Who is a dermatologist?
Your skin protects you from heat, cold, and germs. It can also be a great indicator of your overall health. Changes in skin color, appearance, or feel can signify medical concerns. A dermatologist is trained to examine and treat skin, hair, and nail-related conditions. They use a variety of procedures, treatments, and medicines to treat skin conditions or improve the appearance of your skin.
Aside from looking after your skin's health, they can help you with preventive skin care, such as premature aging or sun damage. Visiting a dermatologist may reduce your chances of more severe skin-related conditions like skin cancer. While general practitioners can diagnose and treat skin concerns, a dermatologist has more knowledge and experience with skin-related issues. A primary care physician (PCP) can refer you to a dermatologist for specialized care.
To qualify as a dermatologist in the U.S., candidates must complete four years of medical school, three years of residency, and one year of internship in dermatology. Next, they may choose to complete a fellowship that involves training in a subspecialty of their choice. Some subspecialties are:
- Dermatopathologist
- Mohs surgery
- Pediatric dermatologist
- Cosmetic dermatologist
These doctors must then fulfill some conditions to obtain a license to practice dermatology. The three organizations that offer certifications to dermatologists in North America are:
- The American Board of Dermatology
- The American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
- The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
You may notice the letters FAAD after a dermatologist's name in the United States. This indicates that the doctor is an American Academy of Dermatology Fellow. To be a Fellow, a doctor must have earned their board certification.
What does a dermatologist do?
A dermatologist can help with various skin issues, including acne, dermatitis and eczema, fungal infections, hair loss, warts, vitiligo, psoriasis, and rosacea. Their daily list of responsibilities can be divided into three categories, these include:
- Medical: Dermatologists examine and treat skin conditions like rosacea, acne, and plaque psoriasis. They may also identify symptoms such as itchy skin that could signify medical conditions such as a kidney problem.
- Surgery: Many dermatologists perform minor surgeries, like removing moles. Some may specialize in extensive surgeries that include removing skin cancer.
- Cosmetic: Dermatologists are qualified to treat appearance-based skin problems such as hair loss or wrinkles. Some may be trained to perform cosmetic treatments such as fillers and laser hair removal.
Aside from this, a dermatologist can perform a range of skin treatments and surgeries, such as:
- Chemical peels: It is a procedure wherein a chemical solution is applied to the concerned area, resulting in a layer of skin peeling off. It is used to treat sun damage and some types of acne.
- Cryotherapy: It treats skin issues like warts and involves freezing skin lesions to destroy the affected cells.
- Excision surgery: It involves cutting away lesions to prevent the spread of disease, recurrence of infection, or to diagnose an underlying issue. This procedure may require a local or general anesthetic.
- Laser surgery: It addresses skin issues or cosmetic concerns such as moles, warts, unwanted tattoos, birthmarks, wrinkles, and scars.
- Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery removes layers of skin to eliminate cancerous cells. This procedure requires specialized training.
- Skin grafts and flaps: Skin from other body parts is used for skin grafts and flaps to replace lost skin.
- Vein treatment: It includes injecting a solution into the vein to make it less distinct.
When should you see a dermatologist near you?
A dermatologist specializes in skin, nail, and hair problems. They also look at cosmetic disorders such as hair loss and scars. You may want to visit a dermatologist if you notice the following:
- Acne that is severe or persistent
- Change in size, color, and shape for a mole or patch of skin
- Dark spots or hyperpigmentation on your face
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Hives
- Long-lasting skin irritation
- Psoriasis
- Rash
- Rosacea
- Scars that you may want to get rid of
- Signs of aging
- Varicose and spider veins
Your dermatologist will examine you during your first appointment and order lab tests. They may ask questions regarding your medical history and family health. This information will help them make a diagnosis and provide you with a detailed treatment plan. They may also refer you to another specialist if necessary. Be sure to ask them any questions that come to mind.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and an esthetician?
If you're dealing with a skincare concern, there are two types of experts you can turn to: estheticians and dermatologists. Understanding the distinction between estheticians and dermatologists will help you choose the suitable professional to address your skin issues.
