Who is a dermatologist?
Our skin requires special and gentle care; inadequate care can result in several harmful skin conditions and contribute to other dangerous health conditions that eventually hamper the quality of life.
Dermatology is a medical subspecialty focused on the examination and treatment of skin-related conditions. Professionals specializing in addressing and treating skin, hair, and nail diseases are called dermatologists. They are experts in managing various skin disorders, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, and other skin conditions.
Dermatologists can also perform multiple procedures, such as biopsies, excisions, and other surgical procedures, to remove or treat skin lesions and tumors. They may also perform cosmetic procedures, such as administering Botox injections, chemical peels, and laser treatments, to improve the appearance of the skin.
In addition to treatments, dermatologists conduct research to advance the field and develop new treatments for skin disorders. They may teach medical students and residents as well and participate in community outreach events to educate the public about skin health and disease prevention.
Dermatologists work in different settings, including private practices, hospitals, and clinics. They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as oncologists, pediatricians, and primary care physicians.
Education and medical training of dermatologists
Becoming a dermatologist requires extensive education and medical training. Here is an overview of the educational and training requirements for becoming a dermatologist:
- Undergraduate education: The initial step to becoming a dermatologist is to obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Although there is no mandatory subject to be eligible for admission to medical school, several pre-medical students opt for majors in biology, chemistry, or other science-related fields.
- Medical school: After completing undergraduate education, aspiring dermatologists must attend medical school, which typically takes four years. They study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and other medicine-related subjects during this time.
- Residency: After completing medical school, dermatologists need to complete a residency program, typically taking three years. During the residency, dermatologists receive hands-on training in diagnosing and treating skin conditions under the supervision of experienced dermatologists.
- Board certification: After completing the residency program, dermatologists can become board-certified by passing an American Board of Dermatology examination. Board certification is not required to practice dermatology but is a sign of expertise and dedication to the field.
- Continuing medical education: To maintain their certification, dermatologists must partake in continuing medical education (CME) programs. These include attending conferences, reading medical journals, and completing online courses.
Skin disorders dermatologists can treat
You can see a dermatologist near you for conditions and concerns like:
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema: It is a chronic, prevalent skin condition that makes patches of skin red and itchy. While this condition is common in children, it can occur in individuals of any age. Atopic dermatitis tends to spread or flare from time to time. Accompanied by asthma or fever, the symptoms include intense itching sensation (particularly at night), small raised bumps, red patches on the wrists or other body parts, and a discharge of fluid-like substance from the affected small red or brown patches.
- Vitiligo: The condition causes loss of skin pigmentation in patches. Vitiligo is not life-threatening and cannot spread through touch. Melanin is a component that determines the pigmentation of the skin. Vitiligo occurs when the melanin-producing cells on specific body parts start to die or reduce their functional capacity. The discolored patches on the skin usually expand into more exhaustive patches over time. Vitiligo can affect the skin present in any part of the body. In some cases, vitiligo can occur on the scalp and inside the mouth. Vitiligo affects all skin colors but is relatively more noticeable with brown or black skin. Treatment for vitiligo includes restoration of pigmentation in the affected skin; however, this does not guarantee that the condition won't reoccur.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, is a prevalent skin condition in the scalp area. However, it can affect other parts, such as the sides of the nose, eyebrows, face, eyelids, chest area, or ears. Seborrheic dermatitis causes scaly red patches and stubborn dandruff that is sometimes difficult to remove with regular washes. It can affect oily spots as well. In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis might disappear without treatment, but in severe cases, one might need immediate treatment. There is a strong possibility of seborrheic dermatitis recurring even after treatments. Cleansing the affected area with a gentle, non-perfumed soap or shampoo can decrease oiliness and reduce dead skin buildup.
- Ichthyosis vulgaris: It is an inherited severe skin disorder that is caused by dead skin cells accumulating in thick and dry scales on the skin's surface. Due to the scale-like patches, the state is often called fish scale disease or skin disorder. Though ichthyosis vulgaris can be present at birth, it usually appears in early childhood. Several cases of ichthyosis vulgaris go undiagnosed yearly as the light fish-like scale patches are mistaken for dry skin. There are numerous cases where other skin disorders like allergic reactions or conditions like eczema can accompany the disease. There is no proven cure for ichthyosis vulgaris; however, the current treatment plans focus on controlling the disease.
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis causes rashes with itchy and scaly patches. Psoriasis most commonly occurs in areas such as the scalp, knees, elbows, etc. This chronic skin condition has no proven cure and can be extremely painful. The pain can sometimes be intense enough to interfere with and disrupt sleep cycles. In addition, the pain caused by the itchy and scaly patches can also make it hard for the person to concentrate and maintain focus. People with psoriasis undergo cycles or flares lasting for weeks or months. Common triggers for this condition include infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications.
What types of procedures do dermatologists perform?
The expertise of dermatologists encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures that range from diagnostic evaluations to therapeutic interventions. Understanding the various procedures they perform can offer insights into the comprehensive care they provide to patients. Below are some common treatment methods that a dermatologist near you often undertakes to address a multitude of dermatological concerns.
- Shave biopsy: A shave biopsy, often referred to as 'tangential excision,' entails removing surface growths using a sharp blade. Alternatively, dermatologists may employ a 'curette,' a specialized scraping instrument, for similar purposes. These techniques are frequently used to remove minor growths while also providing diagnostic clarity regarding their composition.
