Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #7690
27 days ago
47

Skin Doctor is Called - #7690

Anonymously

A few months ago, I started experiencing persistent acne, dryness, and redness on my face, and after trying multiple skincare products without success, I decided to see a specialist. But I wasn’t sure exactly what a skin doctor is called or which type of doctor I should visit for my condition. After doing some research, I learned that a skin doctor is called a dermatologist, a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders. But I was surprised to find out that there are different types of dermatologists, each focusing on specific areas of skin care. This made me wonder—how do you know when to see a general dermatologist versus a cosmetic dermatologist or a specialist in skin diseases? From what I learned, a general dermatologist treats common conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes, while a cosmetic dermatologist focuses on aesthetic procedures like Botox, laser treatments, and chemical peels. But I was curious—do all dermatologists offer cosmetic procedures, or is there a separate certification required for cosmetic dermatology? Another interesting fact was that some dermatologists specialize in skin cancer and mole removal, which made me realize how important it is to monitor skin changes. I read that a sudden change in a mole’s size, shape, or color could indicate melanoma, but I wasn’t sure—how often should people get their skin checked by a dermatologist, especially if they have no history of skin issues? Another question I had was whether dermatologists only treat medical conditions or if they also provide general skincare advice. I’ve always struggled with oily skin and clogged pores, and I wanted to know—can a dermatologist recommend personalized skincare routines, or is that something only estheticians do? My research also led me to learn about pediatric dermatologists, who specialize in treating skin conditions in children. I wondered—what are the most common skin problems in infants and kids that require a visit to a pediatric dermatologist? Another thing that surprised me was that dermatologists also treat hair and scalp disorders, such as hair loss, dandruff, and alopecia. I always assumed hair loss was a separate field, but I learned that trichologists (hair specialists) often work alongside dermatologists to diagnose scalp issues. But I wanted to know—at what point should someone see a dermatologist for hair loss, and can they provide treatments for conditions like male or female pattern baldness? One concern I had before visiting a dermatologist was whether insurance covers skin treatments, especially for acne, scars, or pigmentation issues. I found out that medical dermatology treatments (like for eczema, infections, or skin cancer) are usually covered by insurance, while cosmetic treatments (like Botox or laser resurfacing) are not. But I wanted to know—are there any ways to get insurance coverage for severe acne treatments or scar removal? Finally, I read that dermatologists also perform minor surgical procedures such as removing warts, cysts, moles, and skin tags. This made me wonder—do all dermatologists perform skin surgery, or do certain procedures require a referral to a specialist in dermatologic surgery? If anyone has experience with seeing a dermatologist, I’d love to know—what skin concerns did you have, and what treatments worked best for you?

Skin doctor is called
Dermatologist near me
Skin care specialist
When to see a dermatologist
Cosmetic dermatology
Acne treatment
Hair loss doctor
Question is closed

On the Ask Doctors service, online consultations with doctors for Skin and Hair Disorders are available for any issue that concerns you. Expert doctors provide consultations around the clock and for free. Ask your question and get an answer right away!

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
26 days ago
Your inquiry about dermatological care reflects a thoughtful understanding of the nuances within the field and displays a proactive approach to managing your skin concerns. Here's a structured response to your questions related to dermatology practice. Clinical Summary Given your symptoms of persistent acne, dryness, and redness, seeking care from a dermatologist is advisable. Common conditions treated by dermatologists include acne vulgaris, contact dermatitis, and inflammatory skin diseases. The choice of dermatologist may depend on the primary focus of your concerns—medical versus cosmetic treatments will guide your selection. Types of Dermatologists and Their Focus Areas - General Dermatologists: Treat common skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. They can also provide advice on general skincare. - Cosmetic Dermatologists: While many general dermatologists offer cosmetic procedures, those who specialize in aesthetic treatments, such as injectables (e.g., Botox, dermal fillers), laser treatments, and chemical peels, may have additional training and experience. There isn't a specific formal certification exclusive to cosmetic dermatology, but many undergo fellowships or additional training. - Dermatologists Specializing in Skin Cancer: They focus on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers and are equipped to perform excisions and Mohs surgery. - Pediatric Dermatologists: They deal with skin conditions specific to infants and children, such as eczema, psoriasis, and congenital skin disorders. Common presentations in pediatric patients may include infantile hemangiomas, atopic dermatitis, and impetigo. - Trichologists vs. Dermatologists: While trichologists specialize in hair and scalp disorders, dermatologists can also manage these conditions. Hair loss, especially when sudden or accompanied by other symptoms, should prompt consultation with a dermatologist for a detailed evaluation. Recommendations for Skin Checks The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual skin checks, especially for individuals with risk factors such as a history of skin cancer, familial predisposition, or numerous moles. Any noticeable changes in moles should prompt an immediate consultation. Personalized Skincare Advice Dermatologists are equipped to provide advice tailored to your unique skin needs, such as oily skin and clogged pores. They can prescribe treatments and recommend appropriate skincare routines, complementing or sometimes superseding the advice typically given by estheticians. Hair Loss Evaluation and Treatment For hair loss, especially if it's rapid or associated with other symptoms (e.g., itching, scaling), a visit to a dermatologist is warranted. They can prescribe treatments for androgenetic alopecia or other forms of hair loss based on evidence-based guidelines. Insurance Coverage Concerns Medical treatments, including those for severe acne or conditions that might lead to scarring, are generally covered by insurance. Cosmetic treatments, however, are usually not. For severe acne, insurers may cover certain systemic treatments (e.g., isotretinoin) if conventional therapies have failed. It's recommended to discuss this with your provider and confirm insurance policies. Surgical Procedures in Dermatology Many dermatologists perform minor surgical procedures, such as the excision of warts, moles, or cysts. However, complex surgical interventions or those requiring specialized techniques are sometimes referred to dermatologic surgeons. Conclusion In summary, if your primary concern is medical in nature, a general dermatologist or one with a specific focus on acne would suffice. For cosmetic concerns, a cosmetic dermatologist might be more appropriate. It's essential to communicate clearly about your concerns during your visit, enabling the dermatologist to provide you with comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Please feel encouraged to reach out to a qualified dermatologist who can assist you in navigating these options further.
Accepted response

0 replies

If you need a detailed answer, ask your question to a doctor

A doctor will answer all of your questions, advise you what to do now to get better, what to do in the future, what best treatments and practices should be followed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service.


Related questions