Dermatological

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Dermatological refers to anything related to Dermatology, the branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair and its diseases. It is a specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist treats diseases, in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Dermatology involves the study, research, diagnosis, and management of any health conditions that may affect the skin, fat hair, nails, and membranes. A dermatologist is a health professional who specializes in this area of healthcare.

Diseases[edit | edit source]

Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different diseases. These diseases include skin cancer, eczema, acne, psoriasis, and nail infections.

Procedures[edit | edit source]

Dermatologists also perform a number of procedures, such as skin biopsies, surgical excisions, specialized injections, and a variety of cosmetic procedures.

Education and Training[edit | edit source]

Becoming a dermatologist requires many years of education. A person must successfully complete the following stages of education and training:

  • Four years of college to earn a bachelor’s degree
  • Four years of medical school to become a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
  • One year of an internship in general surgery or internal medicine
  • Three years of a dermatology residency program

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External Links[edit | edit source]

Dermatological Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD