The skin is the largest organ in the body. It contains nerve endings, hair follicles, sweat glands, pores, blood arteries, and other structures. Taking care of the skin is critical to your overall well-being.
A dermatologist is a healthcare provider specializing in diagnosing, managing, and treating skin, nail, and hair disorders in adults and children. They treat over 3,000 skin, hair, and nail illnesses and cosmetic issues. Many dermatologists are skin surgeons who specialize in treating benign and life-threatening skin diseases.
While primary care and internal medicine doctors can diagnose and treat skin-related problems, dermatologists have a broader understanding and more expertise. Indeed, many primary care physicians will refer patients to dermatologists for specialist care.
Dermatology relies heavily on multidisciplinary teams. They collaborate closely with oncologists, geneticists, plastic surgeons, rheumatologists, immunologists/allergists, histopathologists, specialty nurses, and allied health providers.
What do dermatologists do?
Dermatologists often divide their work into three sections. These include the following:
- Medical: A dermatologist can identify and treat skin diseases like plaque psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. They can also detect signs on your skin that could indicate other health problems. Itchy, dry skin, for example, may indicate kidney problems.
- Surgery: Several dermatologists perform minor surgical procedures, such as wart removal, mole excision, and skin sampling. Meanwhile, others specialize in more intricate surgeries, such as removing benign cysts or treating skin cancer.
- Cosmetic: Dermatologists can handle various skin concerns that affect appearance, such as hair loss, pigmentation irregularities, and signs of aging like wrinkles. Several specialists are skilled in administering cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, fillers, and laser hair removal.
Types of procedures done by dermatologists
Dermatologists perform various medical, cosmetic, and surgical procedures to treat skin, hair, and nail conditions. Their procedures range from minor skin tag removal to more complex ones like skin cancer surgery. Some of these procedures include the following:
- Biopsies: Dermatologists perform different skin biopsies to diagnose skin cancer and other dermatological conditions. They will scrape cells from the skin's surface or use a scalpel if more tissue is required. After that, they close the area with an adhesive bandage or stitching. The cells are tested in the lab for an accurate diagnosis.
- Surgical excision: A surgical excision removes growths like skin lesions, tags, and moles. Dermatologists perform it under local anesthesia to ensure that you do not feel pain. They may also use the procedure to remove precancerous skin cells or skin cancer.
- Laser therapy: Dermatologists use lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices to remove moles, tattoos, warts, sun spots, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars, and unwanted hair. Laser therapy can be used for both medical and cosmetic procedures.
- Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery treats skin cancer by removing thin layers of tissue near a tumor. The doctor also checks for additional cancer cells until none is found between each removal. They will perform it under local anesthesia to provide a pain-free experience.
- Cryotherapy: Dermatologists use cryotherapy to treat skin conditions, such as skin tags, warts, and tumors. It involves using liquid nitrogen or argon gas to freeze and remove abnormal tissue under a controlled environment. Cryotherapy can also help remove precancerous cells and treat skin cancer.
- Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is an exfoliating technique that removes the top layer of the skin to make it appear smoother and induce new growth. It also helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars, age spots, fine lines, and precancerous skin patches.
Reasons to consult a dermatologist
There are numerous reasons why you should visit a dermatologist near you. Some of these include:
- Rashes: Rashes can occur due to various factors. Possible causes include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or a drug reaction. If your rash is itchy and does not go away, see a dermatologist.
- Ineffective Acne Treatments: Acne is a common problem among teenagers. Over-the-counter medications help many people keep it under control. However, these treatments only work sometimes. Adults can get stubborn acne, and treatments that were effective during their teen years may no longer be helpful (or worsen the problem).
- Hair Fall: If you have observed that you are losing hair, a dermatologist can help you determine what is causing it (such as a scalp condition) and offer treatments.
- Warts: Warts are widespread, and while they are not harmful, they may cause pain and impact your look. Dermatologists use various methods to eliminate them, such as topical medicines, cryotherapy (freezing them off), and surgery.
- Changes in a Mole or a Skin Patch: You should consult a dermatologist if you see a mole or skin patch on your body that has been changing shape or growing in size. Such symptoms could suggest skin cancer. Therefore, it is critical to visit a dermatologist near you and get a diagnosis at the earliest.
- Cosmetic Procedures: Fine lines, sagging skin, wrinkles, and other cosmetic concerns can impact your confidence. Dermatologists can recommend and perform treatments and procedures to treat these issues.
