Dermatologists are physicians who
specialize in skin care. They receive extensive training to help keep skin
healthy and to treat skin problems.
What can I expect from my visit to a
You can expect several things during your visit:
Interest in you, your skin problem and your
Medical expertise, history and a physical exam
relevant to your skin problem.
Any needed testing, such as lab tests, or a
prescription for tests.
An explanation of the condition, treatment
options and potential adverse reactions to medicines if prescribed.
An estimated time and cost of the treatment you
Information about needed return visits.
Do I really need to take
care of my skin?
Absolutely! Did you know that your skin is an organ of your body? It is
the largest and most visible of the body's organs and one of the most
complex because it interacts with many other organs. Its main purpose is
to act as a shield protecting your insides from external stress: disease,
infection and environmental factors such as the sun, wind and rain. Your
skin also plays an important part in your appearance. By taking care of
your skin, you help it do its job and look healthy, too.
What functions does the
Protector Your skin takes quite a beating! It comes into contact
with harmful agents, such as bacteria, viruses and allergens (substances
that can cause allergic reactions), and it works to protect your body from
their effects. It also helps regulate your body temperature; for instance,
to cool down, you sweat when you exercise. The skin can do all this while
withstanding everyday assaults from the environment: sun, wind, heat,
dryness, cold weather, pollution and cigarette smoke. All these factors
can damage the skin, limiting its protective function.
Window of Health Your skin also reflects your health. When you
are healthy, your skin glows. When you do not eat well or are under
stress, your skin shows it. Also, because your skin interacts with other
organs, it can alert you to health problems that may be going on in your
How can I take care of my skin?
Here are some simple steps most people can take to protect their skin:
- If you have normal or dry skin, use moisturizers
and gentle, nondrying cleansers.
- Help prevent skin cancer by daily using sunscreen
(SPF 15 or higher) outside, wearing protective clothing outdoors and
avoiding overexposure to the sun and artificial tanning.
- Wear gloves when you wash dishes, use harsh
chemicals, garden, rake leaves and do other activities that can be hard
on your hands.
Proper care of the skin also should include the help
of a dermatologist.
What kind of training do
After medical school and a year of hospital residency in general medicine,
dermatologists have at least three more years of intensive medical and
surgical training. Dermatology residency training focuses on the skin,
hair, nails and mucous membranes (the "wet skin" of the mouth and genital
area). Board-certified dermatologists have completed this training and
passed a comprehensive test given by the American Board of Dermatology.
About 8,500 board-certified dermatologists practice in the United States.
What role can a dermatologist play in the care of
A dermatologist can help you care for your skin in important ways:
Diagnosis Dermatologists diagnose skin disease quickly and
effectively by noting your symptoms and checking your skin. They then
give you options for proven treatments. If you have any symptoms of skin
disease, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Prevention Dermatologists can also help you prevent
unnecessary damage to your skin. They do this through education and by
showing you how to examine your skin for signs of skin cancer or other
Dermatologists are also skin surgeons. They often perform surgery on the
skin to prevent disease, provide early control of disease or improve how
the skin looks.
Cosmetic Procedures Dermatologists can improve the
appearance of skin damaged by aging, sunlight or disease. Some ways they
do this include chemical peels (a form of skin rejuvenation),
liposuction (a type of fat removal) and removal of skin growths,
discoloration or unwanted veins.
Is there a certain age when
people should first see a dermatologist?
No. Dermatologists treat people of all ages. Skin problems can affect
everyone from newborns to older adults. You or your family members should
see a dermatologist whenever you have symptoms of skin trouble. Even if
you have never had skin problems, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist
as an adult. Nearly everyone will have some kind of skin problem in their
lifetime. The skins protective barrier can break down due to age, disease
or other factors. Your dermatologist can help you watch for the long-term
effects of the environment, aging and disease and also help prevent skin
When might I benefit from regular visits to a
Some adults regularly visit a dermatologist to help find conditions such
as skin cancer early. Since skin cancer is the most common cancer, it is a
good idea to regularly see a dermatologist for skin checkups. You also
should check your own skin for changes in moles and for new lumps or
What common problems do dermatologists treat
Dermatologists have many effective medical and surgical treatments for
problems of the skin, hair and nails. Here are some common conditions they
Acne Acne is the term for plugged pores,
pimples and deeper lumps such as cysts that occur on the upper half of the
body. Acne affects most teenagers, but adults can get acne, too. One
survey placed acne as the most often treated skin disorder. Today, medical
treatment can reduce scarring due to acne.
Athlete's Foot A fungal infection causes athlete's foot.
Moisture, such as sweating, and tight shoes and socks make the perfect
setting for a fungus to grow on your feet.
Cold Sores The herpes simplex virus can cause blisters called
cold sores almost anywhere on a person's skin. The virus has two types.
One tends to occur around the mouth and nose, and the other often appears
on the buttocks and genitals.
Hair Loss Hair loss can occur for many reasons, the most common
of which is hereditary baldness. New medicines may help reduce baldness in
some people. Another treatment option is a hair transplant, which involves
moving small plugs of hair-growing skin from the back and sides of your
scalp to the balding areas.
Hives Another name for hives is "wheals." These pink swellings
occur in groups on any part of the skin. Each wheal lasts a few hours
before fading away, leaving no trace. Hives usually itch and may also
sting or burn. Allergic reactions to foods, drugs and other allergic
triggers can cause hives.
Nail Problems Problems with your fingernails or toenails could be
a sign of a health problem. See a dermatologist if your nails are thick,
tough or painful or have scaling, white spots or red lines on them.
Psoriasis Taking its name from the Greek word for "itch,"
psoriasis is a persistent skin disease. In psoriasis, the skin forms red,
thick patches covered by silvery scales. Most often psoriasis affects the
scalp, elbows, knees and lower part of the back. More than 5 million
Americans have psoriasis.
Rashes Often called dermatitis, rashes can become itchy or
painful. Rashes have many causes, including allergic reactions, friction,
prolonged exposure to heat and moisture, or contact with irritants, such
as harsh chemicals. Hand eczema is a common rash. Many people with this
problem start with dry, chapped hands that later become red, scaly and
Warts A virus causes warts. The four most common kinds of wart
are hand, plantar (foot), flat and genital warts. Warts usually are
skin-colored and feel rough.
Will I need prescription
When appropriate, dermatologists recommend medicines, such as creams or
pills. They are trained to prescribe drugs that have the best chance of
helping and the least chance of harming you.
What changes are taking place in the field of
Many changes are occurring in this field of medicine. Dermatologists have
new ways to effectively treat skin problems, so that their patients will
get better faster.