Dermatology 101: Important Facts About Skin Doctors
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is also the body’s first line of defense against everything from bacteria and viruses to heat. Due to the importance of the skin, it makes sense that there is a special type of skin doctor known as a dermatologist.
A dermatologist is vital in making sure the skin remains in peak condition. Dermatologists also diagnose and treat diseases of the hair and nails. With thousands of potential diseases, dermatologists are an essential facet of the healthcare system.
Here’s what you need to know about skin doctors and the procedures they perform.
What is a Dermatologist?
Also known as a skin doctor, a dermatologist specializes in the care of the body’s largest organ.
Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 conditions. They are also referred to as hair and skin doctors because they also help care for patients who experience problems with their hair and nails.
Dermatologists may treat relatively benign skin problems or life-threatening illnesses, such as skin cancer. They are at the front line of treatment for the skin. The skin is the gateway to the body, which is why dermatology is important.
What Procedures Do Dermatologists Do?
A dermatologist, or skin disease doctor, will diagnose and treat a broad range of skin conditions, hair, or nails. They also collaborate with other specialists. This is because skin conditions could point to problems with other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, stomach, or thyroid glands.
Dermatologists may also perform surgical procedures, like skin biopsies or mole removal. Dermatologists may also remove cysts or perform cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, fillers, or Botox.
Dermatologists are qualified medical doctors that went to medical school and completed an internship and residency in the same manner as any other type of doctor.
Skin Specialist or Dermatologist: Is There a Difference?
A skin disease specialist is not a different type of medical professional. The term means the same thing as a dermatologist.
Both professionals are trained to diagnose and treat skin-related diseases. “Dermatologist” comes from the field of dermatology, pertaining to the treatment of the skin.
Much of the confusion comes from the term “skin care specialist.” If someone is referred to as a skin care specialist, they are not a medical professional. Instead, skin care specialists provide beauty treatments.
Specialties Within Dermatology
Some dermatologists choose to specialize within their profession. While not required, these professionals focus on specific patients and types of dermatologist procedures.
The three main specialties within dermatology include:
- Dermatopathology – These medical professionals diagnose skin conditions at the microscopic level. They will typically analyze the results of a biopsy involving skin scrapings or tissue samples using powerful electron microscopes.
- Pediatric Dermatology – Since certain skin conditions are more likely to appear in children, pediatric dermatologists concentrate on these conditions.
- Mohs Surgery – Dermatologists who specialize in Mohs surgery spend their time performing a procedure designed to treat skin cancer. Mohs surgery refers to removing thin skin layers for examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Why Dermatology is Important
Skin conditions range from troublesome acne to skin cancer. Dermatologists also address chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. The skin is the entry point to the body, and understanding what is going on can indicate what may be happening inside the body.
Conclusion
Dermatology is a vast field consisting of several specializations. These medical professionals operate in primary healthcare clinics, specialized facilities, and hospitals. They also play a role in uncovering the latest medical treatments for skin conditions.
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