What
is a dermatologist?
Dermatologists diagnose and treat simple and complicated diseases
and conditions of the skin, hair and nails in both adults and children.
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What
special training does a dermatologist have?
Dermatologists are physicians who have completed medical school, a
year of hospital internship in general medicine, and at least three
more years of specialized medical and surgical training called residency.
Once they have completed the residency, they must pass an extensive
examination given by the American Board of Dermatology to become board-certified
in dermatology.
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What
do dermatologists treat?
Some of the things dermatologists treat include: dermatitis, eczema,
atopic dermatitis, skin allergies, hives, psoriasis, acne, warts,
bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections, venereal diseases, blistering
diseases, connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, hair loss, nail
diseases, moles, other skin growths, precancerous skin lesions, and
skin cancers. Anything that affects your skin, hair, or nails is within
the expertise of the dermatologist.
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Who
should see a dermatologist?
Anyone with any condition of the skin, hair, or nails may benefit
from seeing a dermatologist. If you have a new or changing mole or
a sore that will not heal, these may be signs of a skin cancer. Other
important features of skin cancer are the ABCDs of melanoma: asymmetry,
borders, color, and diameter. If you have had a lot of sun exposure
during your life, or if someone in your family has had skin cancer,
you may have an increased risk of developing skin cancer yourself.
Adults should check their own skin monthly and have an annual skin
check by a dermatologist. |
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