Your skin is the body’s largest organ, and it reflects your overall health. From protecting you against infection to regulating body temperature, it plays a vital role in your well-being. When problems like acne, eczema, or unusual moles appear, it’s time to visit a dermatologist, a board-certified medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin conditions, hair, and nail disorders.
This guide explains what is a dermatologist, their training, the types of care they provide, and how their expertise benefits both patients seeking healthy skin and dermatology practices aiming to reach more patients through effective SEO for dermatologists.
What is a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. They help patients manage a wide range of skin conditions and skin disorders, from acne and eczema to skin cancer and cosmetic concerns that affect appearance and self-esteem. Dermatologists go through years of medical school, residency training, and additional training to achieve board-certified status and provide accurate, safe, and effective treatments for all ages.
What Dermatologists Do Every Day
Dermatologists manage both the medical and cosmetic aspects of skin health. Below are the key areas of their work, including how they diagnose and treat skin conditions, perform specialized procedures, and help patients maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Medical Care and Diagnosing Skin Disease
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 skin diseases. They evaluate symptoms, review family medical history, and perform a physical exam to identify the cause of a skin condition. Through testing and observation, dermatologists diagnose issues that may seem minor but could be signs of larger medical concerns involving the immune system or internal medicine.
Common skin conditions that dermatologists treat include acne, psoriasis, eczema, hair loss, nail fungus, itchy rashes, dark spots, age spots, and skin cancer.
Many of these dermatological conditions can negatively affect a person’s well-being and self-esteem, even if they are not life-threatening, making professional care important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Surgical and Procedural Care
Some skin diseases require skin surgery or procedures. Dermatologists perform surgeries to remove cancer cells, repair scars, or improve skin function. A Mohs surgeon specializes in Mohs surgery, a precise technique that removes skin cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Common surgical and cosmetic procedures include:
| Type | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | Mohs surgery, excision, cryotherapy | Remove cancer or diseased tissue |
| Cosmetic | Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, filler injections | Improve texture, reduce wrinkles, or correct pigmentation |
| Reconstructive | Scar revision, grafts | Restore function or appearance |
Cosmetic Dermatology
Cosmetic dermatology focuses on appearance-related treatments for wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, and cosmetic concerns such as age spots or uneven tone. Cosmetic dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures like laser therapy and injectables, always prioritizing safety and accurate diagnosis to avoid masking an underlying skin disease.
When to See a Dermatologist
Many patients visit a dermatologist for persistent skin conditions, while others seek early diagnosis of skin cancer. You should see a dermatologist if you experience any of the following:
- A mole that changes size, color, or shape
- A nonhealing sore or new lump
- Sudden hair loss or thinning
- An itchy rash or scaling that spreads
- Dark spots, age spots, or new patches after sun exposure
Even minor symptoms can indicate larger issues that only board-certified dermatologists can properly assess.
How Dermatologists Are Trained
Dermatologists complete years of education and clinical experience to gain the knowledge and skills needed to accurately diagnose and treat complex skin conditions. Below, you’ll see the stages of their training, from medical school to board certification, including the specialized training that prepares them to care for patients with a wide range of skin, hair, and nail concerns.
Education and Residency Training
Dermatologists complete extensive training that spans over a decade:
| Education Stage | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 4 years | Foundational science coursework |
| Medical school | 4 years | Study of medicine and patient care |
| Internship in internal medicine | 1 year | Clinical training with patients |
| Residency training in dermatology | 3 years | Treating skin conditions under supervision |
| Additional training (optional) | 1–2 years | Fellowship in subspecialties like pediatric dermatology, Mohs surgery, or cosmetic dermatology |
To become a board-certified dermatologist, doctors must pass a challenging exam from the American Board of Dermatology or a similar accrediting body. This certification confirms their ability to diagnose and treat complex skin diseases safely.
Dermatology Subspecialties
Dermatology covers several focused areas of expertise that address specific patient needs. Below, you’ll see the main subspecialties where dermatologists receive additional training to treat unique skin diseases, perform advanced surgery, and care for patients of different ages and conditions.
Pediatric Dermatology
Pediatric dermatology focuses on treating skin conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Children often experience unique skin disorders or symptoms that differ from adults, such as birthmarks or inherited skin diseases.
Mohs Surgeon
A Mohs surgeon specializes in a surgical technique used for removing skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue. It is especially helpful for cancers near sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Dermatopathology
A dermatopathologist studies tissue samples to diagnose rare or uncertain skin diseases under a microscope. This step is critical for accurate diagnosis and determining the right treatment.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During your first visit, a dermatologist will:
- Review your symptoms and family medical history.
- Perform a detailed physical exam of your skin, hair, and nails.
- Recommend lab tests or a biopsy if needed for diagnosing skin disease.
- Create a treatment plan that may include medications, topical creams, or cosmetic procedures.
Before your visit:
- Avoid wearing makeup or nail polish.
- Bring photos of your skin condition.
