Who is a dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a medical doctor with unique expertise in addressing skin, hair, and nail conditions. The skin is a protective layer, safeguarding you from diseases, cold, and heat and shielding the body's other organs. It is a great way to gauge your general health because variations in the texture or color of your skin may be a sign of different illnesses. A dermatologist can assess your symptoms and skin condition to determine if the problem is minor or significant.
Dermatologists can perform procedures such as skin biopsies and mole removals. Some dermatologists train in performing surgeries such as cyst removals. They also have skills in cosmetic procedures such as fillers, Botox, and chemical peels. Other dermatological treatments include sclerotherapy, laser, and ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.
A dermatologist completes four years of college and follows it up with four years of medical school. Afterward, they finish a year-long internship before a dermatology residency of at least three years. Dermatologists can become board-certified, and some choose further specialization.
Dermatology specialties
Some dermatologists acquire additional skills within dermatology to specialize in dermatopathology, Mohs surgery, or pediatric dermatology. Here is more information on each of these specialties:
- Dermatopathologist: A dermatopathologist is a specialist with expertise in both dermatology and pathology. With this specialization, the doctor can diagnose diseases by looking at a piece of hair, skin, or nail through a microscope. The domain takes at least one year, and then the practitioner must clear the board exam in dermatopathology to become certified.
- Mohs surgeon: Mohs surgery is a unique technique for treating skin cancer. All dermatologists get basic training in Mohs surgery, but a surgeon obtains additional training, usually through a fellowship program. This specialized training lasts about a year and also includes surgical reconstruction.
- Pediatric dermatologist: All dermatologists treat children with skin conditions, but pediatric dermatologists specialize in severe diseases, rare conditions, and birthmarks. Specializing in pediatric dermatology usually involves pursuing a fellowship for up to two years. Upon completing the fellowship, the pediatric dermatologist obtains board certification to practice.
Conditions dermatologists treat
A dermatologist can effectively treat various skin conditions and even cure some of them when there is an early diagnosis. These include acne, eczema, hair loss, nail fungus, psoriasis, and rosacea.
An experienced dermatologist can also diagnose and treat skin cancers. Melanoma is one type of skin cancer that spreads quickly if not detected and treated in the early stages.
Dermatologists can perform relevant surgeries to cure and eliminate cancer.
They can also assist patients with cosmetic concerns, including wrinkles, sagging skin, acne scars, or surgery to remove skin cancer and improve the look of the skin following an AIDS diagnosis.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer found in the cells responsible for producing melanin, called melanocytes. Melanoma develops on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, such as the arms, back, face, and legs. However, it can also form in less common places, like the eyes or inside the body, such as the nose or throat.
The precise cause of all melanomas is not fully understood, but most cases are linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which comes from sunlight or tanning devices. Reducing exposure to UV light can lower the risk of developing melanoma. Recognizing the symptoms of skin cancer can help with early diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving the chances of recovery.
There are various methods for diagnosing melanoma. Dermatologists near you might begin with a physical examination, during which they ask about your medical history and closely inspect your skin for any signs of melanoma. Another standard diagnostic method is a biopsy, where a tissue sample is removed for laboratory testing. The type of biopsy depends on the specific situation, but healthcare professionals usually recommend removing the entire suspicious growth when possible.
Treatment for melanoma typically begins with surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. Depending on the case, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or medications may be necessary. The kind of treatment is influenced by several elements, like the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Besides surgery, melanoma can be treated with radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.
Signs you need to see a dermatologist near you
While many skin diseases are mild and treatable, some may become life-threatening if ignored or left entirely untreated. Some severe underlying health conditions may first present themselves on the skin. To the untrained eye, problems like moles or rashes may seem trivial. Still, a dermatologist is a skin expert who can identify whether your symptoms indicate a minor issue or a complex skin condition. Instead of looking for a temporary solution to your skin condition, visit a dermatologist.
Visit a dermatologist if you experience the following:
- Dehydrated and itchy skin can indicate thyroid disorders, diabetes, or lymphoma.
- Skin discoloration, pus, and warts (which may indicate a skin infection).
- Develop red bumps on the face, upper chest, or back.
- If your acne seems to be getting worse despite using over-the-counter remedies.
- Red or swollen skin.
- If you find unusual skin growths, moles, or skin tags on yourself.
- Hair loss, thinning hair, bald patches, or dandruff on the scalp.
- Suppose you find raised veins on your legs or other body parts. Such veins are called varicose veins.
- Open sores, lesions, or ulcers.
- Peeling skin.
- Small yellow bumps around the eyes or nose are xanthelasma. These are made of cholesterol deposits and can indicate high cholesterol in some people.
- Distinctive rashes, such as target-shaped or butterfly-shaped rashes in patients with lupus, are signs of Lyme disease.
Common tests and procedures dermatologists perform
When you visit your dermatologist, they might take skin samples and send them to their labs for diagnostic dermatopathology. These labs focus on accurately testing and identifying skin disorders, diseases, and infections. Dermatologists are trained to carry out these common and widely used skin tests. Below are some dermatologists' procedures to diagnose specific skin conditions, infections, or illnesses.
- Mole removals: Dermatologists often remove moles that raise concern. In most cases, they perform this in their office using only a local anesthetic to numb the area around the mole. If the mole turns out to be malignant, it must be removed before the cells spread in the body. Providers often take out moles as a precaution to prevent cancerous cells from developing.
