Guide About Dermatologists

What Is A Dermatologist?

When you visit a dermatologist, you visit a board certified specialist who focuses on diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists are medical doctors who have taken a specialized interest in this area and have been formally trained during residency to perform the medical procedures associated with dermatology.

What Does A Dermatologist Do?

Dermatologists assess any symptoms and signs you may have to diagnose a disorder of the skin. They will recommend treatment, medication, and certain procedures if necessary to remove or minimize the appearance of the skin disorder that you are currently experiencing. Their work is divided into surgery, medical treatment, and cosmetic treatment.

When To See A Dermatologist

If you have started experiencing symptoms such as the following, it may be time to see a dermatologist.

• Chronic Rash
• Skin Discoloration
• Acne Outbreak
• Lesions on the Skin
• Hair Loss

These are the most common symptoms that bring clients to the dermatologist’s office. Other signs and concerns around skin, hair, and nails can have you referred to a dermatologist.

Do You Need A Referral To See A Dermatologist?

A referral to see a dermatologist is not required. Your primary physician may refer you if you have ongoing symptoms and other treatments have not helped the situation. Second, you can make your own appointment with a dermatologist if you are experiencing signs of a skin disorder and would like to have a specialist look at your skin.

What Does A Dermatologist Treat?

There are several disorders and illnesses that dermatologists treat regularly. Some of them include the following:

• Nail problems and discoloration
• Acne
• Hair Loss
• Skin Cancer
• Infections of the skin
• Dermatitis

After reviewing your body’s affected area and deciding on what may be wrong, they will determine a treatment to either cure or maintain the condition. If the condition is something long-term,  maintenance treatments are a part of the overall treatment plan.

Do Dermatologists Check Private Areas?

If you have some concern in your private areas about the skin or receiving a full-body skin exam, your dermatologist will check your private areas with your content. They will have someone else in the room also, for your comfort. These private areas can also experience concerns with the skin, such as infections or eczema that will appear anywhere.

Can A Dermatologist Help With Hair Loss?

Absolutely. When it comes to hair loss and determining what is causing the hair loss, dermatologists are the medical experts you want to consult with. They can determine what is causing your hair loss, whether it be a temporary side effect of something else or something hereditary causing you to lose hair.

What Do Dermatologists Prescribe For Hair Loss?

There are several things that dermatologists can prescribe for hair loss, based upon the reason for you losing hair. Most patients suffering from hair loss are prescribed supplements that boost their overall nutrition. Things like a lack of Zinc or vitamin B complexes help restore hair growth in temporary hair loss. Other supplements that include biotin or copper are used for those who will continue to lose their hair but reduce hair fall so that they have their hair longer, minimizing the loss. Minoxidil is one of the common medications available for those suffering from hair loss. It is a topical ointment placed directly on the scalp. It reduces hair thinning and encourages hair follicles to grow. Dermatologists also prescribe laser treatments to stimulate their hair growth in follicles that are not growing. This is one of the newer treatments but has proven effective in those whose hair is not growing as it should.

Can A Dermatologist Help With Acne?

One of the most common disorders that dermatologists treat is acne. When you come in for acne, the dermatologists will access what type of acne you have, where it is appearing to know how to treat it moving forward.

What Would A Dermatologist Prescribe For Acne?

If you are suffering from acne, a dermatologist can prescribe several things based on what is causing the outbreaks.

• Topical retinoids
• Medical Soap/Lotions
• Antibiotics

These acne medications are designed to slow down oil production and keep it out of the glands to prevent acne across the face and other affected areas. It is important to note that not all patients suffer from the same cause of their acne.

Can Dermatologists Remove Scars?

If you have a scar that you would like removed for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist can help you with the treatment and removal of these scars. Complete or partial removal/improvement of scars is possible depending on the extent and depth of scarring.

Can A Dermatologist Remove A Cyst?

If you have a cyst that you need to be removed with minimal scarring, it is best to visit a dermatologist and allow them to remove the cyst safely. No matter where it is on your body, you need a trained dermatologist to remove the cyst and capsule completely to prevent recurrence.

Can A Dermatologist Remove A Mole?

If a patient needs a mole removed, they can have that done quickly in the dermatologist’s office. In most cases, they can be anesthetized and and removed off during your visit with the dermatologist.   Your dermatologist will also send the mole to the lab to have it examined and make sure it is a cancerous mole.

How Much Does A Dermatologist Cost?

The cost of a dermatologist is based upon the services that you are having during your visit. There are standard doctor visit costs that differ from the cost of surgery or outpatient treatments. If you have medical insurance, you visit may be covered.

Does Medical Insurance Cover Dermatologists?

Most health insurance policies cover dermatologist services and visits on their insurance policies. When you visit your dermatologist, you will have a copay, and maybe a percentage of the visit owed until you meet your annual deductible.

How To Find A Dermatologist

If you are looking for a dermatologist for your medical or cosmetic needs, make sure to visit us at the Dermatology Institute of Southern California. Our team of medical professionals and staff is ready to assist you with all of your skincare needs. We look forward to seeing you soon.