What Is a Dermatologist and What Do They Do

Surprisingly, many people wonder what a dermatologist is and what they do, so here is the answer. A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in treating skin, hair, nail, and mucous membrane disorders. There are currently approx. 9,500 qualified dermatologists in the United States of America.A dermatologist can also deliver support for cosmetic issues, helping patients to regenerate the appearance of their skin, hair, and nails.

Facts on dermatologists

  • Dermatology is apprehensive with the health of the skin, nails, and mucous membranes
  • Dermatologists treat over 3,000 skin conditions, including acne and skin cancer
  • There are approx. 9,500 qualified dermatologists in the USA
  • They are trained to carry out skin grafts, laser treatments, the excision of lesions, and much more

Dermatology is a chunk of medicine concerned with the condition of the skin and diseases of the hair, mucous membranes, and nails.

The skin is the main organ in the body. It is the primary line of protection against germs and injury, and often reflects overall health.

Research in 2013 says that the 42.7 percent of patients visited their doctors at some point due to a skin disorder.

Qualifications

It is necessary to know that you are visiting a certified dermatologist. Some practitioners in beauty clinics and spas call themselves dermatologists, but they do not have the correct qualification.

An experienced dermatologist will be certified from the American Board of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

The American Academy of Dermatology is the biggest membership dermatology group in the United States of America with more than 25,000 authorized members. To qualify for final registration with the AAD, a dermatologist has to finish college and medical school as either a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine. 

Licensed Dermatologists have the initials FAAD after their name, which are known for Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. These initials designate that the dermatologist:

  • is certified to practice medicine
  • passed exams given by the American Board of Dermatology or Surgeons of Canada, and Royal College of Physicians.
  • is a qualified member of the American Academy of Dermatology

Here is a useful search tool delivered by the AAD to help individuals with skin, hair, or nail conditions find a nearby dermatologist.

Some Common conditions

The dermatology needs and requires a great depth of clinical knowledge. Dermatologists need to know the several internal circumstances that can cause skin symptoms.

Here are some essential examples of the some common conditions dermatologists are qualified to treat.

Vitiligo 

The skin loses melanin, leading to patches of lighter colored skin.

Acne

One of the most common diseases in the U.S., acne is a disease affecting the oil glands of the skin. It has a range of causes that lead to many different kinds of pimples. Acne can result in depression, low self-esteem, and scarring.

Dermatitis and eczema 

Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. It typically leads to swelling with an itchy rash. Dermatitis takes different forms, including contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. Each affects the skin differently.

Fungal infections

The fungus can infect the skin, nails, and hair. Fungal infections are common, and symptoms are generally mild. They can cause more severe symptoms for people with reduced immunity. A group of yeasts called Candida can cause a wide range of infections, including oral thrush and balanitis.

Hair disorders

About 80 million people in the U.S. have hereditary hair loss. The loss of hair may be the result of an underlying condition, such as alopecia, or an isolated issue. Hair can also be affected by head lice, and around 6 to 12 million children aged between 3 and 12 years have head lice in the U.S. every year.

Nail problems

Dermatologists also treat conditions affecting the nails. These complaints often consist of fungal infections and ingrowing toenails. Nail problems can be indicative of other underlying conditions.

Psoriasis

This is a chronic, autoimmune skin disorder that speeds up the growth of skin cells. This rapid growth results in thick, red skin and silvery scales. There are several different types of psoriasis. Psoriasis can sometimes have a similar appearance to eczema.

Rosacea

Rosacea causes redness in the face, similar to blushing. Small, pus-filled bumps often appear, and rosacea can also lead to visible blood vessels and swollen eyelids. Rosacea can spread from the nose and cheeks to the forehead, chin, ears, chest, and back. Women with fair skin who are in the middle-aged most often experience rosacea.

Skin cancer 

The skin cancer is very dangerous for every individual. Approximately 6 million individuals get treatment for skin cancer in the USA every year, and one in five individuals in the USA will grow a form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Some common types of skin cancer are BCC, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Early treatment can resolve problems of skin cancers.

Shingles, or herpes zoster

This Shingles, or herpes zoster disturbs the nerve endings in the skin and causes a painful rash. Even though the condition clears after some weeks without treatment, intervention is recommended to fast recovery and prevent long-lasting pain, numbness, and itching after the disease has disappeared. Shingles can also potentially damage the eyes.

Warts

These warts are infectious, considerate skin growths that show up when an virus infects the top layer of skin. Warts might show an fundamental issue with immunity, however they often resolve without treatment. A dermatologist can use a range of treatments to remove tenacious warts.