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WHAT IS A DERMATOLOGIST?
A Dermatologist is a medical specialist trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair and nails. The treatment of these disorders may include surgery, radiotherapy, topical and systemic therapies (oral or injectable medications). More specifically, dermatologists treat conditions including warts, fungal conditions, hand dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, cold sores, skin cancer, allergic dermatitis and many other common skin conditions. Dermatologists must have expertise in microbiology, pathology. biochemistry, physics, physiology and endocrinology. They must be familiar with all the other medical specialties because of their consultant work with other physicians and because skin conditions are often associated with internal conditions.
HOW ARE DERMATOLOGISTS TRAINED?
Dermatologists undergo four years of training in an accredited medical school before beginning a rigorous three year program in dermatology in an accredited hospital-based program. During this time extensive exposure to a multitude of different skin conditions is experienced and the trainee becomes very proficient at the diagnosis and treatment of all of these conditions.
IS THE WORK OF DEMATOLOGISTS CHANGING?
Dermatology is constantly changing itself to meet the challenging medical conditions of our society. New drugs may cause unusual side effects; pesticides, industrial compounds and cosmetics continually pose new dermatological problems. More leisure time and outdoor work has increased the exposure to the sun and other hazards which can cause skin disease. In addition, the proliferation of tanning parlors has lead to increased risk of skin cancer.
WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOGIST?
Arrange to see a dermatologist as soon as possible when symptoms of skin disease occur, or when current therapy is ineffective. Expert diagnosis, rapid cure, and proper management mean less suffering and expense for you the patient.
HOW MANY PEOPLE GET SKIN DISEASE?
The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. It reflects overall health and acts as a barrier between injury and infection. Unfortunately, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some form of skin condition. One of six (17%) of all visits to the family doctor involves a skin problem.
WHEN IS SURGERY PERFORMED?
Surgery is generally performed to prevent or control disease, e.g. skin cancer. It is also performed to establish a diagnosis by removing a plug of skin to be analyzed by microscope.
