Although a general medical practitioner can provide medical care to patients with skin diseases, there may be times that a patient may seek the help of a skin care specialist. These doctors are called dermatologists.

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin problems. Aside from the skin, the dermatologist also helps the hair and nails healthy and good-looking. He ensures that patients look and feel good as the skin is the most exposed part of the body and shows the state of health of a person on the outside.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who trains further in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin diseases including serious skin disorders like skin cancer.

What kinds of skin diseases are treated by a dermatologist?

Dermatologists treat skin diseases of the general population; from babies, small children, adolescents to adults. They treat problems like eczema, acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, hair and nail disorders and skin cancers.

Technological advances aid dermatologists in treating skin diseases. Various approaches to therapy were developed such as ultraviolet therapy, photodynamic therapy, and laser therapy.

What are the different types of dermatologists?

Dermatologists can further train or subspecialize on the following areas of skin care:

1. Pediatric dermatologist. A pediatric dermatologist treats babies’ and young kids’ skin problems.

2. Cosmetic dermatologist. This type of dermatologist deals with the treatment of skin and skin problems to improve the patient’s appearance. The ultimate aim of cosmetic dermatology is to make the skin pleasing to the eye.

3. Dermatophatologist. A dermatopathologist uses his training in both pathology and dermatology to study skin tissues under the microscope and diagnose skin problems.

4. Immunodermatologist. An immunodermatologist studies the skin as an organ of immunity against disease.

How are dermatologists educated and trained?

A dermatologist undergoes three to five-year (depends on country) specialty training on skin, hair and nails after he completes his medical degree and internship.

Where do dermatologists work?

Dermatologists usually work in cities as private practitioners, in public hospitals, and also in the rural areas where their expertise is needed. While working in public hospitals they can engage in teaching medical students as well as other medical doctors in different fields of specialization. They also serve as consultant to other medical specialists.

References

American Academy of Dermatology 

Australasian College of Dermatologists 

Wiktionary

©Patrick A. Regoniel 2 January 2010 What is a dermatologist?