What Do Dermatologists Do?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who has undergone additional training to specialize in all things skin-related. This allows them to treat a wide range of conditions, the diversity of which might come as a surprise to many.  

The skin is the body’s largest organ and includes the hair and nails. Therefore, if you suffer from hair loss, the best treatment will be from a dermatologist who has honed their expertise in this specific condition. The same applies to a complicated fungal nail infection, and you’ll also need the services of a dermatologist for issues like rosacea, tissue reconstruction, mole removal, dermatitis, and more.

Dermatologist Treatment: A Dive into the World of Skin Doctor Expertise

• How does someone become a dermatologist?
• What’s the difference between a dermatologist and a board-certified dermatologist?

How does someone become a dermatologist?

Qualifying as a dermatologist first requires a medical degree. This takes extensive academic and practical education. The typical pathway is:

• Gaining a Bachelor’s degree at college (four years)
• A further four years at medical school to earn the title of medical doctor.
• A full year as an intern in a medical facility.
• A three-year dermatology residency program, working alongside experienced dermatologists and gaining 12,000 to 16,000 patient treatment hours.

What’s the difference between a dermatologist and a board-certified dermatologist? 

Once the aforementioned is successfully completed, a doctor earns the right to use the title of dermatologist. Many then choose to take a board dermatologist exam from one of the following overseers of the industry:

• The American Board of Dermatology.
• The American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology

For those who train and/or practice north of the border, then there’s also a board dermatologist exam from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada that is recognized across the whole of North America.

Once a doctor has successfully taken a board exam, they can use the letters FAAD (Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology) after their name.

From Skin Cancer to Anti-Aging: Why a Dermatologist Has an Extensive Range of Skills

• What does a dermatologist do? Typical investigations and treatments
• What does a dermatologist do: Sub-specialty fields

What does a dermatologist do? Typical investigations and treatments

Dermatologists treat everything that is skin, hair, and nails related. The reason they all fall under the same banner is that they’re made up of the same types of cells (albeit in slightly different combinations). They also have the same overarching function—which is to give structure, provide a barrier, and protect the sensitive inner elements of the body.

Some typical ailments and issues that might warrant specialist dermatological care include:

• Acne.
• Skin cancer.
• Hair loss.
• Dermatitis (including contact dermatitis and other allergies).
• Rosacea.
• Psoriasis.
• Eczema.
• Rashes.
• Anti-wrinkle and anti-aging.
• Nail fungus and other nail problems.
• Skin infection—including cellulitis.
• Canker sores.
• Age spots.
• Keloid and other scars.
• Varicose and thread veins.

A dermatologist has a host of different treatments to use depending on what the condition requires. These continue to evolve and improve as research and technology break through many of the historical treatment barriers. Typical options include:

• Laser surgery: Using a laser to cut and remove an area of tissue. Lasers are also used in a variety of anti-aging procedures.
• Traditional surgery: Using a scalpel or a blade to remove a piece or layers of tissue.
• Cryotherapy: The use of extreme cold on a targeted area to either remove or break down tissue.
• Electrosurgery: This uses the power of a high-frequency electric current to destroy tissue.

What does a dermatologist do? Sub-specialty fields

Dermatologists often hone their skills to become experts in a very narrow medical field. For example, that of skin cancer, lesions, and moles. One example of this is Mohs Surgery.

Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating the most common types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Mohs surgery is a three-pronged approach, where one surgeon carefully removes the affected tissue layer by layer. Each one is examined by a dermatopathologist (another sub-specialty of this branch of medicine) to ensure every element of the cancerous tissue is removed. 

Once this is complete, the area will either be dressed, or the services of a plastic surgeon (again another sub-specialty) will be needed to reconstruct the area.

Other highly specialized dermatology skills include:

• A pediatric dermatologist: One who specializes in skin, nail, and hair treatment for babies, children, and young adults.
• A cosmetic/aesthetic dermatologist: Such a professional will carry out plastic surgery as well as advanced skin treatments to combat anti-aging and skin that’s been damaged by trauma or disease.
• Oral and genial dermatologist: An expert who treats skin conditions of the mouth and genitals.
• Allergies and immunology: A dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions that stem from an immune system disorder or allergic reactions from an external source.
• Hair and nail conditions: Including fungal disorders and hair loss.

Some dermatologists remain patient-focused, others might move into a more pathological role. This list and all the examples mentioned are by no means exhaustive. There are many micro-specialties within the field. This often means that particular conditions, once diagnosed (or during the diagnostic process), might need to be seen by more than one professional to reach the ultimate definitive treatment.

The world of dermatology (and, indeed, any area of medicine) isn’t a one-size-fits-all pathway. Every human body is unique, meaning that rarer conditions might require the input of multiple medical professionals to define the correct treatment plan.  

With the rise in demand for aesthetic dermatology, patients and clients will likely have a dynamic treatment plan. This is because skin requirements change as we age. What’s suitable for a 20-year-old won’t necessarily hit the spot in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

Need a Dermatologist Today? Contact Bayou City Dermatology

Bayou City Dermatology provides advanced clinical treatment for everything to do with the skin, hair, and nails. Our hand-picked team works in every area and sub-specialty of dermatology, making us the go-to provider for anything related to this medical field.

As well as providing the best medical care, our aesthetic arm of the clinic is second to none. We offer the most advanced treatments to target every element of anti-aging, body sculpting, and the body beautiful—no matter what your age.

Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/ for more information and contact our friendly team to book a consultation.