While dermatologists can treat common skin conditions likeacneorwarts, they are also crucial to the diagnosis and treatment of serious ones likescleroderma,cellulitis, andskin cancer. Knowing when seeing a dermatologist is a “must” can help you get to the bottom of a condition quicker and access the correct treatment faster.
This article can help decide whether it’s okay to see a primary healthcare provider for a skin condition or if it’s time to book an immediate appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.
The gluten rash is the itchiest rash possible.Maria Fuchs/Getty Images
When a Dermatologist May Not Be Necessary
A primary care physician, family doctor, or other healthcare provider is more than capable of handling certain skin conditions.
According to the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP), these include:
What Is Skin Redness a Sign Of?
When Seeing a Dermatologist Is Best
As a general rule, a dermatologist should be sought if a skin condition is beyond the scope of expertise of a non-dermatology practitioner.
board-certified dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat over 3,000 different conditions affecting the skin, hair, or nails.You can see a dermatologist foranyissue affecting these parts of the body, whether it is minor or significant.
Among some of the more common reasons why you should see a dermatologist:
Seeing a dermatologist is also advised if a condition ischronicand requires ongoing management, or if you’re treating a skin condition without success.
Dermatologists can also monitor your skin if you are at risk of diseases like skin cancer.
7 Rare Skin Diseases
Why See a Board-Certified Dermatologist?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Associations (AAD), there are clear advantages to working with a board-certified dermatologist:
This not only helps them reach a fast and accurate diagnosis, but provide effective treatment as soon as possible, which can reduce the risk of issues related to incorrect or delayed treatment (e.g., scarring, hair loss, or nail damage).
The letters “FAAD” in a doctor’s list of credentials means that they are board certified and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Understanding Board Certification
How to Find a Dermatologist
Many websites allow you tocheck a practitioner’s credentialsas well as read reviews from other patients. You can also contact your state’s medical board to see if a provider has had any complaints or malpractice suits filed against them.
Finally, you can also ask your primary care physician family, friends, and colleagues for referrals. The best providers are usually well-known in your area.
When to See a Dermatologist
How to Communicate With Your Provider
When selecting a dermatologist, it is important to find one with whom you can communicate openly and comfortably. This includes asking them about their experience, training, and credentials.
Here are some examples of questions to ask:
If you are unsure of the response or simply need confirmation that a recommended treatment is the best course of action, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion. It is not only your right to do so but ensures that you have all the information needed to make an informed choice.
Top 5 Reasons to Get a Second Opinions
Summary
A dermatologist is a physician who has undergone specialized training in diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.
While other healthcare providers can treat common skin conditions like acne, dermatologists have expertise that allows them to diagnose skin conditions more quickly, differentiate common conditions from uncommon ones, and treat skin diseases with the latest medications and treatment protocols.
See a Dermatologist Before Something Concerns You
A Word From Verywell
A dermatologist can treat many skin conditions, but not all of them. Skin cancers, for example, may require the care of specialists known asoncologists, while allergic skin conditions may require the expertise of animmunologist(also known as an allergist).
The benefit of a dermatologist is that they can usually identify the cause of your condition quickly and be able to direct you to the appropriate care just as quickly. They are also likely to know the best specialists in your area.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWrite down any symptoms you’ve had, including when and where on your body they occurred. Bring a list of any medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription). If possible, have relevant medical records sent to the office in advance of your appointment. Finally, jot down any questions you have so you don’t forget.Expect to spend a good portion of time answering questions about your skin, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They will then examine the area of problematic skin, but may also do a full-body exam and take notes of moles, freckles, or features so they be checked for changes during your next visit.It is easier for a dermatologist to see what is going on if your face is clean and makeup-free. Use a gentle cleanser and apply a light, non-tinted moisturizer immediately after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Write down any symptoms you’ve had, including when and where on your body they occurred. Bring a list of any medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription). If possible, have relevant medical records sent to the office in advance of your appointment. Finally, jot down any questions you have so you don’t forget.
Expect to spend a good portion of time answering questions about your skin, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They will then examine the area of problematic skin, but may also do a full-body exam and take notes of moles, freckles, or features so they be checked for changes during your next visit.
It is easier for a dermatologist to see what is going on if your face is clean and makeup-free. Use a gentle cleanser and apply a light, non-tinted moisturizer immediately after.
12 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.American Association of Family Physicians.2019 AAFP FMX Needs Assessment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Treating acne? Is it time to see a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin; diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer: melanoma signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma warning signs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss types: alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.What does FAAS stand for?
12 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.American Association of Family Physicians.2019 AAFP FMX Needs Assessment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Treating acne? Is it time to see a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin; diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer: melanoma signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma warning signs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss types: alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.What does FAAS stand for?
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.
American Association of Family Physicians.2019 AAFP FMX Needs Assessment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Treating acne? Is it time to see a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin; diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer: melanoma signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma warning signs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss types: alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.What does FAAS stand for?
American Association of Family Physicians.2019 AAFP FMX Needs Assessment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Treating acne? Is it time to see a dermatologist?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin; diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer: melanoma signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.
The Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma warning signs.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss types: alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What does FAAS stand for?
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