Who is a dermatologist, and what do they treat?
Dermatologists are professionals who are medically trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat any skin, nail, and hair conditions. Dermatologists also offer cosmetic treatments that enhance a person's appearance, including laser hair removal, scar treatments, botox, fillers, microdermabrasion (to even out skin tone), chemical peels, and more.
Further, they are trained to perform minor and complex surgical procedures such as tumor or mole removal, laser therapy, biopsies, Mohs surgery, hair restoration, and more. Besides surgical treatment, dermatologists can prescribe and inject medications and conduct diagnostic tests. They can also identify visible issues on your skin that may indicate other, more severe underlying health conditions, such as organ failure, diabetes, kidney problems, and heart disease. Here are some common conditions that dermatologists treat:
- Acne
- Atopic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Hair loss
- Lyme disease
- Skin allergies
- Chickenpox
- Monkeypox
- Melanoma or skin cancers
- Rashes caused by syphilis and genital warts, which are sexually transmitted diseases
What education and training do dermatologists go through?
Dermatologists are doctors of medicine (MDs) or osteopathic doctors (DOs) who rigorously train for over ten years to become board-certified dermatologists. They complete four years of undergraduate school in science and four years of medical school, where they study and research over 3000 skin conditions.
Further, they must gain 12,000 to 13,000 hours of clinical experience by completing a three-year residency program in dermatology.
After completing the residency, many dermatologists select a specialized field of practice, such as pediatrics, cosmetic surgery, or dermatopathology. To become a board-certified specialist, a dermatologist needs to pass the examination conducted by the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, which deems them highly skilled in the field.
Specialties within dermatology
- Blistering disease dermatologist
A blistering disease dermatologist near you specializes in diagnosing and treating adult patients with inherited and acquired blistering disorders such as epidermolysis bullosa, Hailey-Hailey disease, pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and more. The dermatologist offers comprehensive care with expertise under challenging cases and advanced diagnostic techniques, including immunofluorescent microscopy and therapeutic options such as photopheresis and IV immunoglobulin.
- Multidisciplinary cutaneous lymphoma dermatologist
A multidisciplinary cutaneous lymphoma dermatologist provides expert treatment for various cutaneous lymphomas, offering specialized care for complex cases. Focusing on dermatologists and translational research, the dermatologist brings together dermatology, medical oncology, and pathology specialists for comprehensive patient management and optimal care.
- Mohs and dermatologic surgery
The Mohs and dermatologic surgery dermatologist is renowned for their expertise in skin cancer management and Mohs micrographic surgery. Alongside basic and complex surgical procedures, the dermatologist offers opportunities for extensive exposure to Mohs surgery techniques, ensuring high-quality care for patients.
An expert in dermatopathology knowledge can do this by examining and interpreting skin specimens. Residents learn to recognize patterns of skin diseases and utilize ancillary diagnostic techniques to arrive at accurate diagnoses.
- Laser and aesthetic dermatologist
A laser and aesthetic dermatologist near you delivers cosmetic procedures, including facial rejuvenation, laser treatments, and injectable therapies. Residents participate in patient evaluation and treatment, gaining experience in various cosmetic dermatologic procedures.
Pediatric dermatologists specialize in children with typical and rare skin conditions. The dermatologist offers comprehensive treatment and procedure options with a multidisciplinary approach, including excisions and laser therapies.
- Autoimmune skin disease dermatologist
The autoimmune skin diseases dermatologist provides integrated care for patients with autoimmune skin disorders, collaborating with specialists in rheumatology and other disciplines. Advanced diagnostic testing and treatment options are offered, including participation in dermatological trials.
- Supportive dermato-oncology
The supportive dermato-oncology dermatologist focuses on managing cutaneous complications of cancer therapy, providing timely diagnosis and management of various skin conditions arising during cancer treatment.
- Skin cancer genetics dermatologist
The dermatologist evaluates and manages patients with a genetic predisposition to skin cancer, offering genetic testing and counseling for inherited syndromes associated with increased skin cancer risk.
- High-risk non-melanoma skin cancer dermatologist
Patients at high risk of skin cancer receive close monitoring and advanced treatments to prevent relapse and subsequent malignancies, with a focus on personalized care and early intervention.
- Nail disorders dermatologist
Such a dermatologist near you evaluates and manages nail disorders, offering surgical and non-surgical treatments for various nail apparatus conditions.
- Skin allergies and contact dermatitis dermatologist
Comprehensive evaluation and management of contact dermatitis and other skin allergies, including patch testing and personalized allergen panels, are provided.
