Last Updated on December 11, 2025 by Hozen

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer by age 70. This makes dermatologists very important for our skin health. Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders. They do many things, like skin exams, biopsies, and removing moles.Listing what procedures are done in dermatology (biopsies, cryotherapy, excisions) and answering what do dermatologists do generally.

We count on dermatologists to fix many skin problems, like acne, eczema, and skin cancer. They also teach us how to take care of our skin. Plus, they do cosmetic treatments, like injectables and laser therapy. This way, they help keep our skin healthy and us feeling good.

Key Takeaways

• Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail disorders.
• They perform procedures like skin examinations, biopsies, and mole removal.
• Dermatologists provide guidance on skincare and offer cosmetic treatments.
• They play a vital role in maintaining skin health and preventing skin cancer.
• Dermatologists offer personalized care for various skin conditions.

Understanding Dermatology

Dermatology focuses on skin, hair, and nail health. It’s a branch of medicine that studies and treats skin disorders. This field is key to our overall well-being.

What is Dermatology?

Dermatology involves many tasks, like diagnosing and treating skin issues. Dermatologists are trained medical specialists who keep our skin healthy. They handle problems like acne, eczema, and skin cancer.

Dermatologists also give advice on keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy. They treat current issues and teach how to avoid future ones.

Dermatology Practice Tasks	Description
Skin Examinations	Regular check-ups to monitor skin health and detect problems early.
Diagnosis and Treatment	Identifying skin conditions and providing treatments, which may include medications, therapies, or surgery.
Preventive Care	Educating patients on protecting their skin from damage and maintaining health.

The Importance of Skin Health

Skin health is essential for our well-being. The skin protects us from infections and environmental harm. Maintaining healthy skin is more than just looking good; it’s vital for our health.

Poor skin health can cause discomfort, pain, and serious health issues. For example, skin cancer is a big concern. Early detection through regular checks can save lives.

Understanding skin health and dermatology helps us value dermatologists’ work. They have a big impact on our lives.

Common Procedures in Dermatology

Dermatologists are experts in skin health. They perform several key procedures. These are vital for diagnosing and treating skin issues.

Skin Examinations

Skin examinations are a key part of dermatological care. A dermatologist checks the patient’s skin for any problems.

This helps find and treat skin conditions early. Regular checks are key for good skin health.

Biopsies and Testing

Biopsies involve taking a small skin sample for a microscope check. This helps diagnose skin conditions like infections and cancers.

Other tests may be used to find the cause of skin symptoms. These tests are important for a good treatment plan.

Mole Removal

Mole removal is a common procedure. Dermatologists remove moles that might be cancerous or cause discomfort.

The mole is then checked to see if it’s benign or malignant. This helps prevent skin cancer and eases patient worries.

These procedures show how important dermatologists are for skin health. They help diagnose and treat skin conditions, playing a big role in patient care.

Treating Skin Conditions

Dermatologists can handle many skin issues, from acne to psoriasis. We use medicine, lifestyle changes, and teach patients to manage their skin health well.

Acne Treatment Options

Acne is common and treatable. We offer:

• Topical creams and gels with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide to lessen acne.
• Oral antibiotics to fight acne-causing bacteria.
• Lifestyle changes, like a regular skincare routine and not picking pimples.

We create a treatment plan for each patient’s acne needs.

Eczema and Psoriasis Care

Eczema and psoriasis need ongoing care. Our strategies include:

1. Topical corticosteroids to lessen inflammation and itching.
2. Moisturizers to keep skin moist and prevent flare-ups.
3. Systemic medications for severe cases, to change how the body reacts.

We help patients manage their skin by understanding their conditions.

Rosacea Management

Rosacea causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. Our management includes:

• Avoiding triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures.
• Topical treatments like metronidazole or sulfacetamide to reduce redness and inflammation.
• Laser therapy to treat visible blood vessels and improve skin texture.

With a detailed treatment plan, rosacea symptoms can greatly improve.

Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic dermatology treats many skin issues to improve health and look. It’s a key part of modern dermatology. It uses advanced methods to make skin look better.

Injectables and Fillers

Injectables and fillers help reduce wrinkles and make faces look younger. Dermatologists pick the right treatment for each person. This way, patients get the look they want with little downtime.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments fix many skin problems like texture and scars. Our dermatologists use the latest laser tech. They tailor treatments for each person’s skin and needs. Lasers can make skin look much better.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels exfoliate and improve skin texture. They reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Peels can be adjusted for each person’s skin. They range from light for upkeep to deep for serious issues.

We focus on personalized care at our dermatology clinic. Our skilled dermatologists listen to each patient. They create plans that fit each person’s beauty goals.

Surgical Dermatology

Surgical dermatology is key in treating skin issues. Dermatologists use surgery to diagnose and treat many skin problems. This includes skin cancer and other concerns.

Skin Cancer Surgery

Skin cancer surgery is a common procedure. It aims to remove cancerous lesions. We use different techniques to remove cancer and keep healthy tissue.

Mohs Surgery Explained

Mohs surgery is a special way to treat skin cancer. It removes tissue layer by layer. Each layer is checked under a microscope until no cancer is found.

