Montgomery Dermatologists specialize in the health and beauty of skin, hair, and nails. They diagnose and treat skin diseases, perform surgery, and provide cosmetic treatment.

They also counsel patients on skin and nail self-exams and sun protection. They have extensive education and training that includes four years of medical school or osteopathic school, a year of internship, and a three-year dermatology residency.

Dermatologists specialize in the hair, skin and nails. They diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different skin, hair and nail conditions in patients of all ages. This includes common conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. But dermatologists also address other health issues involving the skin, such as melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

When you visit a dermatologist, they’ll first review your medical history and symptoms. They’ll then do a physical examination of your skin. They’ll use a magnifying device to examine your moles and other skin lesions. They may also do blood work, allergy testing, skin scrapings, or a biopsy to get a more complete diagnosis.

They may recommend prescription medications or other treatments. They can also perform cosmetic procedures, such as laser skin rejuvenation. These treatments can reduce wrinkles, improve pore size, tighten skin, and remove fine lines and dark spots. They can also remove unsightly spider veins, using a technique called sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a special solution that causes the veins to close up. Some dermatologists are also trained to do tumescent liposuction, which involves injecting liquid anesthetic into fat tissue before sucking it out of the body.

Your skin is your largest organ, and it’s the first line of defense against disease. It also warms and cools you, protects your other organs, and sends messages about how healthy you are inside to the rest of your body. Dermatologists understand your skin better than anyone else, and they have the training and experience to care for it. That’s why many primary care doctors refer their patients to dermatologists. Before your appointment, make a list of questions for your dermatologist. Include any symptom or condition you’re concerned about, as well as the name of any medication you’re taking. Also include any vitamins and supplements you take. It’s important for the dermatologist to know your entire health picture, especially if you have any family members who have suffered from a condition like skin cancer. By being prepared, you can have a successful and pleasant experience. This will help you find the best treatment for your condition and achieve healthier, more beautiful skin.

They’re the Experts

Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in conditions of the skin, hair and nails (and the mucosal areas of the mouth and genitalia). They have specialized knowledge of more than 3,000 diseases of the skin. They care for patients of all ages and can treat a wide variety of dermatological problems from eczema, psoriasis and acne to more serious skin cancers and drug reactions.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it does a lot of work protecting you from heat, cold and germs. It is also a good indicator of overall health. That’s why it is important to pay attention to changes in the appearance or feel of your skin, and seek help from a dermatologist if you think there may be a problem.

When you make an appointment with a dermatologist, they will start by asking questions about your medical history and symptoms. They will then do a physical exam, checking your scalp, face, hands and feet for any abnormalities. In some cases, they will want to take a sample of the problem area for further testing, such as a skin scraping or biopsy. If they suspect a severe problem, such as a rash that won’t go away or a lump that hasn’t changed in a month, they may recommend emergency treatment, which might include stitches or surgery.

In addition to diagnosing and treating medical conditions, many dermatologists are involved in research. This can lead to new treatments and therapies that benefit patients. The field of dermatology is continually adapting to meet the medical challenges of our changing world. New medications can have unusual side effects; more leisure time and exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays have increased the incidence of sun-related disorders; and more people are using cosmetic products that may be irritating or even toxic to the skin.

Your primary care doctor or general practitioner can refer you to a dermatologist, and many dermatologists have private offices where they see patients in outpatient clinics. To get the most out of your appointment, be sure to bring a list of all medications you are taking, including OTC drugs, supplements and herbal remedies; and a list of any allergies you have. It is also helpful to bring a friend or family member who can take notes and be an extra set of eyes.

They’re a Resource

Dermatologists provide important information regarding diseases of the skin, nails and hair as well as other conditions that affect those areas. They also perform lifesaving, cost-effective in-office surgeries that save patients and the health care system time and money. They treat patients with serious health problems like melanoma, which may be deadly but can be treated early with simple incisions and laser therapy. In addition, dermatologists are leaders in the development of new therapies to prevent cancer and help manage other diseases and conditions that are impacted by the skin.

Because of the specialized knowledge and training in diseases of the skin, nails and hair, dermatologists can help patients of all ages understand and manage their condition. They are experts in preventing, diagnosing and treating both common and complex disorders that impact the skin, nails and hair as well as the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and ears. In fact, some of the most important procedures in the world are performed by dermatologists including:

When you see a dermatologist for your concern, it is helpful to have a list of questions and concerns prepared. Your dermatologist will ask you about your medical history and your family’s. This is because many skin conditions can run in families. It is also helpful for your dermatologist to know about any medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking. This is because some of those medications can interact with each other and interfere with the effectiveness of other treatments.

Your dermatologist will work hard to get you in as soon as possible for your problem. However, because of the high volume of patients with dermatological issues, it is not always possible for you to be seen at your scheduled appointment. If this is the case, it’s best to call the office frequently and ask if an earlier appointment has opened up.

The American Academy of Dermatology has a number of dynamic and content rich dermatological resources on the Web. These sites are curated by members of the AAD Faculty and offer links to a variety of health care resources for patients and the public. Additionally, the AAD has partnered with social media influencers (like Sandra Lee, aka “Dr. Pimple Popper”) who are committed to helping promote the Academy’s messages to their audience.

They’re Personal

Dermatologists see a wide range of issues from cosmetic disorders like acne and hair loss to inflammatory conditions like rosacea and psoriasis. They work with patients to diagnose their condition, treat it and support them. In addition, they provide guidance on proper skincare routines and educating patients on how to use sunscreen properly. They also take into consideration a patient’s skin type, age, gender and lifestyle when making recommendations.

Dermatologist jobs are rewarding for those that choose to enter the field. Unlike some other medical fields, dermatology offers high salaries that are comparable to other specialties such as cardiology and infectious diseases. However, the extensive education and residency requirements are a significant drawback that can take over a decade of commitment.

In addition, dermatologists are exposed to a wide variety of cases and clients from all backgrounds. They may have to treat a baby’s birthmark that threatens their eyesight or remove a mother’s deadly melanoma at its earliest, most treatable stage. They may also deal with the frustration of a young woman who is suffering from hair loss or the embarrassment of a man who suffers from embarrassing baldness.

Working with patients can help dermatologists develop skills that can be used in other areas of their careers, such as empathy and organization. The ability to understand what the patient is experiencing can help the doctor offer a solution that can make them feel more confident and comfortable. Working with a team of specialists can also be beneficial as the knowledge of each individual’s area of expertise can provide a more complete approach to treating patients with unique or complicated issues.