Who is a dermatologist?
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It performs many vital functions, like acting as a defense against bacteria and protecting you from heat, cold, or germs. The skin can kill harmful bacteria, and pigments like melanin secrete a chemical defense against ultraviolet light that can harm the skin cells. Sometimes, dangerous bacteria can enter the body through the skin due to factors like the environment, immune system, and hygiene.
It is crucial to see a doctor with unique expertise in skin issues. A dermatologist is a skin specialist who manages skin, hair, or nail issues.
A dermatologist's responsibility includes researching, studying, diagnosing, preventing, and treating disorders and cosmetic skin conditions. They also have the skills and education to perform minor or major surgeries. Moreover, they also have expertise in cosmetic procedures like sclerotherapy and chemical peels.
Symptoms of internal diseases or infections can also show up on the skin through discoloration or scars. If you visit a dermatologist regularly, they can help you detect early signs of cancer or other bodily abnormalities. For instance, a yellowish-orange color or growth on various parts of your skin can be a sign of heart disease. A dermatologist will notice the pattern, make a timely diagnosis, and begin treatment before complications occur.
What do dermatologists treat?
Dermatologists typically train in the following three areas:
Medical: Conditions that typically appear on your skin, such as rosacea and acne, are diagnosed and treated by dermatologists. They can also identify the underlying signs of other health conditions.
Surgical: Dermatologists perform minor surgeries, such as removing moles and warts. They also train in more complicated procedures, such as removing skin cancer.
Cosmetic: Dermatologists have a vast knowledge of procedures to improve the esthetics of skin and hair. Some summon issues they help manage include hair loss and wrinkles. They use medications, chemical peels, and fillers to treat cosmetic problems.
You may visit a skin doctor near you for conditions such as:
- Acne: Acne is one of the most common skin issues in the U.S. Various factors can cause it, which generally appears as pimples. Dermatologists recommend topical treatments, chemical peels, or other therapies based on the severity of this condition.
- Dermatitis: Dermatitis refers to skin inflammation that often presents as swelling with an itchy rash. It may include allergic reactions, eczema, or cradle cap.
- Fungal infections: Candida is a kind of yeast responsible for several fungal infections that affect the skin, nails, and hair. Dermatologists commonly treat athlete's foot, toenail fungus, oral thrush, and ringworm infections.
- Hair loss: It can result from a varied range of health issues such as lice, stress, hormonal changes, or illness. It can even appear due to hereditary baldness that runs in families. Dermatologists can help detect the underlying causes and suggest treatment plans that will work for you.
- Warts: Warts are a form of viral infection that affects the skin. They are contagious and show up as benign growths on the skin. Dermatologists treat persistent warts with topical medications, cryotherapy, and surgery.
- Nail problems: Dermatologists also treat issues such as ingrown nails, nails with discolorations and spots, nail separation, and fungal infections resulting from various health issues.
- Vitiligo: Melanin is a pigment in our skin that maintains its shade. In patients with vitiligo, patches of skin become lighter in color due to loss of melanin pigment.
- Psoriasis: It is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the skin. It results in thick and scaly patches of skin that could appear red, purple, or silver.
- Rosacea: The common signs and symptoms of this inflammatory skin condition include facial flushing and redness, noticeable blood vessels, pimples filled with fluid or blood, and eyelid swelling. Rosacea can spread to various body parts such as the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, scalp, eyes, ears, neck, and chest.
- Shingles: Also known as herpes zoster, this viral infection causes a painful rash that may lead to severe complications.
- Skin cancer: Dermatologists diagnose and treat different forms of skin cancer. Common types include basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Dermatologists use different medical and cosmetic procedures to manage these issues. While medications and noninvasive therapies can treat many skin conditions, some may require more invasive procedures.
What education and training does a dermatologist have?
To become a dermatologist, one must follow the typical path of other medical aspirants. Students usually finish four years of an undergraduate degree in any science field and complete another four years of medical school.
