What is a dermatologist?

Dermatologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails. They receive eight years of medical training including four years of medical school, an internship and three years of advanced training in dermatology. These specialists must also pass a series of comprehensive exams given by the American Academy of Dermatology in order to become board-certified.

How often should I see a dermatologist?

Everybody, regardless of age, should see their dermatologist at least once a year to get a full body skin examination. Patients with a previous history of skin cancer or family history of skin cancer may need to be examined more frequently.

As part of a full body exam, a dermatologist will inspect all of your moles and potential skin cancers and will also identify any potential problems that might be developing on your skin. Remember that your skin is your body’s largest organ. It requires at least as much care as you give your teeth!

What medical conditions do dermatologists treat?

At NDDA, we diagnose and treat patients of all ages for hundreds of different medical conditions related to the skin, hair or nails including:

• Skin cancer
• Pediatric birthmarks, rashes and growths
• Acne, both adolescent and adult
• Skin infections (viral, bacterial, and fungal)
• Psoriasis, eczema and rosacea
• Hair loss and scalp disorders
• Nail fungus, disorders and infections
• Blistering disorders such as pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma and dermatomyositis
• Chronic wounds and scars such as keloids