Dr. GoodSkin


Dr. GoodSkin: What do a dermatologist and a hair stylist have in common? Read to find out.

A blog about what a dermatologist does and how to get one.

When I tell people that I am a dermatologist, I often get the same response: “Oh, you are like a doctor for the skin.”

That is correct, but it does not describe everything that dermatologists do. Hair, nails, and even teeth are all part of our specialty. At an appointment with me you get an expert in skin, hair, and nails all wrapped up into one visit!

I will also see patients for any other type of skin lesion or mass that is concerning them – whether it be a mole or wart or even something more serious like a skin cancer.

Dermatologists are often mistaken for hair stylists, but their jobs are worlds apart. They can, however, work in conjunction with one another to make your skin look as beautiful as possible. One of the most common questions that I get asked is whether or not I’m a hair stylist. While it is true that a hair stylist will often beautify your skin and make you look fabulous (and some even offer massages and manicures), the two fields are completely different.

For one thing, dermatologists specialize in beauty treatments. These treatments include everything from Botox to chemical peels to laser surgery. In addition, dermatologists also treat conditions such as eczema and acne. If you have any of these conditions, you’ll definitely want to see a dermatologist so that he or she can help treat them before they get out of control.

So if you think that a dermatologist is just a hair stylist, then think again! A dermatologist does more than just give you a great haircut; he or she can help make you look absolutely stunning in no time at all.

At its most basic, a dermatologist is a doctor who treats skin, hair, and nail issues. A general practitioner (GP) or family medicine doctor can treat many of these conditions as well. However, derms are the medical expert when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of skin-related health problems and conditions.

Dermatologists go through additional training after medical school to learn about the structure and function of skin, hair and nails. They also gain expertise in treating conditions that affect these areas.

You may think you know what a doctor does but if you have not seen a dermatologist before, you may have a few questions:

What does a dermatologist do?

What does a dermatologist treat?

Why should I see a dermatologist?

Do I need a referral for a dermatologist?

How often should I see one?

In this article we will answer each of those questions so that you can decide if seeing one is right for you.

What does a dermatologist do?

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin, hair and nails. Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails. To become a board-certified dermatologist, a physician must complete four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, one year of internship (during which time they are usually paid $30K/year), three years of residency (during which time they are often not paid at all) and then pass the board exam. They continue to learn through various conferences, journals, textbooks and online resources to keep up with the latest advances in the field.

What can I see a dermatologist for?

Dermatologists treat all ages from birth to geriatrics. Some common conditions seen by dermatologists include acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, “rashes” such as poison ivy/oak or atopic dermatitis, hair loss or thinning hair or premature graying of the hair. Dermatologists also treat infections such as ringworm, jock itch or athlete’s foot as well as many other fungal infections. They also treat moles and other growths on the skin that

What does a dermatologist do? A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases and disorders. He has a medical degree, or MD, and completes an additional three years of residency training that focuses on the treatment of skin, hair, and nails.

A dermatologist can treat any disorder you may have with your skin, hair, or nails. They can also perform cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your skin or remove unwanted hair or moles. Some of the common concerns that patients have when they see a dermatologist include:

Acne

Hives

Psoriasis

Eczema

Skin cancer

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot

Cysts on the skin or scalp

Hair loss

Moles that appear abnormal or new ones that grow suddenly

Warts on the hands and feet

The dermatologist-patient relationship is unique. I like to say that your dermatologist is the only doctor who gets to touch you from head to toe. After all, we treat the skin, hair and nails! Dermatologists are also trained in cosmetic procedures. The field of dermatology has so many specialties and subspecialties, which can make it overwhelming to choose the right one for you.

Dermatologists see patients of all ages, starting right after birth. We treat babies with birthmarks, toddlers with eczema, children with warts and teens with acne. For adults, we assess moles for possible skin cancers, treat psoriasis and other skin conditions and perform Botox injections and chemical peels. We also specialize in treating more complex conditions such as blistering diseases, genetic disorders and autoimmune diseases that affect the entire body but can manifest on the skin first.

We are experts at looking at a patient’s skin for signs of underlying disease throughout the body. We not only treat the skin but act as a consultant for other physicians who may be treating patients with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions that have potential manifestations on the skin surface.

What’s great about dermatology is that there is something for

Stress, bad sleep, and sun exposure can put you on the fast-track to aging skin. Another thing that can age you before your time? What you eat.

“Diet plays such a significant role in our overall health, as well as our skin health,” says dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD. “The foods we consume have the potential to make us look older than we are.”

While some foods can age your skin, others can make it look younger and healthier. That’s why Dr. Guanche recommends making these nine anti-aging foods a part of your daily routine.


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