During medical school, aspirants complete primary modules like anatomy, pathological science, the use of medications, physiology, clinical skills, communication, and medical ethics. They finish a year-long internship in their preferred specialty during the final year. Lastly, they go through three years of residency training in dermatology. During the residency program, doctors work with other experienced doctors, develop clinical skills like diagnosing and treating diseases, and complete around 16,000 hours of practicing dermatology.
After completing medical school and residency training, physicians take up competitive examinations that test their knowledge of dermatology. Once they pass the board exam, they become board-certified dermatologists. The organizations that conduct these exams are the American Board of Dermatology and the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.
The skin is a unique organ, and a board-certified dermatologist is the best person to understand its complexities. Dermatologists can accurately diagnose and treat a range of skin disorders, from life-threatening skin cancers to common skin rashes. They also know the interactions between the skin, the rest of the body, and the mind.
How are dermatologists different from estheticians?
Both dermatologists and estheticians can address your skin concerns. However, the two professionals differ in educational qualifications, expertise, and services provided.
Dermatologists specialize in skin health and provide comprehensive treatment for skin diseases. They can conduct diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, and perform surgeries. Dermatologists can perform medical and cosmetic procedures. They typically practice at specialty clinics and have private practices. Some doctors specializing in medical procedures may work for larger healthcare organizations or hospitals. Those who are experts in cosmetic procedures may also work at medical spas.
On the other hand, estheticians are not medical professionals. Unlike dermatologists, they do not possess medical training. They typically offer services that improve the skin's external appearance. Some standard services include facials, microdermabrasion, waxing, threading, body masks, wraps, and scrubs. Dermatologists are qualified to undertake more complex cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal, dermal fillers, or Botox. In the United States, some states permit estheticians to perform injectables and other operations under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Estheticians work in retail spaces like salons and day spas. They complete cosmetology school and approximately 250 to 1,000 hours of coursework (depending on state requirements) after earning a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. To become a licensed professional, an esthetician must take a state-approved examination. They may also acquire certification from the National Coalition of Estheticians Associations (NCEA) for advanced laser, drainage, and facial techniques training.
Subspecialties within dermatology
The four primary branches of dermatology include medical, cosmetic, surgical, and dermatopathology. A dermatologist may opt to specialize in a particular branch, making it the primary focus of their practice:
- Medical dermatology: In this field, dermatologists diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
- Surgical dermatology: Dermatologists in this specialization address skin, hair, and nail diseases through surgical interventions, such as excising skin cancer.
- Cosmetic dermatology: This area involves enhancing the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails using various treatments. Cosmetic dermatology primarily focuses on aesthetics and is not essential for maintaining good health. Procedures may include filler injections for rejuvenation, chemical peels, hair transplants, and laser surgery to minimize the appearance of conditions like scars, wrinkles, and varicose veins.
- Dermatopathology: This area involves specialization in both dermatology and pathology. They examine skin, hair, and nail samples under a microscope to diagnose and treat diseases.
Dermatologists may pursue further training to specialize in specific areas or types of surgery within dermatology. Three formal board-certified fellowships available are procedural dermatology (such as Mohs or cosmetic procedures), pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology.
What procedures do dermatologists perform?
Standard procedures performed by the best dermatologists near you include:
- Electrosurgery: This technique utilizes a high-frequency electric current for surgical purposes, either to cut or to eliminate tissue.
- Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery employs extreme cold to freeze and eradicate tissue.
- Laser surgery: Laser surgery utilizes specialized light beams for surgical procedures.
- Excision surgery: In excision surgery, dermatologists use a sharp knife (scalpel) to remove tissue, followed by appropriate closures.
- Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery is a meticulous technique involving removing cancer cells from the skin. layer-by-layer
- Mole removal: Dermatologists perform mole removal procedures to partially or eliminate moles from the body, often to study them for signs of cancer or other skin conditions.
