When you visit a dermatologist, they specialize in treating conditions associated with the skin, nails, and hair. Whether its acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, moles, melanomas or even skin tumors, they are the ones to go see. True dermatologists are certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

There is nothing different about a dermatologist than any other doctor that is out there. They go through rigorous training, and are required just like any other doctor to go through an accredited medical school or osteopathic school in order to be qualified. Not only is the training very hard, but dermatologist will also have to spend countless hours doing their residency. In the U.S it is required that they complete at least one year of residency to be able to move to dermatology. If the doctor is not a US citizen or graduates medical school outside of the United States then that doctor will be required to obtain a foreign graduate certificate before they are able to practice in the U.S. Dermatologists are considered to be medical specialists, because they are considered to be full trained medical doctor that specialize in skin care.

A person with a skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis or skin cancer, is most likely referred to a dermatologist by their regular doctor. Because of their specialized training, a dermatologist is better suited to treat skin conditions or assist in managing them. Often, the treatment that they offer includes dermabrasion or chemical peels, laser resurfacing, tissue augmentation, hair transplants, liposuction or sclerotherapy (to treat vascular malformations). Specially trained in the latest, most effective surgical techniques, a dermatologist is also an expert in managing skin disorders that accompany aging, such as hair loss, skin discolorations and other skin changes. Some even specialize in cosmetic treatments, such as botox injections, collagen injections and eyelid surgery.

While the beginning training is enough to call them specialists, dermatologists continue their education. Some will utilize advanced training to gain other specialization titles so they can help you deal with infectious skin diseases, the immune system, and many other categories. In fact, you can even find some of these specialists in hospital settings. This is to help control the contagious skin infections that sometimes occur.

Other dermatology specialists include pediatric dermatology. These doctors work specifically with childhood skin conditions, such as eczema and other skin allergies common in childhood. These dermatological specialists are generally part of a larger medical team used to treat children who often have very complex medical conditions with multiple symptoms.

Skin diseases or disorders are not uncommon for children; as a matter of fact there is high chance that your children will suffer from some type of condition that requires the service of a dermatologist. Skin disorders such as eczema, is a skin condition that affects a large portion of kids these days that typically stems from a type of allergic reaction, and a dermatologist the training to help you get rid of them. There are different severities of the condition, that will require different medication from the doctor, but they will be able to identify it and prescribe a topical or oral solution to get rid of it. Eczema is not something that is just found in children, most people develop it while they are children and some carry it over to there adulthood, so some dermatologist still continue to treat eczema in adults.

When most people think of a dermatologist, teen acne is perhaps the first type of treatment they associate with this specialty. Acne is characterized by the appearance of pimples, blotchy skin, cysts, whiteheads or blackheads. These eruptions are the result of bacteria and oil, which blocks the skin’s pores and causes mild to severe skin eruptions. For persistent or very severe cases of acne, a dermatologist is sought for treatment and relief. The treatment offered may include the dermatologist draining the pimples or cysts with specially designed instruments and a dermatologist may prescribe medications to specifically target and reduce acne problems. In cases where acne scarring has occurred, a dermatologist may perform collagen injections, dermabrasion, a chemical peel or laser surgery to correct the appearance of unsightly pit marks and scars.

Psoriasis is another skin condition that a dermatologist may be called upon to treat. Most commonly affecting adults, psoriasis can also be found in children. Characterized by inflamed, thick, discolored patches of skin, psoriasis is actually caused by an overreaction of the immune system. While most cases are mild to moderate, some patients with psoriasis actually experience arthritic symptoms, and loss of fingernails and toenails as a result of this condition. While most cases of psoriasis can be treated with over the counter or home styled remedies, in these more severe cases a dermatologist may be called upon for specialized treatment and to help a person with psoriatic arthritis manage daily life.

A dermatologist is also routinely recommended for the proper diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles and skin tumors. These highly trained specialists are best suited for treatment, as they have been trained to recognize its symptoms, diagnose and administer the best patient care in these areas. A dermatologist may perform skin biopsies, surgical excisions, special procedures to remove tumors (medically referred to as Mohs micrographic surgery), cryosurgery (freezing cancer growths using liquid nitrogen), topical chemotherapy or any other number of procedures they are specially trained to administer.

Now that you know a little bit more into what a dermatologist can do, you probably now realize that there are some things that you can relate to and may need to see one. Dermatologists take care of a wide variety of things in the medical field that help make life healthier and easier. Most people do not realize that your skin is the single largest organ in your body and you need someone who is an expert in the field to make sure that you are safe. Most people who know will not disagree that a dermatologist deserves the same type of attention of a heart or brain surgeon.