Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat They DoWhat They TreatProceduresWhy People GoWhen to See OneHow to Prepare
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What They Do
What They Treat
Procedures
Why People Go
When to See One
How to Prepare
Dermatologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat issues related to skin, hair, and nails. They address everything from common problems likeacne, hyperpigmentation, and eczema, to more complex conditions likeskin cancersand autoimmune issues affecting the skin.
It’s generally recommended to see a dermatologist once a year for a routine skin exam or more often if you have skin cancer risk factors. You might also go to the dermatologist if you have a chronic skin condition,unusual moles, or a skin infection. Dermatologists can treat any area of the body where skin is present, including the face, scalp, and private areas.
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What Do Dermatologists Do?
Dermatologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat a range of skin, hair, and nail conditions. They play an essential role in both routine care and complex skin-related cases.
Each year in the United States, dermatologists diagnose well over five million cases of skin cancer.They play a crucial role in detecting andpreventing skin cancer, and significantly improve survival rates through early intervention.
You don’t need to have a chronic or severe skin condition to see a dermatologist. Many people with perfectly healthy skin see a dermatologist once a year for a routine checkup. Seeing a dermatologist regularly ensures your skin is healthy and any potential problems are identified early.
During a typical appointment, a dermatologist will first review your medical history and any specific concerns you have. They may perform a thorough skin examination to identify potential issues, takebiopsies, or conduct tests if needed, and then recommend appropriate treatments or follow-up care.
You can also see a dermatologist if you wish to enhance your skin’s appearance with aesthetic treatments, such as laser resurfacing,Botox, or dermal fillers.
What’s the Difference Between a Skin Doctor and Dermatologist?Dermatologists have extensive training and expertise in handling an array of complex skin issues. “Skin doctor” more broadly refers to any healthcare provider who deals with skin problems. This might include general practitioners or evenplastic surgeons. Skin doctors may be able to address some—but not all—skin issues, and do not have the same level of specialized training and expertise as a dermatologist.
What’s the Difference Between a Skin Doctor and Dermatologist?
Dermatologists have extensive training and expertise in handling an array of complex skin issues. “Skin doctor” more broadly refers to any healthcare provider who deals with skin problems. This might include general practitioners or evenplastic surgeons. Skin doctors may be able to address some—but not all—skin issues, and do not have the same level of specialized training and expertise as a dermatologist.
What Do Dermatologists Treat?
Dermatologists can diagnose and treat a wide range of skin, nail, and hair conditions, including but not limited to:
Many dermatologists can also address cosmetic complaints. These providers are often called cosmetic dermatologists. They may treat:
Most Common Reasons for Dermatologist VisitsFrom 2007 to 2018, the most common reasons for dermatologist visits were: skin exams, skin lesions, discoloration/abnormal pigmentation, acne, warts, and skin rashes.
Most Common Reasons for Dermatologist Visits
From 2007 to 2018, the most common reasons for dermatologist visits were: skin exams, skin lesions, discoloration/abnormal pigmentation, acne, warts, and skin rashes.
Common Dermatology Procedures
Cosmetic dermatologists may offer:
Why Do People Go to the Dermatologist?
One of the most common reasons people see a dermatologist is to have a suspicious mole examined. They might have a mole that appears to be growing, changing color, bleeding, or on a part of their body, like the scalp, that is hard to self-monitor. Early detection is key when it comes to skin cancer, so regular skin checks are important.
Another reason people go to a dermatologist is to figure out the cause of a new or persistent skin issue, such as a mysterious rash. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or even allergic reactions can be tricky to diagnose on your own. A dermatologist can help pinpoint the problem and recommend the right treatment.
Other common reasons include managingstubborn acne, seeking advice on skincare routines, a quick skin tag removal, or getting treatments for hair loss. Some people might also want to discuss cosmetic procedures like Botox or dermal fillers to enhance their appearance.
When to See a Dermatologist
See a dermatologist if you have a skin, hair, or nail concern that cannot be addressed with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. You should also see a dermatologist if you have:
All people can benefit from seeing a dermatologist once a year for an annual skin exam to reduce the risk of skin cancer. People with the followingskin cancer risk factorsmay benefit from seeing a dermatologist more frequently:
Is It Worth Seeing a Dermatologist?Seeing a dermatologist is absolutely worth it. Annual skin checks help monitor for suspicious moles and can help detect skin cancer early, significantly reducing cancer mortality (death) risks.Dermatologists have the expertise and tools to thoroughly evaluate your skin concerns and provide tailored treatment plans.
Is It Worth Seeing a Dermatologist?
Seeing a dermatologist is absolutely worth it. Annual skin checks help monitor for suspicious moles and can help detect skin cancer early, significantly reducing cancer mortality (death) risks.Dermatologists have the expertise and tools to thoroughly evaluate your skin concerns and provide tailored treatment plans.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
To prepare foryour appointment:
You should also bring a list of questions so that you can ensure nothing is forgotten during your appointment.
Be prepared for a full-body skin check. You might be asked to change into a gown. The dermatologist may use a magnifying device called a dermoscope to examine certain areas closely and may ask to photograph moles and growths for your medical chart to compare size and appearance at future appointments.