- List all medications and supplements you take.
- Record any symptoms and their timing.
Medical vs. Cosmetic Dermatology
Dermatology includes both medical and cosmetic care, each serving a distinct purpose in maintaining healthy skin. Below, you’ll see how medical dermatology focuses on diagnosing and treating skin diseases, while cosmetic dermatology addresses appearance-related concerns through procedures that enhance skin tone, texture, and confidence.
| Concern | Medical Dermatology | Cosmetic Dermatology |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | Prescription creams or oral medicine | Laser or light therapy for scars |
| Wrinkles | Addressed if linked to disease or medication | Injectable fillers or resurfacing |
| Dark spots | Rule out skin cancer | Peels or pigment-reducing treatments |
| Hair loss | Evaluate hormonal or autoimmune causes | Growth stimulants and scalp procedures |
| Scars | Treat infections or injury | Laser and microneedling options |
Disclaimer: The information in this section is for educational purposes only and does not promote or claim to provide medical or cosmetic services. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist for professional guidance and treatment options specific to your condition.
Board-certified dermatologists approach every procedure with safety and precision, prioritizing long-term skin health over short-term cosmetic results.
Common Skin Diseases and Triggers
Dermatologists care for patients with a wide range of skin conditions, from minor irritations to serious skin diseases that affect daily comfort and confidence.
Common conditions dermatologists treat include:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Hair loss
- Skin cancer
- Nail infections
- Pigmentation changes
Triggers that can negatively affect skin:
- Sun exposure
- Genetics and hormones
- Environmental irritants
- Immune system dysfunction
- Medications
- Poor wound care habits
Some skin disorders relate to underlying medical or organ issues, which is why dermatologists treat patients holistically.
Treatments and Procedures
Dermatologists use a variety of proven methods to diagnose and treat skin conditions, combining medication, surgery, and modern technology to achieve the best results.
Medications
Dermatologists prescribe medications such as antibiotics, retinoids, biologics, antifungals, and antivirals. These drugs reduce inflammation, fight infection, and correct hormonal or immune factors causing skin disease.
Skin Surgery and Procedures
Dermatologists perform various skin surgeries and cosmetic procedures to treat diseases, repair damage, and improve skin appearance. Below are some of the most common treatments and their purposes.
| Procedure | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mohs surgery | Removes cancer cells layer by layer |
| Laser therapy | Treats wrinkles and pigmentation |
| Cryotherapy | Freezes warts or precancerous cells |
| Excision | Removes benign or malignant growths |
| Chemical peels | Smooths uneven texture |
| Light therapy | Reduces inflammation and bacteria |
These treatments restore both appearance and function, helping patients regain comfort and confidence.
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How to Choose the Right Dermatologist Near You
Selecting the right dermatologist ensures you receive safe, effective care tailored to your skin’s specific needs and health goals.
- Look for a board-certified dermatologist with extensive training.
- Check subspecialties like pediatric dermatology or Mohs surgery.
- Review the clinic’s focus on both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Ask about the technology used for diagnosing skin disease.
- Review patient feedback and before-and-after examples.
- Verify insurance acceptance and appointment availability.
When you see a dermatologist, you’re working with an expert trained to diagnose and treat complex skin conditions that can impact your health and confidence.
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Costs, Referrals, and Practical Steps
Costs vary based on the treatment type, surgery, and whether you visit a public or private clinic. Some plans require a referral, while others allow direct access to a dermatologist. Discuss coverage for medications and cosmetic procedures before your visit.
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Conclusion
Dermatologists are highly trained medical doctors dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin diseases, hair, and nail disorders that can affect both health and confidence. Their expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology allows them to deliver safe, effective care for patients of all ages. Whether managing chronic skin conditions, preventing skin cancer, or improving the skin’s appearance, a board-certified dermatologist provides the accurate diagnosis and right treatment needed to protect long-term skin health and overall well-being.
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FAQs
What do dermatologists actually do?
Dermatologists diagnose and treat diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. They perform medical evaluations, skin surgery, and cosmetic procedures to manage skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, and hair loss. They also provide treatments that improve the appearance of the skin, including wrinkles, dark spots, and scars.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and a skin specialist?
A dermatologist is a board-certified medical doctor who completes years of medical school, residency training, and specialized training in treating skin conditions. A “skin specialist” can refer to various professionals, but not all are medically trained doctors. Only dermatologists can diagnose skin disease, prescribe medications, and perform medical and surgical treatments.
Why would you refer someone to a dermatologist?
Doctors often refer patients to dermatologists when a skin condition requires advanced evaluation or specialized care. This includes skin cancer, chronic rashes, hair loss, eczema, or any skin disease that doesn’t respond to standard care. A dermatologist provides an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment to prevent worsening or life-threatening complications.
What is the simple definition of dermatology?
Dermatology is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. It includes both medical and cosmetic dermatology, addressing everything from infections and cancer to appearance-related concerns such as wrinkles and age spots.