- Persistent Skin Irritation: You have itchy, red, flaky skin, and over-the-counter creams and lotions are not working. You may think your dry skin results from the weather, sensitivity to skincare products, or genetics. However, you could have a chronic skin issue.
- Nail Problems: Having a dermatologist examine your nails helps determine if you have a fungal infection, an ingrown nail, a wart, or something else. Nails can reveal symptoms of underlying health problems such as liver illness, heart disease, anemia, or diabetes.
How to prepare for your visit to a dermatologist near you?
A little preparation can help you make the most of your dermatology appointment and feel more at ease. Here is what you can follow:
- Prepare any questions you want to ask: It is easy to forget your questions once you are in the office. Writing them down ahead of time will help you remember everything you want to ask and feel confident you are covering what matters to you.
- Have a list of all medications and supplements you take: Be sure to include over-the-counter medicines like acne treatments or other products. Do not forget to list supplements and vitamins. Something you consume could affect your skin, hair, or nails. Some medications might also interact with others, so sharing this helps your dermatologist give you the best care.
- Keep your notebook and pen handy during your visit: Your dermatologist might give explanations that sound complicated at first or mention unfamiliar terms. You should feel comfortable asking your dermatologist to explain anything complex in simple language. It is also helpful to write down the medical names of any conditions they mention so you can learn more about them later at your own pace.
- Be ready to answer your dermatologist's questions: The staff will ask what medications you take, so having the list in your notebook will make things smoother for you. Your dermatologist will also enquire about your medical history and concerns. For example, if you are getting care for acne, they will likely ask how long you have had it and what treatments you have tried. Answering these questions can help guide your treatment.
- Know your family's medical history: Many skin conditions can run in families. If a close relative has had a certain condition, you may be at a heightened risk of developing it. It is important to tell your dermatologist if a close family member has (or had) skin cancer or another serious illness. If you are not sure what conditions run in your family, ask relatives for details. Gathering this information can give you peace of mind and help your dermatologist understand your risks better.
- Bring a copy of any lab results: If another doctor has done lab work or taken a tissue sample, bring those results with you. This can help your dermatologist diagnose issues and avoid unnecessary tests, making your care more efficient.
- Do not wear makeup, nail polish, heavy moisturizers, or other skin treatments. Your dermatologist needs to examine your bare skin and nails. If you still feel like wearing makeup, bring something to remove it so you can comfortably take it off at the office.
How can you find the best dermatologist near you in Charlotte, North Carolina?
A dermatologist can suggest ways to improve skin health and provide treatment. They can also help you avoid skin-related issues, such as skin damage or premature aging. Regular dermatologist visits may help minimize your risk of developing severe medical conditions like skin cancer.
If you need to find a dermatologist in Charlotte, you can visit Zocdoc. This user-friendly website has a database of thousands of dermatologists. You can also find in-network doctors who accept your insurance plan. Start by signing up for free on our platform. Then, enter the condition or doctor you want to see using the search bar. Choose your plan from the search filters or update your Zocdoc account's insurance information to find in-network providers. Alternatively, you can take a picture of your insurance card and upload it on the Zocdoc app if you're searching from a smartphone. Check out Zocdoc's patient help center to learn more.
You can also specify the reasons for your visit, your preferred travel distance, and the consultation date and time. Zocdoc helps you choose a dermatologist based on gender, spoken languages, hospital affiliations, and the type of patient they treat.
You can go through the individual profiles of these medical practitioners to know more about them. Their profile includes education and training, board certifications, clinical interests, licensures, and more. You can also review their previous patients' verified and up-to-date reviews to make an informed choice. Once you have chosen the best dermatologist near you, schedule an in-person consultation or an online appointment facilitated via a video call.
Moreover, all bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and completely free!
Dermatology statistics in North Carolina
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 11,640 dermatologists worked in the United States as of May 2022. The data also reports that about 320 dermatologists worked in North Carolina.
Data published by the Cancer Statistics Center states that there were an estimated 3,950 new cases of melanoma of the skin in North Carolina, with approximately 270 deaths due to this condition in 2023. Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer that multiplies rapidly and can spread to any organ.
Visiting a dermatologist can help with the early identification and management of skin cancer and other skin disorders and ailments.
Sources
Healthline
WebMD
DermNet
Cleveland Clinic
Cancer Statistics Center
Health University of Utah
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Academy of Dermatology Association
