What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is also known as a skin doctor or skin care doctor. According to the AUC, a dermatologist is a doctor who is specially trained to find, prevent, and treat diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and nearby mucous membranes. Dermatology is the branch of medicine practiced by a dermatologist.

What training does a dermatologist have?

The AUC reports that most dermatologists receive 12 years of training before earning their titles. After earning their bachelor’s degrees, dermatology students complete four years of medical school, followed by a yearlong internship and three-year residency in dermatology. Dermatologists also have the option of continuing their education learning a subspecialty, adds the AUC.

What is a board-certified dermatologist?

A board-certified dermatologist is a skin doctor who has been certified by the American Board of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reports Stony Brook Medicine. It adds that a dermatologist who is board-certified has undergone rigorous residency training and is skilled at identifying skin lesions and other skin problems.

What does a dermatologist treat?

A dermatologist can treat a wide range of skin diseases and conditions, including signs of aging, reports Penn Medicine Dermatology. Common skin conditions that may be treated by a dermatologist include acne scars, skin discoloration, freckles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. The University of California San Francisco says a dermatologist may also treat connective tissue diseases, nail disorders, melanoma, warts, and drug allergies.

Why choose a board-certified dermatologist?

A board-certified dermatologist has received the highest level of dermatology education available, says Stony Brook Medicine. Choosing a dermatologist who is board-certified can ensure you are receiving quality care from a skin doctor who is trained and experienced to effectively treat your condition. Stony Brook Medicine states that a board-certified dermatologist has received a minimum of eight years of medical education and has spent between 12,000 to 16,000 hours caring for patients.

How much does a dermatologist make?

The average salary of a dermatologist ranges between $100,000 and $400,000, according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. In a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, researchers found that the average dermatologist’s salary in 2018 was $323,110 among women and $387,330 among men.