So what exactly does a practitioner of dermatology do? While the focus is primarily on skin, there are a number of specialty fields that dermatologists cover. Read on to learn more.
When it comes to your skin,
dermatologists have you covered. Whether it's treating or recovering from a serious skin disorder or covering up an unsightly rash or growth, these doctors and surgeons can handle it all.
Dermatology is a complicated and involved medical specialty because it covers a wide variety of afflictions that can come in a variety of sizes, shapes and even colors.
When it comes to dealing with issues relating to human skin, it is often clear that there are hardly two cases of even the same affliction that are identically the same. Because of this, dermatologists are as well-trained and well-versed in all areas of their specialty as any medical professionals, and they may be able to handle more than you even realize.
Dermatology, as it is defined, is a specialty within the field of medicine that deals with treating the skin and its various conditions, diseases and disorders. It is unique because it involves both medical and surgical aspects and also covers areas related to the skin, including hair and nails.
Because of the far-reaching nature of its scope, dermatology cannot truly be broken down into a single, specific specialty. Instead, it is often defined by subgroups that make up the overall field.
Aside from pediatric dermatology, which is defined solely as the standard practices of the field performed only on children - who often face their own unique conditions - the major subgroups of the field are defined fairly specifically.
Cosmetic dermatologists have been at the forefront of plastic surgery for decades. Common procedures that are quite popular and are among the most common in the world today, including BOTOX Cosmetic, liposuction, facelifts and others, are performed by a dermatologist.
Dermatopathology is a sub-field that deals with the pathology of skin and is practiced by a medical professional who could be considered a cross between a dermatologist and a pathologist. Those who specialize in this area are able to identify, diagnose and chart a course of treatment for diseases.
Immunodermatology focuses on the treatment of diseases related to the immune system such as lupus and bullous. Because of the relative rarity of these disorders, immunodermatologists often operate their own laboratories that focus solely on related treatments.
One of the most specific specialties focuses on Mohs Surgery, which is a technique used to remove cancerous bodies without damaging the surrounding tissue. Dermatologists trained in this discipline must double as pathologists and have undergone the necessary schooling and training to do so. Because of the complicated and difficult nature of the work, significant additional training and experience is necessary before a doctor is fully licensed to practice Mohs Surgery.
There are other various specialties of dermatology as well that can focus on even more specific aspects of the concentration. Overall, a dermatologist is typically among the most well-trained professionals in medicine. If he or she cannot diagnose and treat an issue individually, a reference or a referral to someone who can is surely not far away.
