A dermatologist is a physician who works to diagnose, prevent and treat conditions of the skin, nails and hair. They can treat anything from acne, dry skin, rosacea and wrinkles. They are also skilled in the treatment of skin cancer. After a dermatologist receives his degree in dermatology and completes an internship, he will need to train three more years in the field of dermatology before receiving a license.
Acne treatments, skin cancer, wrinkle control and scarring are some of the reasons a person may want to seek treatment from a dermatologist. Since the skin is the largest organ of the body many things can go wrong and getting advice from a trained professional is the best thing to do.
The way to find a dermatologist is to ask your primary care physician. They will know who is best suited to treat your particular problem. Referrals from friends and family members and from local medical schools are also a place to begin. The American Academy of Dermatology’s website can help you find a dermatologist in your area as well as give information on any problems the physician may have had.
Some of the questions to ask a physician before receiving any skin care treatment are: Is the doctor board certified? Can I receive the names and phone number of other patients? What are your specialties? Also you can research the doctor on the website of the American Academy of Dermatology to see if any lawsuits have been brought against them or if their malpractice insurance has been revoked and reinstated.
A dermatologist should never try to convince a person to have a procedure for cosmetic purposes only. The physician should be concerned about the health of your skin and not only the appearance. If they try to “sell” a procedure, then another dermatologist might be in order.
Sun, Jul 25, 2010
Health, Skin Disorders