Who are dermatologists, and what do they do?
Skin is the largest organ and serves several essential functions. It shields you from heat, cold, bacteria, and other harmful elements. It's also an excellent indicator of your overall health; alterations in the color or feel of your skin can indicate a medical condition.
Dermatologists can diagnose and treat skin, hair, nail problems, and aesthetic disorders such as hair loss and scarring. By looking at your skin, they can also spot indicators of an internal condition, such as problems with your stomach, kidneys, or thyroid. But dermatologists do more than just that. They also perform minor surgical treatments such as mole removal or skin biopsies. Some specialize in major surgeries, such as cyst removal. Dermatologists also address cosmetic skin disorders; many have the training to perform cosmetic treatments such as Botox, fillers, chemical peels, and more.
Training and qualifications required to become a dermatologist
Dermatologists undergo rigorous training that encompasses the following:
- Four years of undergraduate education leading to a bachelor's degree.
- Four years of medical school.
- A one-year internship.
- A three-year residency program involving approximately 12,000 to 16,000 hours of hands-on dermatological practice.
Many dermatologists also pursue board certification, which involves passing a demanding examination that assesses the knowledge and skills gained through training and residency.
In North America, three organizations are responsible for granting board certification to dermatologists:
- The American Board of Dermatology.
- The American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.
- The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
In the United States, you may encounter the designation "FAAD" after a dermatologist's name, signifying that the doctor is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. A physician must have successfully obtained board certification to achieve this fellowship status.
Conditions treated by dermatologists
Dermatologists can diagnose and treat various skin, nail, and hair conditions. Some common conditions they treat include:
- Acne
- Dermatitis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Itchy skin
- Skin infections
- Skin cancer
- Psoriasis
- Hemangioma
- Moles
- Hair loss
- Spider and varicose veins
- Nail conditions
When should you visit a dermatologist?
Blemishes and wrinkles are two of the most common skin issues. However, there are thousands of conditions that can impact the skin. Some cause only minor side effects. Others might be serious and disrupt everyday life. You should see a dermatologist if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:
Acne
Acne produces facial blemishes, including white and black pimples and deep cysts. They form when the skin's oil glands produce excessive sebum, which can clog the pores. Blemishes are also commonly found on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne is not fatal, although it can be distressing.
Eczema
Eczema is an umbrella term for numerous chronic skin disorders that cause skin inflammation (swelling). It can be extremely uncomfortable and emotionally draining. It typically results in red, puffy, dry, and itchy skin. Dermatologists can diagnose eczema using specific tests and a skin exam.
Psoriasis
An immune system malfunction causes psoriasis. It causes skin cells to develop abnormally rapidly and accumulate on the skin's surface. Such patches are called plaques, and they can be thick, crimson, and covered with silvery scales. They might be irritating or uncomfortable and can be on the elbows, knees, legs, face, and scalp.
Skin cancer
It is the most common type of cancer in the world. Melanoma is the most severe and fatal skin cancer. Symptoms include skin growths that fluctuate in size, shape, color, thickness, or texture. Consult a dermatologist if you have skin patches that constantly scab, crust, itch, pain, or bleed. It is advisable to visit a dermatologist at least once a year to inspect the skin for any signs of skin cancer.
Hair loss
A person loses up to 100 hairs on average every day. However, bald spots or thinning hair could indicate a problem. Hair loss can be due to pregnancy, stress, and other health concerns. It may also be an inherited condition. A dermatologist may perform blood tests and analyze a sample of scalp tissue under a microscope to determine the reason for hair loss.
Understanding psoriasis: Causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches
Psoriasis occurs when the body generates new skin cells in days instead of weeks. These cells build up on the skin's surface, forming raised, thick, and scaly patches known as plaques. Among the various forms of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis appears most frequently, affecting 80% to 90% of individuals diagnosed with the condition. These silvery-white plaques can appear as isolated patches or merge to cover larger skin areas. Most commonly, they develop on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. While plaque sizes vary, they often cause persistent itching and discomfort. The skin may feel tight, sting, burn, or become painful without appropriate treatment.
Dermatologists actively diagnose psoriasis by thoroughly examining the patient's skin, scalp, and nails. During a consultation, they ask about symptoms like itching, nail discoloration or thickening, joint pain or stiffness, and any family history of psoriasis. Dermatologists also evaluate recent life changes, such as heightened stress or illness, which might contribute to flare-ups. Sometimes, they perform a skin biopsy, removing a small section of skin to examine it under a microscope for a definitive diagnosis.
Psoriasis manifests differently depending on skin tone. Plaques tend to be thicker and contain more scale in darker complexions than in lighter skin tones. Understanding this variation allows dermatologists to craft personalized treatment plans suited to the individual's unique needs.
To manage psoriasis effectively, dermatologists consider the type and severity of the condition, the affected body areas, existing health conditions, and the patient's lifestyle. They aim to relieve itching, remove scaling, treat nail and joint symptoms, and prevent flare-ups. Treatments may include topical medications, light therapy, and systemic medications.
Topical medications remain the first line of defense for mild psoriasis, while moderate to severe cases may require a combination of treatments. Light therapy involves carefully controlled exposure to UV light using specialized lamps or lasers, which should always be administered under dermatological supervision. For some, systemic treatments like biologics or methotrexate are necessary to control more extensive symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Dermatologists adjust treatment plans to find the most effective regimen for each patient.
What kind of procedures do dermatologists perform?
You will find some dermatologists performing the following procedures:
- Electrosurgery utilizes a high-frequency electric current to cut or destroy tissue.
- Cryosurgery uses the application of intense cold to freeze and destroy tissue.
- Laser surgery involves using specific laser beams.
- Excision surgery entails excising (removing by cutting) tissue with proper closures using a sharp knife (scalpel).
