specialists also perform cosmetic procedures, including the injection of dermal fillers to restore lost facial volume and neurotoxins like botulinum toxin (Botox) to smooth wrinkles.
Knowing When to Consult a Specialist
Recognizing when a skin, hair, or nail issue requires specialist attention influences the speed and effectiveness of treatment. Any sudden or persistent change in a mole or pigmented lesion—such as changes in size, shape, color, or texture—warrants an immediate consultation for a skin cancer screening. A rash or skin irritation that does not resolve with over-the-counter treatments or worsens over time should also be evaluated, as it may indicate a chronic condition like psoriasis or eczema.
Individuals who experience severe or cystic acne that resists standard treatments, or who suffer from noticeable, sudden hair loss, benefit from specialized diagnostic and prescription options. A full-body skin check is recommended for those with a history of significant sun exposure, previous skin cancer, or a family history of melanoma.