Who is a dermatologist?
Dermatologists are doctors with expertise in skin, nail, and hair conditions. They can prevent, diagnose, treat, and manage several skin-related illnesses and injuries. They can also prescribe medication and perform or recommend tests such as X-rays, allergy skin tests, blood tests, and biopsies for diagnostic evaluation.
Dermatologists are also qualified to perform minor and complex surgical procedures. They can help improve an individual's external appearance by offering cosmetic treatments such as laser hair removal, scar treatments, botox, fillers, microdermabrasion (to even out skin tone), and chemical peels.
The skin may also display symptoms that indicate the state of organ health. Dermatologists observe the appearance of the skin and identify specific signs that may indicate a serious health condition elsewhere in the body, such as organ failure, diabetes, kidney problems, and heart disease.
Dermatologist: training and education
Dermatologists are doctors of medicine (MDs) or osteopathic doctors who must complete over ten years of medical education to become certified medical professionals. This includes four years of undergraduate studies in science, followed by four years of medical school, an internship, and a three-year residency program. During residency, they train under the supervision of experienced doctors and gain about 12,000 to 13,000 hours of clinical experience.
After completing a residency, many dermatologists choose a specialized field of practice such as pediatrics, cosmetic surgery, or dermatopathology. To be deemed highly skilled in dermatology, dermatologists must become board-certified doctors. To obtain board certification, they must pass an examination conducted by the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.
What do dermatologists treat?
Dermatologists are qualified to diagnose and treat over 3,000 skin and hair diseases and infections, some of which include:
- Acne and acne scars: An acne lesion or pimple grows when bacteria, oils, and dead skin fill up and inflame pores. Acne scars are lasting skin indentations or marks resulting from severe or untreated acne.
- Eczema: It is a chronic skin condition causing red, itchy, inflamed patches triggered by irritants, allergens, or stress.
- Psoriasis: It is a chronic skin disease causing itchy, scaly patches on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. It flares up cyclically, with triggers including infections and injuries. Treatments and lifestyle changes can help with symptom management.
- Melanoma or skin cancer: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer caused by damaged melanocytes. It causes dark, irregular moles. Early detection of this chronic condition is crucial, as it can spread rapidly.
- Chickenpox: Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection. It causes itchy, fluid-filled blisters and a rash. It's common in children and is preventable by vaccines.
- Mpox: Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease causing fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash with painful, fluid-filled lesions. It is transmitted through close contact.
- Hives: Hives are red, itchy welts on the skin caused by an allergic reaction, stress, or infections. They often appear suddenly and can vary in size.
- Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues. This condition can cause pain, inflammation, and damage to the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
- Lyme disease: Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the borrelia bacteria, transmitted through tick bites. Symptoms include fever, headache, rashes, pain, swelling in tissues of the eye or eyelid, and more.
- Melasma: It is a skin condition causing dark, irregular patches, mainly on the face, due to excess melanin production. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, or pregnancy often trigger it.
Other conditions that dermatologists can help manage include alopecia, atopic dermatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What procedures do dermatologists perform to treat patients?
Dermatologists perform various procedures tailored to address specific skin concerns and conditions. These procedures encompass:
- Mole removal: Dermatologists can remove moles from the body partially or completely, subsequently examining them for potential skin diseases, including cancer.
- Electrosurgery: Dermatologists use a high-frequency electric current to perform electrosurgery, enabling them to cut or destroy the tissue.
- Cryosurgery: With cryosurgery, dermatologists utilize extreme cold to freeze and eliminate tissue, effectively treating various skin conditions.
- Laser surgery: Dermatologists harness special light beams in laser surgery, offering precise and effective solutions for various dermatological concerns.
- Vein treatment: Dermatologists assess and treat damaged veins, employing techniques such as sclerotherapy and laser treatments to address vein-related issues.
- Excision surgery: In this procedure, dermatologists use a scalpel to remove tissue and close the layers with appropriate closure techniques.
- Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery is an elaborate technique involving removing cancer cells from the skin layer-by-layer. It ensures comprehensive cancer treatment and preserves healthy tissue.
Each dermatological procedure addresses various skin conditions and concerns, providing patients tailored care to maintain healthy and vibrant skin.
When should one visit a dermatologist?
Seeing a skin care specialist is essential for various reasons, and it's crucial to recognize the signs that warrant a visit to the best dermatologist near you.
- Changes in a mole or skin patch: If you observe any alterations in a mole’s appearance, size, shape, or skin patch on your body, seeking prompt evaluation from a dermatologist is imperative. These changes may indicate potential skin cancer, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
- Acne treatments aren't effective: While acne is a common issue, over-the-counter remedies often suffice for many individuals. However, a dermatologist's expertise is invaluable in cases where these treatments prove ineffective, especially in adults or when acne worsens. They can accurately diagnose different types of acne and recommend tailored treatments, helping mitigate the impact of acne scarring.
- Hair loss: Sudden hair loss or thinning can be distressing, and a dermatologist can help identify the underlying causes, such as scalp conditions, and provide suitable treatment options.
- Rashes: Rashes can result from various factors, including allergic reactions, poison ivy exposure, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis. When a persistent and itchy rash develops, it's time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. They can assess the rash's origin and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
- Cosmetic treatments: Concerns about fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and other aesthetic issues can impact self-confidence. Dermatologists specialize in recommending and performing cosmetic treatments and procedures to address these concerns and enhance your overall appearance.