- Patch testing: Patch or allergy testing involves placing several patches on your back to check for reactions to different triggers. Contact allergens go directly onto your back, and the provider checks your skin around 48 hours later to spot any inflammation, rash, or signs of an allergic reaction.
- Skin scrapings: Dermatologists use skin scrapings to test for fungal infections and scabies, which mites can cause by burrowing under your skin. Fungal infections like athlete's foot or ringworm spread easily from person to person, just like scabies. Scrapings are collected from the skin near the lesion, and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
- Tzanck testing: Tzanck tests help identify viral skin diseases like herpes. Your dermatologist will take a sample from the blister or lesion for examination. A special stain on the tissue slide highlights specific colors, confirming your viral infection.
- Skin biopsies: Skin biopsies are among dermatologists' most frequently performed tests. The procedure's intensity depends on the suspected condition. Sometimes, dermatologists remove skin cells from the surface layer, which is a quick process. In other cases, they may need to cut deeper into the skin to extract tissue. Your dermatologist will suggest the least invasive biopsy required to make an accurate diagnosis.
Tips on keeping your skin healthy
Getting healthy and glowing skin is easy if you follow some simple tips. A healthy lifestyle and skincare ritual can help slow aging and prevent many skin disorders.
- Sun protection: Excessive sun exposure can cause wrinkling and age spots and even result in skin cancer. Using appropriate sunscreen, staying in the shade, and wearing sun-protective apparel and accessories like sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can help minimize exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Be gentle: Keep your skincare routine gentle, and avoid taking long baths, as this can remove essential oils from your skin. Use only mild soaps and cleansers, and pat dry instead of rubbing your skin hard. Apply shaving cream or lotion before shaving and shave toward hair growth. For dry skin, use a moisturizer with SPF.
- Eat healthily: Your diet directly impacts your skin and can help you look and feel your best. Keep processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats to a minimum. Drink plenty of water to retain your skin's moisture. Also, include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your daily diet.
What to expect at a dermatologist appointment?
Your first visit to a dermatologist near you will mostly begin like any other primary care physician appointment. Your dermatologist will first record your basic health information and ask you about your personal and family medical history. You should mention to your dermatologist any medications you have been taking (including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements), pre-existing medical conditions, surgeries you've had in the past, and any tests done previously. Before you visit a dermatologist, list all the symptoms you have been experiencing. If you have issues like acne, tell your doctor about any over-the-counter or cosmetic products you've tried.
After understanding your symptoms and medical history, your dermatologist may conduct a skin assessment. You may be asked to disrobe and wear a cloth or paper gown so your provider can check for any suspicious moles and other skin problems.
Avoid wearing makeup or nail polish before your dermatologist's appointment. Putting on makeup or nail polish before an appointment may make it difficult for your dermatologist to properly examine your skin and nails. Also, if you want to show your dermatologist certain spots, marks, or moles, consider using a washable pen to circle spots on your body. These physical reminders will help you remember what to mention to your dermatologist.
Find the best dermatologists near you in Gilbert, AZ
Your skin is a vital organ; if it is afflicted with any conditions or problems, it is essential to seek specialized care from a dermatologist immediately. If you are reluctant to look for an experienced dermatologist owing to the hassle involved in finding one, we can help.
As a first step, create a free account on the Zocdoc platform. Using convenient filters, you can log in and search for a specialist in Gilbert, AZ. You can focus your search by gender, location, and insurance coverage with just a few clicks. Then, relax while our advanced algorithm searches an extensive database of qualified healthcare professionals and doctors nationwide.
If your insurance plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card, which can help identify your plan. If you face any issues uploading your card, the Zocdoc service team can assist. Additionally, you can check out Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to any further insurance-related queries.
Once you have the list of possible matches, click on individual profiles for more details on each dermatologist's educational qualifications, language, expertise, awards, and certifications. After you have found and selected the best dermatologist for your requirements, go through the verified patient ratings and reviews mentioned on each profile. These reviews can help you learn about firsthand experiences and make an informed choice. We update the reviews regularly to ensure you have all the latest details.
After you have checked out the dermatologist to your satisfaction, you can schedule a virtual appointment before heading for an in-person consultation. Our database also has specialists available on weekends and outside regular business hours.
All bookings made on Zocdoc are free, simple, and secure!
Statistics on skin disorders in Arizona, USA
A study published by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in association with the National Eczema Association (NEA) in 2018 shows that 16.5 million American adults have eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD). Traditionally, eczema was considered a childhood disease, but recent research shows this is also common among adults. Overall, the prevalence of AD among adults was around 7.3%. Among the adults with AD, about 60% had a mild form of the disease, while nearly 40% had moderate or severe disease.
Data collated by the American Cancer Society indicates that in 2024, it is likely that there will be around 100,640 new melanomas diagnosed in the United States. In addition, about 8,290 people will likely die of the condition. At the same time, statistics for 2013 – 2017 showed a decline in melanoma mortality rates, primarily due to advances in treatment. Mortality had decreased by about 1% annually in women younger than 50 and by 3% in those aged 50 and over.
Another report by the American Cancer Society published Arizona's statistics in 2024. The report showed that the state will likely see around 3,020 new skin melanoma cases and 220 deaths. The incidence rate for skin melanoma in Arizona for 2016 - 2020 was 28.9 per 100,000 population. The death rate for the same period was 2.3 per 100,000 population.
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology Association[1]
WebMD
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
American Cancer Society[1]
American Cancer Society[2]
Verywell Health
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
American Academy of Dermatology Association[2]
Berman Skin Institute
Healthline
RABKIN DX
