Looking for a certified Dermatologist in your area? Check out the American Academy of Dermatology's search feature here: http://www.aad.org/findaderm/
What is a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. After earning a medical degree and completing an internship, a dermatologist receives three more years of specialty medical training, becoming an expert dedicated to skin, hair and nails. Many dermatologists have general practices and see patients with all types of skin concerns. Some dermatologists gain additional training and expertise in a specific area of dermatology, such as pediatrics, surgery, or cosmetics. They may go on to have a practice that specializes in one of these areas.
When
to See a Dermatologist
You should see a
dermatologist when you:
Dermatologists are best qualified to
evaluate and treat skin cancer because they receive extensive
medical training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions,
including skin cancer. In advanced cases, a dermatologist may be
part of a team of experts who treats the cancer.
Find a Suspicious Lesion
People of all races and skin types get skin cancer. With early
detection and proper treatment, skin cancer is highly curable. If
left untreated, skin cancer can damage surrounding tissue and in
some cases spread. Once it spreads, the prognosis is poor.
To detect skin cancer in its early and most treatable stage,
dermatologists recommend that everyone perform regular self-
examinations of their skin. Today, more than half of all diagnosed
melanomas are first identified by the patient. A self-examination is
easy to do. Using a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror, check
your entire body for moles and other lesions that:
If you discover a mole or other lesion
with any of the above characteristics, don’t delay in making an
appointment to see a dermatologist. You also should see a
dermatologist if you notice a brown to black-colored streak
underneath or bordering a nail, a pigmented mass in your mouth, or a
dark spot on an eye. Remember, early detection could save your life.
For more information about how to examine your skin for signs of
skin cancer, visit Skin Examinations.
Have Risk Factors? See a Dermatologist Regularly
If you have risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing
skin cancer, you should perform self-examinations as well as see a
dermatologist for regular checkups. These risk factors include:
-
Close blood relative has/had melanoma,
several more distant relatives have a history of melanoma, or a
family history of other skin cancers
-
Personal history of skin cancer
-
History of exposure to ultraviolet (UV)
rays from the sun, tanning beds, or sun lamps — whether intermittent
or year round, even if the exposure was years ago
-
Experienced severe, especially
blistering, sunburns
-
Fair skin, especially when the person
has blond or red hair and blue, green, or gray eyes
-
Sun sensitive, or tend to burn and
freckle rather than tan
-
Large, asymmetrical, or unusual-looking
mole(s)
-
50-plus moles
-
History of x-ray treatments for acne
-
Taking immunosuppressive medications
for severe arthritis or to prevent organ rejection
All
content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
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