- Vein treatment: Dermatologists assess and treat damaged veins using methods such as sclerotherapy or laser treatments.
Skincare: Tips to protect your skin from bacteria
The skin can be affected by harsh climates, genetic makeup, cosmetic products, or problems in the immune system. A basic skincare routine can help create a protective barrier against harmful bacteria. The following tips may be helpful in your skincare journey:
- Applying sunscreen before you step outside the house is crucial as it has many benefits, such as slowing aging and preventing skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend a lotion with broad-spectrum protection, generally an SPF 30 or higher.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can speed up aging in the skin. Research shows that wounds take a long time to heal and trigger skin diseases if a person smokes.
- Get your skin checked regularly: Looking for signs of abnormalities can help in early treatment. Check for spots or skin colors that differ from the rest of your body. Other symptoms are itching, bleeding, or yellowish scars.
- Use self-tanners: Getting tans indoors or outdoors might increase your risk of skin cancer. Tanning can wear out the skin at an early stage. A self-tanner can avoid all the dangers and give you your desired look.
- Wash your face: Try to wash your face multiple times daily, preferably after waking up, before bed, and after sweating. Plain water removes bacteria from the skin. Removing all makeup before bed is also necessary because bacteria can stick to the chemicals and enter your body.
The goal is to care for your skin and incorporate all the healthy routines that protect you from bacteria. If you feel uncomfortable or distressed about your skin health, seeing a certified skin doctor near you may be helpful.
Finding the best dermatologist in New Lenox, Illinois
Dermatologists understand the connections between skin conditions and overall health. Hair loss or skin patches can affect self-confidence, but visiting a skin doctor near you can help you navigate all your problems. During the initial evaluation, the doctor may check every inch of your skin to identify the issue. They may ask you to brief them about your personal, family, and medical history. Dermatologists in New Lenox also work with psychologists or other medical professionals to offer a holistic treatment plan.
To find the best dermatologists near you, register a free account on Zocdoc. You can do this by clicking on the sign-up option on the website. You will find a search option on the homepage with multiple filter options. You can type your symptoms, such as "skin rashes," "warts," or "psoriasis," to find a doctor who offers services in these areas. You can filter the results on the basis of location, time, specialty, insurance carrier, and plan. On Zocdoc, you can find doctors who accept your insurance plan.
If you have multiple insurance plans, you can include medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in your Zocdoc account. However, you can only search for and schedule appointments with one insurance plan at a time. You can specify your secondary carrier and plan for the provider in the notes section during the final step of the booking process. Moreover, if your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you may add secondary insurance while filling out your forms online. For further insurance-related FAQs, refer to Zocdoc's patient help center.
Every doctor on Zocdoc has a dedicated profile with information about their education, training, specialty, experience, board certifications, awards, languages spoken, and other details. You can also read the verified patient reviews to make an informed choice. Once you decide on a dermatologist near you, you can instantly book an appointment.
All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, accessible, and secure!
Melanoma in the U.S.
The OSF Healthcare System notes that melanoma is one of the rarest conditions and affects only 1% of the population. Yet, it causes the most deaths in the U.S. Skin cancers are severe and can affect many aspects of a person and their family's life. However, if the cancer is spotted and diagnosed early, the survival rate is 99%.
The American Cancer Society shows that the estimated number of new cases in 2022 for melanoma of the skin is around 99,780 in the U.S. The estimated number of deaths from the same cancer in 2022 is nearly 7,650. The estimated number of new melanoma cases in Illinois in 2022 is 3,860. Of these, the estimated number of deaths due to melanoma is 240.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 12,040 dermatologists practice in the United States. Out of these, there are about 370 dermatologists practicing in Illinois as of May 2023.
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology Association[1]
American Academy of Dermatology Association[2]
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD
OSF Healthcare System
American Cancer Society
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
MedicalNewsToday
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Verywell Health