Estheticians are experts trained to improve your skin's outer layers and offer skincare advice. Unlike dermatologists, they do not undergo medical training and can't diagnose conditions, prescribe drugs, or perform invasive procedures like injections or fillers. In certain states, they may do injections under a dermatologist's supervision.
Estheticians provide services such as facials, microdermabrasion, hair removal (waxing, threading, sugaring), makeup (including eyebrow tinting and eyelash extensions), body treatments (scrubs, masks, wraps), and superficial chemical peels (not deep ones). They usually work in salons or day spas.
There are also medical estheticians, sometimes called aestheticians, who collaborate with dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons in clinical settings like dermatology clinics. They offer services like pre- and post-surgical skincare, tattoo removal, deep chemical peels, and laser hair removal under a doctor's supervision. While there isn't a specific license for medical estheticians, they typically pursue additional education and training for their procedures.
On the other hand, a dermatologist is a specialist in skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, treating over 3,000 conditions. They diagnose, prevent, counsel, educate, and provide treatments. Some focus solely on medical or cosmetic services.
Dermatologists and estheticians are both licensed experts who can assist with your skin health requirements. You can choose one of the professionals depending on your concerns. Neither of these professionals is inherently superior to the other. It ultimately depends on the particular skin care issues you aim to overcome.
As a general guideline, consult a dermatologist for skin conditions needing medication or surgery. In comparison, contact an esthetician for cosmetic concerns on the skin's surface or general skin maintenance advice.
What are the different types of dermatologists?
- Cosmetic dermatologists: This specialization focuses on treatments designed to enhance appearance rather than address skin health issues. Services include Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, skin rejuvenation techniques, laser hair removal, and scar and wrinkle reduction. These elective treatments are chosen for aesthetic purposes. Cosmetic dermatologists can recommend products tailored to individual skincare needs.
- Pediatric dermatologists: These dermatologists diagnose and treat skin conditions in newborns, infants, and children. They address issues such as birthmarks, eczema, acne, warts, allergic reactions, rashes, psoriasis, and genetic skin disorders. Pediatric dermatologists use equipment specifically designed for children.
- Immunodermatologists: Immunodermatologists focus on diagnosing and treating skin diseases related to the immune system, including contact dermatitis, eczema, lupus, pemphigus, and dermatomyositis. They also evaluate conditions such as urticaria, drug reactions, connective tissue diseases, porphyria, pseudoporphyria, celiac disease, and other intestinal disorders. Immunodermatologists often conduct experiments and assess the immune system and skin reactions in laboratory settings.
- Dermatopathologists: Dermatopathology combines dermatology with pathology. Dermatopathologists study and identify diseases by examining hair, skin, and nail samples under a microscope. They work primarily in laboratories, studying the causes and effects of various skin, hair, and nail diseases to provide accurate diagnoses in the early stages.
How to care for your skin?
Your successful skincare regimen can look completely different from another individual's routine depending on factors like skin type, age, environment, and overall health. It is advised that you see a dermatologist first to understand the root of your skin concerns before trying out new products or a new skincare regimen. Taking care of your skin with the help of a board-certified dermatologist's tips and tricks can help you achieve noticeable as well as lasting results.
Here are some skincare basics that are dermatologist-approved:
- Do not skip wearing sunscreen and other forms of sun protection every day: Exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays can lead to "photoaging" or skin damage, sunburn, age spots, skin cancer, blotchy complexion, loose skin, spider veins, premature aging, and wrinkles. Everyone, regardless of skin color, age, or skin type, can be affected by skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 (or higher, like SPF 50) and is water resistant is the best option. Apply it to all parts of the body exposed to the sun and not covered by clothes, even if it's a cloudy day. There are many variants of sunscreen available on the market. Physical or mineral sunscreens sit atop the skin, while chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the top layer of the skin. It is also advised to seek physical protection from the sun using sunglasses and wearing specific sun-protective clothing and hats labeled with "ultraviolet protection factor" or UPF.