5 Ways you can prevent skin problems
Certain lifestyle habits or external environmental factors can lead to the development of skin infections or diseases. Following good hygiene and a basic skincare routine can help you avoid many skin issues and achieve healthy skin. Here are some ways in which you can protect and nourish your skin at home:
1. Patch-test skincare products
Knowing your skin type and the ingredients in an over-the-counter skin care product needs to be improved. You could still get allergic reactions or skin issues. Dermatologists recommend that you patch-test a new skincare product twice daily for seven to ten days on the bend of your elbow. If you develop rashes or itchy and swollen skin, wash the product off, discontinue using it, and immediately see a dermatology doctor near you.
2. Use sun-protection products
Contrary to popular belief that dark skin is protected against sun damage, anyone can get skin cancer. Exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV rays), regardless of skin color, can lead to sunburns, skin cancer, and dark spots. It also accelerates the process of aging. Applying a water-resistant and broad-spectrum sunscreen (over SPF 30) and wearing full-sleeved clothes and sunglasses can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
3. Wash your hands regularly
We touch many surfaces at home and in public throughout the day. Bacteria or viruses can infect these surfaces. Washing your hands with antibacterial soap for about 20 seconds before and after eating, working, playing, or working out, and returning home from a public space can help prevent contagious skin infections.
4. Avoid sharing personal care items
Avoid sharing your soaps, beverage containers, washcloths, and hygiene products such as toothbrushes, creams, and ointments. They could be contaminated and result in an infection.
5. Include skin-nourishing foods in your diet
Foods like avocados are rich in vitamins C and E and can help build collagen, facilitating hydration, strengthening, and good skin elasticity. Foods having omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, edamame, and tuna, can reduce inflammation.
How do dermatologists diagnose basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer)?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer in the USA. On your visit to the dermatologist, they may first discuss your general health history, symptoms, and medications. Next, they will carefully examine the unusual or suspected spots on the skin that may be a sign of skin cancer.
Sometimes dermatologists may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as a skin biopsy, for an effective disease diagnosis. It is a simple procedure where the doctor first numbs the affected area. Then, remove a portion or all affected skin for a detailed microscopic analysis.
The analysis helps determine whether the skin cells are cancerous basal cells (BCC). If so, the doctor may conduct further tests to identify the type of BCC and how deep it has grown or spread into the body. Dermatologists carefully consider the findings of the diagnostic tests before creating an appropriate treatment plan.
How do dermatologists treat basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer)?
Dermatologists can effectively treat BCC with surgical removal procedures in its early stages. They can perform these procedures in their clinic while the patient is awake. The type of surgical removal procedure used mainly depends on the type of BCC, its location, and its depth. The different types of surgical procedures include:
- Excision: Dermatologists cut out the skin cancer-affected area and parts of the normal-looking skin surrounding it. This normal-looking skin may contain stray skin cancer cells, and removing them eliminates the risk of a resurgence of skin cancer.
- Mohs surgery: A few body parts, like the nose and eyelids, don't contain enough skin, and removing extra skin could cause problems. Mohs surgery is the best way to remove cancerous BCC cells from these areas. The procedure allows the surgeon to identify precisely where cancer stops on the skin during surgery.
- Electrodesiccation and curettage procedure: Dermatologists first use the curettage technique to scrape the BCC skin cells from the skin surface. Then, they use the electrodesiccation technique to kill the stray cancer cells on the skin. This surgical removal procedure is recommended when the BCC develops in a leg, an arm, or the trunk.
Rare skin diseases
Actinic prurigo, or AP, is a skin condition that causes intense itching when the skin is exposed to sunlight. People with this condition develop an itchy rash, along with small red bumps, plaques, or nodules. In some cases, the affected areas may weep or form crusts.
The rash is most severe in parts of the body that get sun exposure, such as the lips, face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. However, it can cause eye irritation and may even appear on areas of the body that aren’t directly exposed to sunlight. While there’s no cure for AP, symptoms can be managed by limiting sun exposure and protecting the skin when spending time outdoors, especially on very sunny days.
- Peeling skin syndrome (PSS)
Peeling skin syndrome is a disorder that causes the skin to shed at an unusually fast rate. It can appear at birth or during early childhood. The condition can get worse due to factors like heat and friction. It may affect just the hands and feet or, in some cases, the entire body. People with PSS may experience painless peeling, blistering, itching, and redness. While there’s no cure to stop the skin from peeling completely, keeping the skin well-moisturized can help manage the symptoms.