- Punch biopsy: Dermatologists commonly employ the punch biopsy method to sample skin rashes and minor growths. The method begins with the administration of a local anesthetic via injection. Subsequently, a biopsy punch, akin to a small (1 to 4 mm diameter) cookie cutter, is utilized to extract a cylindrical skin sample. Carefully suturing any resultant incision or opening promotes healing and minimizes scarring.
- UVB phototherapy: This therapeutic method for skin eruptions utilizes artificial ultraviolet light, specifically targeting type B ultraviolet rays—the sunlight component known for inducing sunburn. When administered with precision and control, UVB phototherapy is an effective treatment option for various significant skin conditions.
- Grenz rays: Grenz rays represent exceedingly gentle radiation. It is important to note that Grenz ray treatments should not be conflated with 'superficial radiation therapy' or 'superficial X-ray,' which were historically employed for conditions ranging from acne to eczema several decades ago. While these approaches are still utilized in the treatment of malignant skin cancers today, they differ from the specific characteristics of Grenz rays.
- PUVA: PUVA, a treatment method, involves the combination of psoralen (P) with long-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA) and is employed in the management of various severe skin conditions. Psoralen, a drug utilized in this treatment, enhances the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light. This heightened sensitivity enables the deeper penetration of UVA light, facilitating its therapeutic effects on the skin.
- Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C): Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C), also termed scraping or burning off skin growths, is a procedure suitable for less severe skin cancers, pre-cancers, and benign growths. The process involves injecting a local anesthetic, followed by the removal of abnormal tissue using a specialized tool. The area is then cauterized until the bleeding ceases. If the growth is cancerous, this procedure may be repeated. The healing wound typically requires dressing, leaving behind a usually small white mark.
- Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy, is a common method employed by dermatologists to address various skin issues. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin area, inducing freezing. Light freezing results in peeling, moderate freezing causes blistering, and intense freezing leads to scabbing. This technique is utilized for treating acne, scars, growths, and certain skin cancers. While older dermatologists may still use a swab for application, the outcome remains consistent.
- Acne surgery: Acne surgery involves the removal of acne lesions, typically by opening up comedones (blackheads) and pimples. This is done using a needle or a small pointed blade, followed by expressing the lesions with an extractor.
How to take care of your skin?
Everybody is different, and so are their skin and dermatological requirements. However, here are a few general skincare tips suggested by experts, and if followed religiously, can help every individual:
- Make SPF your daily habit: Besides shielding the skin from sun damage and cancer, sunscreen slows down aging. A good sunscreen usually has SPF 30 or higher and is water-resistant. Make sure to apply it daily before going out.
- Stay away from smoke: It is a known fact that smoking is harmful to health. When it comes to skin, it can accelerate the aging process and make your wounds take longer to heal. According to research, it worsens skin ailments like psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
- Perform self-checks for skin cancer: Self-exams on the skin can help discover skin cancer at its earliest stages. If you notice an abnormal spot that changes color, itches, or bleeds, see a qualified dermatologist near you immediately.
- Use products that suit your skin type: There are various skin types: Normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Knowing your type of skin and skin conditions (if any) will help you choose the right products.
- Use a self-tanner if you like tanning: Every time you get tanned, indoors or outdoors, your skin ages prematurely. It also elevates the risk of skin cancer. So, the best choice is to use a self-tanner, which mitigates all these risks. But remember to shield your skin from sun exposure even if you are using a self-tanner.
- Wash your face routinely and gently: Wash your face every morning, before bed, and after sweating. It removes dirt, oil, and bacteria. Also, if you wear makeup, always clean it before bed. Be gentle when you clean your face; use a mild cleanser, and make circular motions with your fingertips.
- Manage your stress: Stress can worsen skin ailments like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema) and cause acne, eczema, and rosacea flare-ups. Thus, it is crucial to find healthy stress management strategies.
Finding top-rated dermatologists in Plymouth
Though some skin conditions may appear manageable, they can get severe if left untreated. Therefore, it is vital to visit a dermatologist near you for immediate care. With Zocdoc, you can book appointments with the best dermatologists in Plymouth with just a few easy steps.
On the Zocdoc website, enter your condition, location and preferred date, and the platform will take you to a list of the best dermatologists nearby. You can use the built-in filters to help refine your search.
All practitioners on Zocdoc have a detailed profile with information about their education, experience, affiliations, office hours, and the insurance they accept. Also, do not worry about the security of your insurance information. Zocdoc follows the industry's best practices and prioritizes keeping it secure. To learn more about how we handle your privacy and data, click here. Visit Zocdoc's patient help center if you have any insurance-related queries. You can also view the verified patient reviews before you select your desired dermatologist.
With Zocdoc, you can book in-person and online consultations with the best dermatologist near you. All the bookings on Zocdoc are fast, secure, and 100% free!
Skin disorder statistics in Massachusetts and the U.S.
In 2021, Massachusetts reported around 1,089 new melanoma cases (a malignant tumor linked with skin cancer), per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It shows that there were nearly 12.3 reported cases per 100,000 individuals. The cases included about 587 men and 502 women. Data also reported approximately 196 deaths due to melanoma. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported a nearly 9.4% increase in melanoma cases in women from 2013 to 2017.
In the U.S., acne is the most widespread skin condition, with an annual incidence affecting up to 50 million Americans. Around 85% of people between 12 and 24 years experience at least minor acne.
Around 60% of patients develop atopic dermatitis in their first year of life; 90% develop it before five years. Hair loss affects approximately 80 million Americans, including 50 million men and 30 million women.
Sources
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
National Library of Medicine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
American Academy of Dermatology
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
American Academy of Dermatology Association