- Warts: Although generally harmless, warts can be painful and affect one's appearance. Dermatologists offer various removal methods, including topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), or surgical procedures.
Each of these reasons underscores the significance of consulting a dermatologist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored care to maintain healthy skin and address specific concerns.
What to expect at your dermatology appointment?
Once you have selected a dermatologist near you, it's time to prepare for the visit. At your first appointment with a dermatologist, the doctor will ask you questions about the skin problems and symptoms you have been experiencing. Make sure you bring a list of all the recurring symptoms you have been experiencing and tell your doctor how long you have been experiencing them. Your dermatologist may also want to record your personal medical and family history.
Tell your doctor about any other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, or genetic disorders. It can help your doctor recommend the appropriate treatment for you. You must also inform your doctor about the medications you have been taking, including all the over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Certain drugs can cause allergic reactions that may appear on the skin.
During the appointment, your dermatologist may also perform a skin exam to check for issues like moles or skin allergies. Your dermatologist may ask you to change into a cloth or paper gown. If your doctor suspects an infection or a skin condition, they may ask you to visit again for further diagnostic evaluation. For issues like acne, the dermatologist may prescribe medication. The dermatologist may also include specific diet and lifestyle changes in your treatment plan.
How can you keep your skin healthy?
Each person's skin will have different needs depending on their skin type, external factors like the environment, and whether they have a skin condition or other health issues. Consulting a dermatologist near you is the best way to learn how to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
However, following good hygiene and basic skincare practices can easily prevent several skin issues and help you achieve healthy skin. Here are some ways you can protect and nourish your skin:
- Patch test your skincare products before using them: Knowing your skin type and ingredients in an over-the-counter skin care product is not enough to avoid allergic reactions or skin issues. Dermatologists recommend that you patch test a skin care 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 the product, and visit a dermatologist immediately.
- Use sun protection products: Everyone is at risk of skin cancer regardless of the color of their skin. Exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) could lead to sunburns, skin cancer, dark spots or hyperpigmentation, and accelerated 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.
- Frequent hand washing: We often touch many surfaces at home and public places contaminated with bacteria or viruses. Washing your hands with antibacterial soap for about 20 seconds after eating, working, playing, or returning home from a public space can prevent contagious skin infections.
- Avoid sharing personal care products: Items such as soaps, utensils, beverage containers, washcloths, and hygiene products such as toothbrushes, creams, and ointments should not be shared as they could become contaminated.
- Include skin-nourishing foods in your diet: Foods like avocados, rich in vitamins C and E, can help create collagen. Foods such as walnuts, edamame, salmon, and tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These can reduce inflammation in your body.
Find the best dermatologist near you in Roswell, New Mexico
While many over-the-counter skin care products may temporarily treat skin problems like acne or hyperpigmentation, a qualified dermatologist can help you understand the root cause of your skin problems and find the most effective, long-term solution that suits your skin and lifestyle. Moreover, dermatologists are highly qualified and possess medical knowledge of various treatment options.
If you are looking for a top-rated dermatologist in the Roswell, New Mexico area, Zocdoc has got you covered. On Zocdoc, users can book online and in-person appointments with dermatologists in their area or neighborhood within minutes! You can book an appointment and speak to a doctor on the same day, 24 hours in advance, in the morning, after 5 p.m., or even on weekends, depending on your selected provider's availability.
To book your appointment with a dermatologist, on the Zocdoc website, enter your symptoms or skin condition, the date you wish to see a dermatologist, and your location. Click "find" and browse through a list of top-rated dermatologists. Select one based on their clinical specialty, gender, hospital affiliation, wait time, office location, distance, insurance plans accepted, and whether they treat children.
Enhance your Zocdoc experience by adding your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. However, you can only search and book appointments with one insurance plan at a time. If you have multiple plans, include your secondary insurance details in the provider's notes section during the final booking step. Also, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can list your secondary insurance while filling out the forms online. For any related query, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Further, Zocdoc also details each provider's educational background, including their clinical experience, licenses, certifications, awards, publications, specialties, and common conditions patients see them for. Each profile also features honest and verified reviews by past patients.
Booking appointments with the best dermatologist near you through Zocdoc is fast, free, and secure!
Prevalence of skin cancer in New Mexico
According to a 2019-2020 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) report, of the nearly 5,269 active physicians practicing in New Mexico, about 53 specialize in dermatology. Female physicians account for approximately 41.5% of the dermatologist workforce in New Mexico.
According to American Cancer Society (ACS) data, New Mexico had approximately 610 new skin melanoma cases in 2023. An estimated 50 people will die due to skin melanoma this year.
As per the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, between 2015 and 2019, the average incidence of melanoma reported yearly was about 16.8 cases per 100,000. The incidence rate of melanoma between 2015 and 2019 was higher in men (21) than in women (13.3).
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology Association[1]
American Academy of Dermatology Association[2]
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American Academy of Dermatology Association[5]
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Mayo Clinic[1]
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Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
Mayo Clinic[5]
Mayo Clinic[6]
Verywell Health
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
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Healthline[1]
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New York State Department of Health
Cancer Statistics Center
Association of American Medical Colleges
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