To make it easier for a dermatologist to inspect your skin:
Why Is Dermatology so Expensive?Dermatology is a highly competitive field, and dermatologists are in high demand. Dermatologists undergo extensive education and training, leading to high fees for their services. They also use specialized equipment and perform detailed assessments, adding to costs. Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to call the dermatology provider and check if they accept your insurance or can provide a price estimate.
Why Is Dermatology so Expensive?
Dermatology is a highly competitive field, and dermatologists are in high demand. Dermatologists undergo extensive education and training, leading to high fees for their services. They also use specialized equipment and perform detailed assessments, adding to costs. Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to call the dermatology provider and check if they accept your insurance or can provide a price estimate.
Summary
Dermatologists are medical professionals specialized in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. People see dermatologists for a variety of medical and cosmetic skin concerns, ranging from acne and skin discoloration to skin cancer. Many dermatologists can also provide aesthetic treatments like Botox or dermal fillers.
Before a dermatologist appointment, make sure your skin is clean and make-up free so that your provider can clearly see your skin in detail. Avoid wearing nail polish or jewelry to the appointment, which can hide important features or get in the dermatologist’s way.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Grada A, Muddasani S, Fleischer A, Feldman S, Peck G.Trends in office visits for the five most common skin diseases in the United States.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 May;15(5):E82–E86.Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B.Analysis of types of skin lesions and diseases in everyday infectious disease practice—how experienced are we?.Life (Basel). 2022 Jul;12(7):978. doi:10.3390/life12070978American Cancer Society.Basal & squamous cell cell skin cancers.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Disease and conditions.Peck G, Roberson F, Feldman S.Why do patients in the United States seek care from dermatologists?.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022 Apr;12(4):1065-1072. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00706-0National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer screening (PDQ) - patient version.Lee D, Lipner S.Optimal diagnosis and management of common nail disorders.Ann Med. 2022;54(1):694–712. doi:10.1080/07853890.2022.2044511Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cellulitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer incidence rates.Henrikson N, Ivlev I, Blasi P, et al.Skin cancer screening: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA. 2023 Apr;329(15):1296-1307. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.3262The Skin Cancer Foundation.Annual exams.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Grada A, Muddasani S, Fleischer A, Feldman S, Peck G.Trends in office visits for the five most common skin diseases in the United States.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 May;15(5):E82–E86.Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B.Analysis of types of skin lesions and diseases in everyday infectious disease practice—how experienced are we?.Life (Basel). 2022 Jul;12(7):978. doi:10.3390/life12070978American Cancer Society.Basal & squamous cell cell skin cancers.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Disease and conditions.Peck G, Roberson F, Feldman S.Why do patients in the United States seek care from dermatologists?.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022 Apr;12(4):1065-1072. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00706-0National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer screening (PDQ) - patient version.Lee D, Lipner S.Optimal diagnosis and management of common nail disorders.Ann Med. 2022;54(1):694–712. doi:10.1080/07853890.2022.2044511Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cellulitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer incidence rates.Henrikson N, Ivlev I, Blasi P, et al.Skin cancer screening: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA. 2023 Apr;329(15):1296-1307. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.3262The Skin Cancer Foundation.Annual exams.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Grada A, Muddasani S, Fleischer A, Feldman S, Peck G.Trends in office visits for the five most common skin diseases in the United States.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 May;15(5):E82–E86.Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B.Analysis of types of skin lesions and diseases in everyday infectious disease practice—how experienced are we?.Life (Basel). 2022 Jul;12(7):978. doi:10.3390/life12070978American Cancer Society.Basal & squamous cell cell skin cancers.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Disease and conditions.Peck G, Roberson F, Feldman S.Why do patients in the United States seek care from dermatologists?.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022 Apr;12(4):1065-1072. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00706-0National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer screening (PDQ) - patient version.Lee D, Lipner S.Optimal diagnosis and management of common nail disorders.Ann Med. 2022;54(1):694–712. doi:10.1080/07853890.2022.2044511Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cellulitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer incidence rates.Henrikson N, Ivlev I, Blasi P, et al.Skin cancer screening: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA. 2023 Apr;329(15):1296-1307. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.3262The Skin Cancer Foundation.Annual exams.
Grada A, Muddasani S, Fleischer A, Feldman S, Peck G.Trends in office visits for the five most common skin diseases in the United States.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 May;15(5):E82–E86.
Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B.Analysis of types of skin lesions and diseases in everyday infectious disease practice—how experienced are we?.Life (Basel). 2022 Jul;12(7):978. doi:10.3390/life12070978
American Cancer Society.Basal & squamous cell cell skin cancers.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Disease and conditions.
Peck G, Roberson F, Feldman S.Why do patients in the United States seek care from dermatologists?.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022 Apr;12(4):1065-1072. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00706-0
National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer screening (PDQ) - patient version.
Lee D, Lipner S.Optimal diagnosis and management of common nail disorders.Ann Med. 2022;54(1):694–712. doi:10.1080/07853890.2022.2044511
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cellulitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer incidence rates.
Henrikson N, Ivlev I, Blasi P, et al.Skin cancer screening: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA. 2023 Apr;329(15):1296-1307. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.3262
The Skin Cancer Foundation.Annual exams.
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