- Check your skin for skin cancer often: Many doctors and experts recommend that individuals check their skin for indications of skin cancer at least once a month. These routine skin self-exams are especially necessary for individuals who may be at a higher risk of skin cancer. This includes people with low immunity, those who have been diagnosed with skin cancer before, people who have several moles or skin spots, and those with a strong family history of skin cancer. You can do this exam in a well-lit area with a full-length mirror, a hand-held mirror, and with a partner or family member. All areas of the skin must be examined carefully, including the chest, neck, ears, under the fingernails, sides of the arms, genital area, buttocks, scalp, and between the fingers, thighs, and toes. Note the change in size, shape, color, and texture of a mark or spot and if it is bleeding, oozing, or crusting. Then mention this to your dermatologist, who can analyze these areas and send a sample of your skin tissue (skin biopsy) for testing.
- Simplify your skincare routine, focus on treating specific concerns: A simple skincare routine should ideally consist of a minimum number of products that target your particular skin concerns. Overapplying serums, creams, and anti-aging products on a daily basis may do more harm than good. It is also vital to keep your skin type in mind while selecting products. For example, those with an oily skin type must choose products labeled as "noncomedogenic," which will not clog pores. Dermatologists also recommend choosing products that have science-backed ingredients. For example, if your primary concern is dark spots or mild hyperpigmentation, consider using an antioxidant such as a vitamin C serum or a retinoid. Establish a simple morning and nighttime routine and stick with it to maintain your skin.
- Eat a skin-healthy diet: A good skin-healthy diet is one that has fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins that come packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, C, and E, and polyphenols. Try to limit foods with highly processed sugary treats and refined carbohydrates. Some research indicates that diets high in refined carbs devoid of nutrition can speed up the aging process. However, it is important to note that a diet alone cannot solve all your skin concerns, and more research is required to connect a good diet to healthy skin.
- Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds, like the sun, emit harmful UV rays and can potentially increase your risk of developing melanoma, wrinkles, and brown spots. If you want to achieve that summer golden glow, try a self-tanning cream or lotion instead.
How can you find the best dermatologist near you in Englewood, Colorado?
If you are concerned about your skin and don't have a dermatologist to consult, you can find qualified doctors on Zocdoc. Log in to the Zocdoc website, and enter "dermatologist" and "Englewood" in the search bar. You can also mention your preferred appointment date and healthcare insurance. You have the option to add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account. However, you can only search for and book an appointment using one insurance plan at a time. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can include details about your secondary carrier and plan in the notes for the provider during the final step of the booking process. If your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can add secondary insurance when completing your forms online. If you have more insurance-related questions, you can visit Zocdoc's patient help center. These details will help Zocdoc narrow your options and find the best dermatologists in Englewood.
You can filter these results based on distance, availability, specialty, and other factors. Each doctor profile includes a detailed description of the provider's education and training, certifications, hospital affiliations, languages, and additional information that may be helpful to you. Zocdoc also includes user-verified reviews and ratings for each provider, helping you choose only the best dermatologist near you.
Once you have chosen a dermatologist of your liking, you can book an in-person or online appointment on the available dates. Booking medical appointments are now simple, secure, and free, thanks to Zocdoc.
Skin-related statistics for Colorado, United States
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, up to 50 million Americans are diagnosed with acne yearly, making it the most prevalent skin problem in the country. It typically begins in puberty and affects many adolescents and young adults. Another common condition is atopic dermatitis or eczema. As of 2018, one in 10 people develop eczema in their lifetime.
Hereditary baldness or thinning is one of the most common causes of hair loss. According to the same source, hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects approximately 80 million people, including 50 million men and 30 million women (2018). As of 2017, around 7.5 million people have psoriasis, which occurs among all age groups, especially in adults between 45 and 64. Some people with psoriasis may also have joint inflammation, which produces arthritis symptoms. Additionally, skin cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, affects more than 9,500 people daily.
Dermatologists diagnose, treat, and prevent skin issues in people of all ages, including infants. The one specializing in children is known as a pediatric dermatologist. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, Colorado had about 280 practicing dermatologists as of May 2023.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
Healthline[1]
Medical News Today
American Academy of Dermatology Association[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Healthline[2]
Berman Skin Institute
American Academy of Dermatology Association[2]
American Academy of Dermatology Association[3]
American Academy of Dermatology Association[4]
MD Anderson Cancer Center
American Cancer Society
Everyday Health
WebMD
Mayo Clinic
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