What is a dermatologist?
The derma or skin, the largest and heaviest organ in the body, protects the body and internal organs from cold, heat, bacteria, germs, viruses, fungi, and more. It aids in regulating body temperature and boosting your immune system. Most diseases or ailments first show their symptoms on the skin. Therefore, the skin is also a good indicator of overall health and well-being.
A dermatologist, commonly called a skin specialist, is a certified doctor specializing in preventing, diagnosing, managing, and treating health concerns affecting the skin, nails, hair, and membranes. The field of study associated with skin is called dermatology.
A dermatologist can examine a prominent birthmark in a baby to determine whether it is life-threatening. They check the moles in your body for early signs of melanoma or skin cancer and provide appropriate treatment. They can effectively diagnose rashes or skin allergies and prescribe appropriate medications or ointments to relieve the redness and itching.
They can check the membranes that cover your internal organs and detect life-threatening conditions that require immediate specialist attention. They can effectively treat hair loss in young men and women.
Common skin conditions treated by a dermatologist
There are hundreds of conditions that can affect our skin. Dermatologists are trained to identify the issues and provide effective treatment. The most common skin conditions that people experience during their lifetime include:
- Eczema - Eczema is a common skin condition that develops during early childhood. In some cases, it may also develop during adulthood. Different types of eczema include atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is an eczema type, and about one in 10 people develops it in their lifetime, making it quite common. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, atopic dermatitis affects about 25% of children and 3% of adults in the USA. Almost 60% of people with eczema acquire the condition during their first year of childhood, while nearly 90% acquire it before five years of age. However, eczema can develop in adulthood or during puberty.
Eczema causes skin rashes on the face, neck, elbows, scalp, legs, wrists, or ankles. These rashes may thicken, change color, become bumpy, and be very itchy. They may also cover significant adult body parts, resulting in more extensive dry and highly itchy areas. As of now, eczema has no cure. In most cases, it goes away on its own. Dermatologists can prescribe medications that help relieve the symptoms.
- Melanoma - Melanoma is a severe skin cancer that can quickly spread to different body parts. It usually first develops as a pigmented portion of the skin or a mole. If a mole looks uneven or asymmetrical, has uneven color or ragged edges, and changes in size and shape, it could be an early sign of melanoma. Visit the dermatologist immediately if you notice any such characteristics in the moles on your body.
People with fair skin are more at risk of melanoma than dark-skinned people. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, over one million people in the USA are living with melanoma skin cancer. Approximately 192,310 new melanoma cases, including about 96,480 invasive and about 95,830 noninvasive (in situ) melanoma cases, were reported in 2019 in the US. With almost 57,220 patients in men and about 39,260 in women, invasive melanoma is estimated to be the fifth most common type of cancer in the US in 2019.
Regular mole checks and screenings with the dermatologist can help detect melanoma in its initial stage and receive early treatment. After a detailed examination, the dermatologist may recommend appropriate treatment, including radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.
- Acne - Acne is the most commonly observed skin condition in the USA. It can occur when the sebaceous glands secrete too much oil or sebum, which blocks the tiny hair follicles. The different kinds of acne include pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules. If left untreated, acne can be painful and even lead to scarring. Acne usually develops during puberty and affects many teenagers and young adults. In some cases, acne may also occur during adulthood or the 30s and 40s. Women are more susceptible to acne due to constant hormonal changes occurring in their bodies.
The dermatologist first conducts a detailed examination to determine the kind of acne and then provides appropriate treatment to remove and prevent acne breakouts in the future.
Who are pediatric dermatologists?
Pediatric dermatologists are specialized doctors dedicated to caring for the skin, hair, and nails of children ranging from infants to teenagers. They are proficient in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of conditions, including problems like acne and more severe issues like skin cancer. Typically, a referral from your child's pediatrician is the pathway to seeing a pediatric dermatologist. Children can develop unique skin issues distinct from those seen in adults, and pediatricians are well-equipped to identify these and recommend a specialist if necessary.
Moreover, pediatric dermatologists are adept at addressing the emotional aspect of children's health concerns, recognizing that children experience medical settings differently than adults.
Education of pediatric dermatologists
Individuals follow a structured educational and training path to become a pediatric dermatologist. They begin by graduating from medical or osteopathic medical school. Subsequently, they embark on a specialized journey, typically completing a three-year dermatology residency, a two-year pediatric residency, or both, depending on their prior training. After this, they dedicate one year to a pediatric dermatology fellowship program.
Certification is a crucial step in this process, as aspiring pediatric dermatologists must achieve certification in general dermatology from either the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology and obtain certification in pediatric dermatology from the same respective boards.
What conditions can a pediatric dermatologist treat?
Pediatric dermatologists can treat various skin conditions, including birthmarks, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, vitiligo (loss of skin pigment), and others. They also perform procedures like removing skin growths like warts, cysts, or moles, administering laser treatments, and conducting skin biopsies to aid in diagnosis. They can also manage and treat skin cancer, prescribe medications, and formulate long-term treatment plans for chronic conditions.
Pediatric dermatologists practice in clinics or hospitals, diagnosing and treating children with issues related to their skin, hair, and nails. They play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of children by addressing their unique dermatological needs and fostering their comfort in medical settings.
How to take care of your skin?
Understanding your skin type is necessary to find the right products and maintain healthy skin. Dermatologists offer the following advice:
- Daily sunscreen use - Daily sunscreen is vital for safeguarding your skin from damaging UV rays, which can result in sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. Pick a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30. You can use a moisturizer with SPF for convenience, but remember to reapply it for continuous protection.
