Specialty4 min read
Dermatology
A dermatologist is a physician specializing in conditions of the skin, hair and nails, from mild problems to life-threatening ones.
According to the AAD: a dermatologist is a physician "who specialises in conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails" and diagnoses and treats more than 3,000 skin, hair and nail diseases as well as cosmetic problems. According to AMA FREIDA, their work includes acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, contact dermatitis, skin cancers and moles. MedlinePlus summarises them as "skin disorders".
FREIDA states that the specialty combines medical, surgical and research skills, serves patients from birth to old age, and recognises the skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases. Methods mentioned include microscopic examination of skin biopsy samples, dermoscopy, patch tests, topical, injected and oral medicines, treatment with X-rays and ultraviolet light, and surgeries such as cryotherapy, electrosurgery, laser and Mohs micrographic surgery. The two professional references (Grade 4) are descriptive and do not set treatment criteria. This page does not cover treatment guidelines for the diseases themselves, which are on the pages for those diseases.
In one minute123
- What is it?
- The specialty of diseases of the skin, hair and nails.
- Who is usually affected?
- People with a persistent or worrying skin problem, from children to older adults.
- Acute or chronic?
- Assessment and possibly a biopsy, then topical, systemic or procedural treatment and follow-up.
- Main symptoms
- Rash, spots, itching, a changing mole, hair loss (depending on the condition).
- Red flags?
- Yes: see a doctor if skin cancer is suspected; a rash with fever or shortness of breath calls for urgent assessment.
- Preventable?
- Depends on the condition; this page does not cover specific prevention advice.
What is it?
A "physician who specialises in conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails", who diagnoses and treats "more than 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair and nails" as well as cosmetic problems (AAD). According to FREIDA: "the diagnosis and medical and surgical management of diseases of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes". MedlinePlus describes them as "skin disorders".
Conditions it covers
According to FREIDA: skin cancers, moles and other tumours; acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, contact dermatitis and other inflammatory allergic and non-allergic skin disorders; sexually transmitted infections; the skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases; and cosmetic problems. The AAD adds hair loss, infections, wrinkles and scars.
Related pages on this site: acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis and the skin. FREIDA mentions eczema in general without specifying its type.
Common tests and procedures
According to FREIDA: microscopic examination of skin biopsy samples, dermoscopy, cytology smears and patch tests. Treatments include topical, injected and oral medicines, and treatment with X-rays and ultraviolet light. Surgeries include electrosurgery, cryotherapy, laser, nail surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery and excision with grafts and flaps.
When to see one
The AAD advises seeing a dermatologist for persistent skin problems, suspected skin cancer, conditions that affect sleep or quality of life, or a rash that may indicate an underlying systemic disease. Training according to the AAD: four years of university, four years of medical school, an internship year and three years of residency in dermatology.
Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus). This page does not cover detailed referral criteria.
When do you need urgent help?
Get urgent care today
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Should I see a dermatologist for any rash?
According to the AAD it is advised for persistent problems, suspected skin cancer, effects on sleep and quality of life, or a possible underlying systemic disease.2
Questions for your doctor
- What is the diagnosis of my skin condition, and do I need a biopsy?
- What are the topical, systemic and procedural treatment options, and their benefits and risks?
- Could the rash be related to another illness I have?
- When should I come back for follow-up, and what signs call for urgent review?
References
- 1AMA FREIDA. Dermatology — specialty description. freida.ama-assn.org/specialty/dermatologyEducational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 2American Academy of Dermatology. What is a dermatologist?. www.aad.org/public/fad/what-is-a-dermEducational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 3MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.