A dermatologist is a skincare specialist who can treat conditions that affect skin, nails, and hair. A medical professional who provides treatment for over 3,000 conditions affecting the above-mentioned parts of the body. Some common conditions include psoriasis and skin cancer. Anyone with skin problems can consult a dermatologist for improving their health. They can also treat mucous membrane diseases and disorders. Many people also consult a dermatologist for cosmetic issues like the appearance of their skin, nails, or hair improvement.
Dermatologists are known for treating a variety of diseases encircling skin, hair nails, mucus membrane, and other delicate parts like eyelids.
A few common dermatological conditions include:
Acne: A Skincare specialist can go about the treatment of your acne by prescribing topical ointments, medicines, lasers, or other therapies such as chemical peels, or the removal of large cysts. The route of the selected procedure depends on the severity of your condition.
Skin cancer: Skin cancer can occur to anybody on any part of the body. The procedure might require removing the cancer cells and going through regular check-ups to ensure they don't reappear.
Dermatitis: Dermatitis can be of various types. It is a collective group of skin problems that are being identified by inflammation and irritation. Eczema, cradle cap, and allergic reactions are examples.
Skin infections: Viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites can all enter your skin and cause a wide range of skin illnesses. A dermatologist is trained in finding out the cause of skin infections and treating them.
Hair loss: Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, disease, and hormonal changes. Hereditary baldness can also be a major cause of hair loss. Dermatologists can recommend certain ointments or medications to control hair loss.
Nail-related problems: Dermatologists can be visited in case of any unknown spots, discoloration, and nail separation.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the common cases of dermatology visits are cases of:
Dermatologists have to go through an extensive amount of training, education, and practice. They have to go through:
Some dermatologists can further pursue additional training and specialization in particular areas of dermatology. they can get certified in highly skilled special care procedures.
Some dermatologists may decide to further get advanced skills. They can become specialists of:
Dermatopathology: A dermatologist who diagnoses skin diseases on a microscopic level is known as a dermatopathologist. They use techniques like electron microscopy to examine tissue samples and skin scrapings.
Pediatric Dermatology: While all dermatologists can treat children, some skin disorders affect youngsters more commonly. These conditions are treated by pediatric dermatologists.
Mohs Surgery: A dermatologist who does Mohs surgery, a skin cancer treatment procedure, is this type of surgeon. Thin layers of skin are removed and examined under a microscope until no cancer cells are evident.
Diagnostic tests in dermatology are usually suggested or ordered by the doctor when the cause of the disease is not clearly visible by physical examination.
Some of these the diagnostic tests in dermatology include:
Biopsy: Several types include punch, shave, and wedge excision.
Scrapings: Used in case of fungal lesions.
Patch testing: Usual procedure to test a medication or ointment on a small part of the skin to check any allergic reaction.
Wood light examination: Helps in understanding the types of lesions and defining them.
Diascopy: Used to test if the lesion erythema is due to superficial blood vessels or hemorrhage.
Tzanck testing: Used to determine and diagnose viral diseases like herpes zoster or other inactive vesicles.
If you are experiencing any of the below-mentioned signs and symptoms, it might be good for you to visit a dermatologist:
There are a few things you should consider before going to the dermatologist. Every inch of your skin will be examined by the doctor.