Sunday, May 11, 2014

What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a qualified medical specialist who, through additional training, has obtained postgraduate qualifications to specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin disease and skin cancers.One person in ten who consults a general practitioner will do so because of a skin complaint. The GP may decide to seek confirmation of a diagnosis or assistance with therapy. This is when the patient is referred to a dermatologist.

Dermatologists treat patients of all ages, from babies and children to adolescents and adults. Although diseases of the skin are many and varied, Australian dermatologists spend much of their time treating diseases caused by exposure to the sun. These include skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.Other potential skin problems that are part and parcel of a typical dermatologist’s work are acne, eczema, skin infections, psoriasis, occupational dermatitis, hair and nail disorders, surveillance of moles and cosmetic problems of the skin.



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