The benefits of Mohs surgery include:

• High cure rate for skin cancers
• Minimal removal of healthy tissue
• Effective for sensitive areas

Repairing Skin after Surgery

After surgery, repairing the skin is vital. We use different methods to close wounds and restore the skin’s look. These methods depend on the wound’s size and location.

The goal of skin repair is not only to heal the wound but also to minimize scarring and restore skin function.

Pediatric Dermatology

Pediatric dermatology deals with skin problems in kids. We know kids’ skin is extra sensitive. So, we use special care to help them.

Common Skin Issues in Children

Kids often face skin problems like eczema, acne, and birthmarks. Eczema makes skin itchy and inflamed. Acne can start from hormonal changes, and birthmarks show up at birth or soon after.

Other issues include:

• Moles and skin tags
• Warts and molluscum contagiosum
• Diaper rash and other skin irritations

Safe Treatments for Kids

Keeping kids safe is our top priority. We use safe treatments for their skin problems. For example, we might use creams or ointments for eczema and acne. Sometimes, light therapy is needed for jaundice or other skin issues.

Condition	Common Treatment Options
Eczema	Topical corticosteroids, moisturizers
Acne	Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide
Birthmarks	Laser therapy, surgical removal

We start with a full check-up of the child’s skin. Then, we create a treatment plan just for them. We also teach parents about their child’s skin health and involve them in the treatment.

Dermatologic Emergencies

Dermatologic emergencies are rare but need quick action to avoid serious problems. It’s key to spot the signs of a skin emergency early. This way, we can get medical help fast. These emergencies can be very serious.

Recognizing Skin Emergencies

Some skin issues need immediate care. This includes severe allergic reactions and infections like necrotizing fasciitis. Knowing the signs of a skin emergency is vital.

• Severe blistering or peeling of the skin
• Rapidly spreading rashes or lesions
• Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus

These signs point to serious problems that need quick medical help.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency

If you face a dermatologic emergency, act fast. Stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Contact emergency services or seek immediate medical attention.
2. Give as much info as you can about the condition, like recent treatments or exposures.
3. If it’s an allergic reaction, use any prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors if you have them.

Quick and right action can greatly improve the outcome of emergencies.

At our dermatology practice, we stress the need to be ready for emergencies. Knowing what a dermatologic emergency is and how to react helps us work together. This way, we can ensure the best results for our patients.

Teledermatology

Teledermatology is a growing field that uses technology for remote dermatological services. It makes it easier for patients to get the care they need without having to see a doctor in person.

What is Teledermatology?

Teledermatology uses technology to give dermatological care from a distance. This includes video calls, phone talks, and sharing medical images. It helps patients get the care they need without having to travel.

Benefits of Virtual Consultations

Virtual consultations are very helpful. They make it easier for patients to get care from home. This is great for people who are busy or live far away.

Some key benefits of teledermatology are:

• Less waiting for appointments
• More care for those in rural or underserved areas
• Getting care from home
• More personalized and timely care

To see how teledermatology compares to traditional care, let’s look at a table:

Aspect	Teledermatology	Traditional Care
Accessibility	High – can be accessed from anywhere	Moderate – requires in-person visit
Convenience	High – reduces travel and wait times	Moderate – may involve significant travel and wait times
Personalization	High – allows for timely and personalized care	Moderate – can be limited by time constraints

By using teledermatology, we can make dermatological services better. They become more accessible, convenient, and personalized. As technology gets better, teledermatology will become even more important in our work.

Preventive Skin Care

Dermatologists stress the need for preventive skin care. It’s about protecting your skin from harm and lowering the chance of skin issues.

Importance of Regular Skin Checks

Regular skin checks are key in preventive care. They help spot early changes or problems, which is critical for skin health diagnosis. We suggest yearly visits to a dermatologist to keep your skin in top shape and catch issues early.

At these visits, our dermatologists will look closely at your skin for damage or disease. This early action lets us offer dermatologist services that fit your skin’s needs.

Sun Protection Strategies

Sun protection is a big part of preventive skin care. UV rays can lead to aging, dark spots, and skin cancer. So, it’s vital to use sun protection every day.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 daily, even on cloudy days.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when spending time outdoors.
• Seek shade, specially during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).

By following these sun protection tips, you can lower your risk of skin damage. Our team, including skincare specialists, can give you personalized advice on protecting your skin.

In summary, preventive skin care is essential for healthy skin. Focus on regular skin checks and sun protection to keep your skin looking good for a long time. We’re here to offer full dermatologist services to help your skin health journey.

Finding the Right Dermatologist

Finding the right dermatologist is key to good skin care. It’s important to choose someone who can handle your specific skin issues. This is vital for your skin’s health.

Qualities of a Good Dermatologist

A good dermatologist is board-certified and has lots of experience. Look for one who knows how to treat different skin problems. They should be skilled in acne treatment, skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.

Preparing for Your Visit

Before your visit, ask the right questions. Find out about treatment options for your condition. Understand what the treatment will be like.

Knowing what dermatologists do helps you make better choices. This way, you get the best care for your skin.

FAQ

Reference

JAMA Network. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/189391