Many people if asked about what a dermatologist does, would probably recount their time as a teenager when they were referred to a dermatologist for specialized treatment regarding their problems with acne. In reality, a dermatologist does so much more than treat this common skin condition.

dermatologistWhat Do Dermatologists Study?

Doctors who decide to specialize in dermatology learn how to treat medical issues that involve the skin, mucous membranes, nails, and hair. It may come as a surprise to some, but the skin is actually the largest organ in the human body. Just as there are medical specialists that treat conditions for other organs such as the heart and lungs, dermatology is specialized care for the skin; the organ that is our first line of defense against injury and potentially harmful substances such as bacteria and other microbes.

What Types of Conditions Does a Dermatologist Treat?  

While dermatologists do treat problems with acne, they also treat a variety of other health issues involving the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails such as

  • Staph infections.
  • Fungal infections.
  • Eczema and Dermatitis.
  • Hair loss.
  • Warts.
  • Shingles.
  • Psoriasis and Rosacea.
  • Vitiligo (loss of melanin pigment).

Some dermatologists also specialize in cosmetic procedures designed to enhance one’s appearance by removing fine lines in the face, plumping up the lips and cheekbones with fillers, reducing and/or eliminating birthmarks, acne or other facial scars, etc.

Other Dermatological Treatments

Dermatologists play an important role in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer. Those who have a genetic predisposition to melanoma and other skin cancers may want to schedule regular skin screenings with a dermatologist. A dermatologist is specially trained to scan the entire body in order to detect any unusual moles or other skin disturbances. Dermatologists can take biopsies to rule out certain skin conditions and they can perform Mohs surgery in order to remove cancerous skin cells.   

Dermatologists can also perform hair transplants, skin grafting procedures, sclerotherapy (the removal of spider veins) and remove excess body hair as well. 

Summary

If you have a medical issue that involves the skin, mucous membranes, hair or nails, it’s comforting to know that it is possible to receive specialized care for these important medical conditions. 

Peninsula Dermatology Skin Cancer Surgery Center encourages you to visit a dermatologist for the best skin and nail solutions, give us a call or visit us online to schedule an appointment.