- Mohs surgery is a surgical method that removes cancer cells from the skin, removing them layer by layer.
- Mole removal involves removing a mole, either partially or completely, from your body. The doctor examines the mole for indications of cancer or other skin problems.
- Vein treatment is where dermatologists may use sclerotherapy or laser treatments to treat damaged veins after assessing them.
What is a pediatric dermatologist?
Pediatric dermatologists are specialized physicians who address skin, hair, and nail concerns in children, from infants to teenagers. They are skilled in identifying and managing a range of ailments, such as skin cancer and acne. A referral from your child's pediatrician is required to consult a pediatric dermatologist.
Children can develop skin-related problems that differ from those in adults, and your pediatrician is skilled in identifying such issues and determining whether a pediatric dermatologist's expertise is necessary.
Pediatric dermatologists can work in hospitals or clinics. They diagnose and treat children's hair, skin, and nail issues. They can also treat skin problems like dermatitis, birthmarks, psoriasis, eczema, allergic reactions, and skin pigment or vitiligo loss.
They can also remove excess growth in children's skin, like cysts, moles, and warts. The other expert areas of a pediatric dermatologist include laser treatments, skin biopsies, and treating skin cancer. Further, if they deem it fit, the doctor can prescribe medication and suggest prolonged treatment plans in case of chronic issues.
What can you expect at a dermatologist visit?
You may consider a few things before going to the dermatologist. The physician will conduct a thorough exam of your skin. Remove any nail paint and wear your long hair down. If you arrive with makeup, you may be requested to take it off. The dermatologist will start by going over your past medical records. They will also go through any specific symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they'll examine your skin from head to toe, looking for anything unusual.
If the dermatologist finds anything concerning, they will diagnose it. Sometimes, they may require blood tests, allergy testing, skin scraping, or a biopsy. Then, they'll recommend appropriate treatments, which could involve prescription drugs or other medical procedures. They may also ask you to make an appointment for a follow-up visit.
Appointment tips when visiting a dermatologist near you
Accessing dermatological care requires a primary health care provider referral through your health insurance plan. Reasons for referral typically include discovering suspicious skin lesions that may indicate skin cancer or having risk factors like fair skin, a history of severe sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer. Everyone should undergo an annual skin examination by a dermatologist to identify any potential skin cancer.
For those without health insurance coverage, it's worth inquiring at the dermatologist's office about potential discounts or sliding-scale fees based on income.
During your appointment, communicating any changes in moles or skin bumps and discussing skin concerns, such as dryness or blemishes, is crucial. No change in your skin should be considered too trivial to mention.
To prepare effectively:
- Compile a list of any changes in your skin, including irregularly shaped moles, new bumps, or discolorations.
- Bring copies of relevant test results and a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements, as some can affect the skin.
- Consider photographing ingredient lists of skincare products, particularly if you have experienced rashes or irritations, as well as laundry detergents.
- Make a list of questions to address all concerns during your appointment.
Expect a thorough full-body skin examination, potentially requiring a gown and a dermoscopy to examine specific areas closely. Your dermatologist may also photograph moles and growths for future reference.
To facilitate examination:
- Remove nail polish to allow inspection of nails and nail beds.
- Ensure easy access to your scalp by wearing your hair down or in easily removable ties or clips.
- Avoid wearing makeup or bring makeup remover to ensure clear visibility of all facial areas during the examination.
- Please refrain from wearing jewelry, as it can obstruct the examination of skin areas.
By preparing adequately, you can optimize your dermatology appointment and ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your skin health.
Finding the best dermatologist near you in Lebanon, Tennessee
Certain skin conditions or blemishes on your face may sometimes make you feel embarrassed. Such symptoms may indicate an undiagnosed skin problem. One needs an experienced dermatologist to provide the required care.
If you are searching for a dermatologist in Lebanon, Zocdoc makes it easy for you. Its convenient and user-friendly website has a database of millions of dermatologists. You can also find in-network practitioners who accept your insurance plan. If you are concerned about the safety of your insurance card information with Zocdoc, rest assured that it is secure. We prioritize protecting your data and strictly follow industry best practices to secure your information. You can read more for further details on how Zocdoc handles data and privacy. For more insurance-related questions, you can visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
To find the best dermatologist near you, visit the Zocdoc website and enter the condition or the doctor you want to see. The platform will provide you with a list of the best dermatologists in your neighborhood. You can specify the reasons for your visit, your preferred travel distance, and the consultation date and time. You can also choose the dermatologist based on gender, languages they speak, hospital affiliations, and whether they treat children.
You can go through the individual profiles of these medical professionals to know more about them and make a better choice. Their profile includes their education and training, board certifications, clinical interests, licensures, etc. You can also go through the verified reviews given by their previous patients.
Once you have chosen the medical provider, you can schedule an in-person consultation or an online appointment facilitated via a video call. All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and completely free!
Skin cancer statistics in Tennessee
Melanoma, the most severe type of cancer, can be easily diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist in the early stages. According to the data published by State Cancer Profiles, between 2015 and 2019, the incidence rate of melanoma per 100,000 people in Tennessee was about 20.9 for all stages of cancer.
As reported by the Cancer Statistics Center, between 2016-2020, the death rate due to melanoma per 100,000 people in Tennessee was about 2.5. During 2015-2019, the incidence rate of melanoma among males and females was 27.1 and 16.3, respectively. The death rate among men and women due to this skin cancer was 3.7 and 1.6, respectively. These facts highlight that melanoma can be fatal if not detected and treated in time. Therefore, you must visit a dermatologist if you find any symptoms of skin disorders.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Healthgrades
Cancer Statistics Center
State Cancer Profiles
Healthline
Verywell health
American Academy of Dermatology Association[1]
American Academy of Dermatology Association[2]