Argyria is a skin condition that causes the skin to turn a blue-gray color due to a buildup of silver salts in the body. This can happen when someone takes silver-containing supplements or substances without medical supervision or through long-term exposure to silver in certain jobs, such as metal alloy manufacturing.
Symptoms of argyria include a bluish-gray tint to the skin, especially in areas frequently exposed to the sun, as well as darkened nails and a similar discoloration in the whites of the eyes. Argyria is permanent, but a 2020 scientific review suggests that laser treatment might help reduce the skin’s discoloration in some cases.
Find the best doctor of dermatology near you
Many severe skin conditions are curable if detected early. A qualified and experienced dermatologist will not only treat your skin conditions but also provide alternatives and a treatment plan that best suits your skin type. Further, based on your dermatologist's medical knowledge of skin and cosmetic treatments, you can always rely on their professional advice over any over-the-counter skin care product available in the market or online DIYs.
If you're looking to address your skin problems immediately but need more time to visit a hospital or clinic facility, don't worry! Zocdoc has got you covered. On the Zocdoc website, you can find an experienced dermatology doctor near you and book online and in-person consultations within minutes! You can see a dermatologist near you in Newport Beach, California, right from the comfort of your home in a few simple steps.
To begin, visit the Zocdoc website and enter your condition or symptoms, location, and preferred date to see the doctor. You can also search using your insurance plan to avoid paying a hefty fee. Then, click "Find," and you will get a list of dermatologists matching your requirements.
Ensuring the security of your insurance card with Zocdoc is paramount. The platform places utmost importance on safeguarding your information and adheres to industry-leading practices for data protection. They prioritize maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of your data through proactive measures for those interested in delving deeper into Zocdoc's data management and privacy approach. If you can't see your insurance plan on Zocdoc, you can try uploading a photo of your medical insurance card (not vision or dental cards). We'll scan the image and show your probable plan. If you're having difficulty uploading the image, please contact our service team. Moreover, if you have any questions concerning insurance, contact Zocdoc's patient assistance department.
You can view and choose a provider based on their profile and availability. To check the same, click "book online" and "view all availability." Zocdoc allows users to schedule appointments in the morning before 10 am, on the same day, 24 hours in advance, after work hours (5 pm), and even on the weekends!
Further, you can view a doctor's profile and make an informed decision based on gender, languages spoken, hospital affiliation, distance, wait time, office location, and whether a provider treats children and accepts new patients. Also, you can read honest and verified patient reviews and ratings to find out how a particular dermatologist near you helped other patients. All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
Statistics on skin diseases in California
According to the 2018 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) report, of the total 110,603 active physicians practicing in California, nearly 1,815 specialize in dermatology. Female physicians account for over 50% of the dermatologist workforce in California.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) website, nearly 10,260 new skin melanoma cases were reported in California in 2022. An estimated 710 deaths occurred due to melanoma this year. Approximately 88,059 new skin melanoma cases were reported in California in 2019; i.e. for every 100,000 people, 23 melanoma cases were reported.
Further, data collated by the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries between 2014 and 2018 shows that the incidence rates of melanoma (per 100,000 people) were much higher in men (30.4) than in women (17.4). In 2019, melanoma ranked 6th in California in the list of top 10 cancers by rates of new cancer cases.
Interestingly, research suggests sunburn is a significant risk factor that can result in the development of skin cancers. A 2004 survey found that at least 34.8% of white adults in California had a sunburn in the previous year. Melanoma accounted for 75% of the total skin cancer deaths in California, making it the 5th most common cancer among Caucasian Californians.
Data collated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in 2019 shows that roughly 28,846 cases of syphilis (all stages) were reported in California, 349% higher than ten years ago.
Recent data collated by the CDPH on the monkeypox outbreak shows that approximately 5,572 probable and confirmed cases have been reported in California (as of November 2022). Out of these, an estimated 288 cases belong to people residing in Orange County. Most reported cases, i.e., 37.5%, belong to adults aged 25-34, and roughly 32.5% belong to the age group of 35-44. Approximately 229 statewide hospitalizations have also been reported.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Healthline
New York State Department of Health
Association of American Medical Colleges
American Academy of Dermatology[1]
American Academy of Dermatology[2]
American Academy of Dermatology[3]
American Academy of Dermatology[4]
American Academy of Dermatology[5]
American Academy of Dermatology Association[6]
Cancer Statistics Center
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S Environmental Protection Agency
California Department of Public Health[1]
California Department of Public Health[2]
Stanford Medicine
MedicalNewsToday
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