What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a residency-trained medical doctor that specializes in the health and treatment of the skin, hair, and nails. All dermatologist graduated from medical school (just the same as your internist or family doctor) and finished at least four years of training after medical school. Experienced dermatologists can often assess a skin and general health issue almost immediately with proper examination. I once diagnosed lung cancer in a woman based upon the shape of her fingernails.

Who needs a Dermatologist?

The short answer is only those who have skin, hair, or nails; but seriously, anyone with a condition affecting the skin, hair, or nails, those with a personal for family history of skin cancer or excessive sun exposure, folks with acne, warts, eczema, psoriasis, rashes or itches, or those with numerous moles or unusual growths could all benefit from a dermatologist, not to mention those wanting to enhance their appearance with cosmetic surgery such as liposuction, Botox, or injectable fillers.

What does Board Certified mean?

Board Certification for a dermatologist means that the physician has completed a 3-year residency in dermatology, and has been tested and found competent in all areas of dermatology. It is awarded only to those with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the skin, hair, and nails, and the numerous diseases processes that can affect them, and how they are treated.

Copyrighted 2010 by Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center, Piedmont, SC, and may not be copied or reproduced without crediting Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center as the original source.