Ever caught yourself staring at a weird mole in the mirror and wondered, "Should I get this checked?" Or maybe you've spent a fortune on acne products with zero results. That's when you start asking: what does a dermatologist even do? Let's cut through the jargon. Dermatologists are skin whisperers. They don't just treat zits and rashes – they diagnose life-threatening cancers, manage chronic conditions like eczema, and yes, even help with wrinkles if that's your jam. I learned this the hard way when my cousin ignored a changing mole for months. Turned out to be melanoma. Could've been avoided with one 10-minute visit.
The Core Stuff: Medical Dermatology
This is where dermatologists save lives, period. They're trained to spot the difference between a harmless spot and skin cancer. When people ask "what does a dermatologist do," most don't realize cancer detection is a huge chunk of their work. Think full-body checks with special magnifying tools called dermatoscopes. My guy spends 20 minutes scanning every inch – even between toes.
Conditions They Treat Daily
Ever tried Googling a rash? You'll convince yourself it's leprosy. Dermatologists see hundreds of these daily. Rosacea, psoriasis, those stubborn fungal infections in gym locker rooms... they diagnose it all. But here's what shocked me: skin issues often reflect internal problems. Like that persistent itchy rash? Could be a sign of kidney disease.
| Condition | How Dermatologists Treat It | Why You Shouldn't DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | Prescription retinoids, hormonal therapy, chemical peels | Drugstore stuff won't touch cystic acne (learned this at 16 with pizza-face phase) |
| Eczema | Biologics injections, custom moisturizer plans, allergy patch testing | Over-the-counter steroids can thin your skin (my aunt found out the hard way) |
| Skin Cancer | Surgical removal (Mohs surgery), immunotherapy creams | That "harmless spot" could metastasize while you wait (seen it happen to a neighbor) |
| Psoriasis | UV light therapy, systemic medications, lifestyle coaching | Untreated psoriasis increases heart disease risk (doctor dropped this bomb on me) |
Diagnostic Superpowers
Dermatologists don't guess. They biopsy suspicious growths – quick in-office procedure where they numb you and take a tiny sample. Results usually come back in 3-5 days. Cheaper than freaking out for weeks. They also do allergy testing with patches on your back. Found out my nickel allergy was causing my earring irritation. Who knew?
Red Flag Checklist: When to ditch Dr. Google and see a real dermatologist:
- A mole with jagged borders or changing color/size
- Acne leaving deep scars despite treatments
- Rashes that weep fluid or keep you awake scratching
- Any sore that won't heal after 3 weeks (seriously, go!)
The Glam Side: Cosmetic Dermatology
Okay, let's talk about the fun stuff. Yes, dermatologists do Botox and fillers. But they also fix botched jobs from dodgy med spas. I've seen horror stories – lumpy lips, frozen foreheads. A board-certified derm understands facial anatomy so you don't end up looking like a surprised mannequin.
Popular Procedures Demystified
Costs vary wildly. Botox averages $12-15 per unit (forehead might need 20 units). Fillers? $600-$1200 per syringe. Results last 4-18 months. Dermatologists also do lasers for scars/broken capillaries. My rosacea laser treatment hurt like hell but erased years of redness.
| Procedure | What It Fixes | Downtime | Real Talk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Peels | Sun damage, mild scars | 3-7 days peeling | Medium-depth peels hurt but work better than $200 serums |
| Laser Hair Removal | Unwanted hair | None (avoid sun) | Requires 6+ sessions – bargain hunters get burned (literally) |
| Microneedling | Scars, large pores | 24-hour redness | At-home devices? Waste of money. Pay the pro. |
Special Cases: Age Groups
Kids aren't just small adults. Pediatric dermatologists handle everything from strawberry birthmarks to genetic skin disorders. Teen acne can scar for life if mishandled. And seniors? Skin gets fragile. Dermatologists treat precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses before they turn nasty.
What Happens During Your First Visit?
Expect paperwork about medications/allergies. The assistant might take photos of concerning spots. Then the dermatologist examines you – probably in a paper gown. Don't wear makeup or nail polish! They'll ask about sunburns and family history. Bring:
- A list of ALL skincare products you use (yes, even that $5 Walmart lotion)
- Dates of suspicious mole changes (snap phone pics monthly)
- Insurance card and ID (some insurers require referrals)
Finding Your Skin Soulmate
Board certification is non-negotiable. Check credentials at aad.org. Reviews matter, but take them with a grain of salt – people rarely leave reviews for cancer screenings. Location is key too. I drive 45 minutes to mine because he caught my friend's early-stage melanoma. Worth every minute.
Insurance Gotchas: Cosmetic procedures usually aren't covered. Medical visits often have $30-$60 copays. Biopsies might cost $100-$300 out-of-pocket depending on insurance. Always ask upfront!
Why Routine Checks Matter
Skin cancer rates doubled since the '90s. One person dies from melanoma every hour. Dermatologists recommend yearly checks if you're over 40 or high-risk (fair skin, family history). Between visits? Monthly self-exams. Check scalp with a blow-dryer and mirrors. Document moles with the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry: Odd shapes
- Borders: Ragged edges
- Color: Multiple shades
- Diameter: Bigger than a pencil eraser
- Evolving: Changing over weeks
Your Burning Questions Answered
Let's tackle common curiosities about what dermatologists do:
| Question | Straightforward Answer |
|---|---|
| Do dermatologists remove moles during the first visit? | Rarely. They'll biopsy suspicious ones first to confirm it's needed. |
| Can they treat hair loss? | Absolutely. They diagnose causes (hormones, stress, genetics) and prescribe treatments like minoxidil or PRP therapy. |
| Do I need a referral to see one? | Depends on your insurance. HMOs usually require referrals; PPOs often don't. |
| How often should I get skin cancer screenings? | Yearly if over 40 or high-risk. Otherwise every 2-3 years. But do monthly self-checks! |
| Can they help with toenail fungus? | Yes – prescription creams, oral meds, or laser treatments. Over-the-counter stuff rarely works. |
Beyond the Obvious
Here's what most people miss about what dermatologists do:
- Vein treatments: Spider veins? Sclerotherapy injections shrink them in minutes.
- Wart annihilation: Freezing, acids, or immune therapy for stubborn cases.
- Patch testing: Uncovers mystery allergies causing rashes.
- Wound care: Chronic ulcers from diabetes? Dermatologists specialize in healing them.
Skin is your body's largest organ. Ignoring it is like never changing your car oil. So when someone asks "what does a dermatologist do," tell them: they're frontline defenders against everything from cosmetic woes to deadly diseases. Find a good one. Your skin will thank you in 20 years.
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