- Avoid tanning beds - Tanning beds expose your skin to damaging UV radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Instead of using tanning beds, opt for self-tanning products that give you a natural-looking glow without the risk of skin damage.
- Simplify skincare - Less is often more when it comes to skincare. Using too many products, especially those with anti-aging ingredients, can irritate your skin. Stick to the basics: a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. Develop a consistent morning and evening routine that suits your skin.
- Protect your lips - Lips are also vulnerable to skin cancer, so use a lip balm or lipstick with SPF when outdoors. Use petroleum jelly for added moisture if your lips are chapped or dry.
- Avoid touching your face - Touching your face can transfer dirt, germs, and oil, potentially leading to breakouts. Refrain from picking or squeezing pimples, as this can cause scarring.
Taking good care of your skin is essential, as it is your body's largest organ. Consult a dermatologist near you if you have any questions about your skin or skincare routine.
How to get ready for your first dermatology appointment?
Being well-prepared for your initial visit with a dermatologist can make the experience more efficient and ensure that your doctor understands your skin and overall health. Use this simple checklist to guide you:
- Collect relevant medical details. - Before your appointment, put together a summary of your health history, especially anything related to your skin. This can include:
- Previous skin problems or diagnoses
- Surgeries or treatments you've had in the past
- Medications and supplements you currently use
- Any other health issues that could affect your skin
Writing all of this down in advance will make it easier to share accurate information
during your consultation.
- Bring pictures of past skin flare-ups - If you've dealt with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, it's helpful to bring photos from when the symptoms were more visible. These can be especially valuable if your skin is clear on the day of your visit or if you're dealing with symptoms that come and go. Images can help the dermatologist recognize and diagnose recurring issues more effectively.
- List your questions ahead of time - Think about any concerns you may have related to your skin, hair, or nails, and jot them down. Bringing a list of questions helps ensure that you address all your concerns without missing anything.
- Dress comfortably and avoid heavy cosmetics - Since your doctor may need to examine different areas of your skin, it's best to wear loose, easy-to-remove clothing. Also, skip wearing foundation or heavy makeup, as coming in with a clean face or minimal product allows your dermatologist to examine your skin more thoroughly.
By following these tips, you'll be able to make the most of your first visit with a dermatologist near you.
Finding the best dermatologist near you in Scottsdale, Arizona
With Zocdoc, you can easily find the best and most experienced board-certified dermatologists in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our website has a detailed list of qualified dermatologists.
The process is simple: Create a free account on Zocdoc. Next, choose your specialty or condition, location, date, and insurance plan. A comprehensive list of doctors based on your search criteria will appear. Zocdoc has partnered with qualified, experienced dermatologists in Scottsdale, Arizona, who provide extensive advice and treatment to patients.
You can even use the Zocdoc insurance detector if you need clarification on your insurance plan. If your insurance plan isn’t displayed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card for assistance. Zocdoc will scan the image to help identify and suggest your likely plan. If you experience any difficulties with the upload, the Zocdoc service team is ready to assist. For more insurance-related queries, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Each board-certified dermatologist on Zocdoc has a profile that includes a brief introduction, education qualifications, practice location, patient reviews, and visit reasons. Therefore, you can learn everything you need about a particular dermatologist near you on a single platform.
After completing an appointment, Zocdoc asks the patient to leave a review. Therefore, the best way to find the most trusted and, by extension, the best dermatologist near you in Scottsdale, Arizona, is to read updated patient reviews on Zocdoc. You may even filter the search results by gender if you're specifically looking for female or male dermatologists near you.
You can also book video appointments on Zocdoc before an in-person visit to better understand your dermatologist. Look for a purple video icon on dermatologists' profiles or filter the video appointment selection.
Book appointments with the best dermatologists near you who accept your insurance plan in real time. All Zocdoc bookings are simple, secure, and free!
Statistics on dermatologists, melanoma, and eczema, Arizona, USA
According to the May 2021 report published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the USA has about 9,230 practicing dermatologists. With nearly 340 practicing dermatologists, Arizona ranks fifth highest in the USA. This makes Arizona well-equipped to tackle the challenges of skin-related care.
According to the 2023 estimates published on the American Cancer Society website, about 97,610 new cases of melanoma (about 39,490 in women and 58,120 in men) will be reported in the USA. About 7,990 people (about 2,570 women and 5,420 men) are expected to die of melanoma in the USA.
The year 2023 estimates published on the Cancer Statistics Center website state that almost 2,800 new melanoma cancer cases and about 210 deaths will be detected in Arizona, with an incidence rate of nearly 27.8%.
According to the National Eczema Association, about 16.5 million, or 7.3% of adults in the USA, have atopic dermatitis or eczema, and nearly 40% of those suffer from moderate to severe conditions. Approximately 9.6 million children in the USA (1 to 17 years) have atopic dermatitis, and one-third experience mild to severe symptoms. The childhood prevalence of atopic dermatitis has increased from about 8% to about 15% since 1997.
About 16.5 million, or 7.3% of adults in the USA, have atopic dermatitis, and nearly 40% suffer from moderate to severe conditions. About 80% of people affected by AD have developed the condition before the age of six years. More than 20% of individuals with AD also have asthma and are highly susceptible to allergic rhinitis and food allergy. More than 50% of children with severe AD are more likely to develop asthma.
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology[1]
American Academy of Dermatology[2]
American Academy of Dermatology[3]
News Medical Life Sciences
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Cleveland Clinic
Healthline
MedicalNewsToday
National Eczema Association
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Cancer Society
Cancer Statistics Center
Cumberland Skin
