The field of dermatology focuses on conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. “Dermatology” is a word derived from the Greek word dermatos, relating to derma or “skin.”
With skin disorders affecting millions of people worldwide, dermatology is considered an important area of medicine and accounts for 15%-30% of outpatient medical care in health systems. It specializes in both medical and surgical aspects and incorporates a range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and cosmetic resources.
Although the study of skin diseases has been linked to general medicine for centuries, dermatology is a relatively recent specialist area of medicine, with the first recognized great school of dermatology coming into existence in Paris in the 18th century. The field of dermatology was then transformed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, with the scientific revolution and advances in technology improving diagnostic techniques and providing new therapeutic resources. This made way for the first texts and works dedicated specifically to the study of skin diseases, which helped to attract the interest of the medical community all over the world.
American dermatology first originated in New York City in the early 1800s with Dr.Henry Daggett Bulkley. Having spent time in the study of cutaneous diseases in the hospitals of Paris, Henry Daggett Bulkleylater went on to settle in New York and was hailed a pioneer in American dermatology. He devoted his attention principally to cutaneous disorders, in which he became a recognized authority and one of the first in the country to lecture on the subject.
Over time, the dermatological practice has expanded to encompass a wide range of surgical, diagnostic, and aesthetic procedures.
What Training Do Dermatologists Have?
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in the field of dermatology. Before they can begin practicing as dermatologists, they receive more than a decade of training to become board-certified in dermatology. This requires:
- Four years of college (bachelor’s degree)
- Four years of medical school – to become a medical doctor or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- A one-year internship in medicine
- Successfully completing a minimum of three years of residency training in dermatology
Dermatology residency programs involve working alongside experienced doctors and completing 12,000 to 16,000 hours of treating patients. Some dermatologists may then pursue additional advanced training, or fellowship training, in a particular specialty area, such as pediatric dermatology or Mohs surgery.
The board exam is a challenging exam that tests the dermatologist on the knowledge and skills gained during their years of training. Passing this exam means the dermatologist is board-certified. Board certification can come from either the American Board of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. When looking for a dermatologist, ensure you use a dermatologist board-certified by one of these organizations, so you can be confident that you are receiving care from someone who has completed thorough training and education in dermatology.
How Can A Dermatologist Help You?
When it comes to diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails, no one is more experienced than a board-certified dermatologist. They are expert doctors who can diagnose and treat a comprehensive range of skin, hair, and nail conditions. These include:
- Abscesses
- Acne
- Actinic keratosis
- Birthmarks, such as hemangiomas and port wine stains
- Cysts
- Dry skin conditions
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Melasma
- Moles
- Nail fungal infections/diseases
- Psoriasis
- Skin cancer
- Skin rashes
- Skin tags
- Vitiligo
- Warts
In addition to treating a vast variety of medical conditions, dermatologists also offer a range of cosmetic treatments that are designed to address aesthetic issues to help you look and feel your best. This can include:
- Wrinkle relaxers–BOTOX or Dysport
- Dermal fillers
- Skin rejuvenation treatments, such as glycolic acid peels/microdermabrasion/beta lift peels, Jet peel, diamond peels, and ultrasonic skin rejuvenation
- Fraxel Restore for rejuvenation and scars
- Laser removal for tattoos and brown spots
- Laser hair removal
- Laser skin tightening
- Vascular laser removal for facial redness/blood vessels and rosacea
- Cosmeceutical products, such as sunscreens, eye creams, lip treatments, face wash, and overnight lotions
Dermatology incorporates a wide arsenal of diagnostic, therapeutic, and aesthetic resources. Whether it’s rashes, hair loss, or wrinkles, no one understands your skin, hair, and nails better than a board-certified dermatologist.
Experienced Dermatologist in Coral Gables, FL
At Children’s Skin Center Pediatric and Adult Dermatology, we provide expert care for all your dermatological needs. We treat people of all ages and provide a wide range of advanced, approved medical and cosmetic treatments to help your skin look and feel its best.
To learn more about the services we provide or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert dermatologists, call or text us at (305) 669-6555, or contact us at one of our convenient locations throughout South Florida.
