Dermatologists are an important part of adequate skincare. Five commonly asked questions about the field of dermatology are answered here.
1) What is dermatology? Dermatology, like other disciplines in the medical field, uses a scientific approach to understanding treating and preventing diseases. Unlike other medical fields of practice, dermatology focuses on the human skin.
2) What is a dermatologist? Dermatologists understand the structure and function of the skin, their medical practice and knowledge are specialized during their medical school education to deal with hair, mucous membranes, nails, and skin. A dermatologist's educational process takes longer than a general physician's education by three years. After dermatologists complete their three-year-long residency, they must then pass a two part test which is administered by the American Board of Dermatology. To be board-certified, the dermatologist must have taken and passed both parts of the American Board of Dermatology tests. Before dermatologists complete their three year residency and pass their tests, they must complete the same medical school program that a general physician does. This includes finishing the same number of internship year requirements.
3) Why is seeing a dermatologist about my skin problems better than seeing a regular doctor? As mentioned above, dermatologists go through the same training as your regular doctor does so they are equally qualified in certain areas. However, your regular doctor has not completed the extra training that allows them to treat diseases of the skin. (Dermatologists also treat diseases of the hair, nails, and mucous membranes.) If you are experiencing a skin problem, a dermatologist is uniquely qualified out of all other medical practitioners, to diagnose and treat your problem.
4) What kinds of skin diseases do dermatologists work with? If you have skin caner, moles, warts, or acne, you should seek out a dermatologist. Dermatologists can also help with cosmetic skin problems such as the appearance of aging signs on the skin. They are knowledgeable about and can prescribe a wide variety medical creams, pills and medications based on your skin's needs to treat problems.
5) What will a visit to the dermatologist be like? A dermatologist should ask lots of questions and show an interest in the problems you have had with your skin over time. You should feel comfortable asking questions about your skin and, of course, a dermatologist should always give you a thorough answer to your questions. Your skin will be given a physical exam and if necessary, lab tests will be run if the source of a problem is not easily identifiable.
6) Should I see the dermatologist regularly? If you have trouble with ongoing skin diseases or problems, you a dermatologist will be able to reschedule you as often as she sees fit as dictated by the nature and severity of your skin condition. If your skin is entering a stage of dramatic change as it does during the teen years or a person's late 20s to early 30s, a dermatologist can inform you of what to expect from your skin from decade to decade and how best to care for it.
