Skin doctors
Skin doctors are physicians who are trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the hair, nails and skin. They can manage medical conditions affecting a wide range of patients, from infants to the elderly. There are more than 2,000 skin diseases, out of which acne, growths, pigmentation, hair problems, eczema, dry skin and cosmetic treatments account for the most common doctors’ visit reasons. A skin doctor’s medical qualification enables them to:
- Diagnose and treat skin cancers and tumors of the skin.
- Comprehend and interpret skin biopsies.
- Perform surgeries related to dermatology.
- Manage inflammatory skin problems.
- Recognize, manage and treat infectious diseases of the skin.
Training requirements of a skin doctor
To become a skin doctor, one must earn a medical degree (MD or DO) and then complete a three-year specialty training, known as a residency. A physician may choose to take an additional examination to become board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology. Most general dermatologists see patients with all types of skin problems, while some may choose to take up additional training to subspecialize in fields such as cosmetic dermatology, Mohs surgery, dermatopathology or pediatric dermatology. You can read more on the subspecialties of dermatology on the American Academy of Dermatology website.
Common dermatologic conditions
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the country, and about 40 to 50 million citizens have acne at any given time. Acne can occur at any age, but it occurs most commonly in teenagers and young adults. It is a general misconception that acne is nothing but pimples; in reality a person with acne can experience signs such as whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, papules and pustules. Acne alone can cause symptoms like blemishes, decreased self-esteem due to visible acne, depression, dark spots and scars. To diagnose acne, the doctor will examine your skin to determine how severe your case is. After the assessment, there are several effective treatment methods that your skin doctor could choose from.
Here’s a list from the American Academy of Dermatology 10 skincare habits that could worsen acne.
Dry skin
Your skin may turn dry when it loses excessive water and oil. Dry skin or “xerosis cutis” can occur at any age. Climatic factors such as cold,dry environments, long baths, skin conditions like eczema, harsh soaps and certain medicines are among some of the causes of dry skin. Visible symptoms like itchy, scaly and red skin can be hard to miss. Extremely dry skin can be a sign of a skin condition known as dermatitis, which can worsen over time if left untreated.
Soothe your dry skin with these quick tips from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Cosmetic treatments
Not only can skin doctors provide treatment for medical conditions that affect the skin and hair, but they can also help patients enhance their appearance. These are some of the cosmetic treatments performed by skincare doctors:
- Chemical peels: This is a procedure that is used to reduce signs of aging on your neck, hands, face and chest. It can also be used to treat acne, scars and pigmentation.
- Laser hair removal: In comparison to waxing or shaving, laser hair removal is a more long-term solution to dealing with unwanted hair. It can be used on the chest, bikini area, face, shoulders, back and neck.
- Microdermabrasion: This is a noninvasive procedure used to even out your skin texture and skin tone. It mainly targets dull complexion, age spots, dark spots and melasma.
Where can I find skin doctors near me?
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Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology
MedlinePlus
Cleveland Clinic
