A medical professional with post graduate qualifications with a major in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases related to skin, and skin cancer is known as a dermatologist. These professionals are skilled to understand the structure and functions of the skin and the connections that are concerned with skin pathologies and failures of other body parts. People perceive dermatologists to be specialists in treating medical issues; however, dermatologists also deal with beautifying skin problems, for example, wrinkles, scars, and early ageing. Several studies of Asian populations demonstrate pigmentary changes as a major component of early aging . After gaining a medical degree, the dermatologists specialize themselves in gaining expertise in skincare, and it is mandatory for the dermatologists to have a valid certificate from the medical board to practice. Few dermatologists specialize in dermatopathology (study of skin diseases at an atomic level), pediatric dermatology or procedural dermatology.
Dermatologists begin their career as doctors after six or more years of academic study, to achieve their medical degrees. Later, they undergo round-the-clock training in a training hospital as a junior hospital doctor. This experience makes them eligible to apply for five-year training in dermatology. After completing the five year program, the dermatologist must gain expertise in microbiology (microscopic organisms), pathology (study of diagnosing a disease), biochemistry (study of organic developments in, and concerning to active creatures), physics and physiology (systematic study of purpose in living systems). Dermatologist can develop their career and revenue by involving in subspecialty training such as dermatopathology, cosmetic dermatology, and further training in surgical procedures.
Services provided by dermatologist specialists are consultation, skin screening, prescribing medication relevant to the medical problem, diagnostic tests, and educating the patient. Dermatologist specialists consult and examine the patient by discussing about patient’s general health issues and dietary pattern, and also understand about the breakouts, epidemics, swellings and rashes. Many patients request for guidance on the use of cosmeceuticals, and understanding the body formation of the patient is essential for the cosmetic dermatologist specialist . The specialists are also invited for seminars in medical schools to advice on the procedures to deal with skin problems. Specialists in surgical dermatology treat skin cancer patients and provide maximum care in the supervision of skin cancer.
Surgical dermatologists provide surgical treatment in all types of skin cancer such as melanoma, cell carcinoma, carcinoma, and different tumors. Cosmetic dermatologists carry out certain cosmetic techniques to improve the general look and feel of the skin. These techniques include dermabrasion; a process that removes multiple layers of skin and provides a fresh and glowing appearance, or laser treatment to get rid of old spots, and lessen skin bruising. As a dermatologist treating darker skinned patients, it is important to understand the different properties of superficial chemical peeling agents to choose the right agents, to address the patients’ dermatological condition .
It is mandatory for the dermatologists to be well-informed about the latest drugs related to skin in the market, and be up-to-date with any judicial laws pertaining to the issues that may arise due to skin problems. In Unites States, it is obligatory for the dermatologists to take up the exams provided by American Board of Dermatology, once in ten years, to continue their license and practice. Dermatologists are considered specialists as they provide quality-of-life services that make them more important, and needed by everyone.
References
Burgess, C. M. (2005). Cosmetic Dermatology (Illustrated ed.). Springer.
