Physicians Specialize in Skin & Hair Problems

What is a Dermatologist? What Training Does He Receive?

A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in skin care. This medical doctor (MD) receives extensive training in treating skin problems and helping keep their patients’ skin, hair and nails healthy. After earning a medical degree and the completion of an internship, a dermatologist receives three additional years of specialty training. Many dermatologists have general practices and see patients with all types of skin concerns. Some dermatologists gain additional training in specific areas of dermatology, such as pediatrics, surgery or skin cancer prevention and may establish practices specializing in these areas. Some dermatologists give Botox injections.

Some Common Dermatological Conditions

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States and affects 40 to 50 million Americans. Nearly 85% of all people have acne at some point in their lives, most often on their face, chest and back. By mid-teens, more than 40 % of adolescents have acne or acne scarring, which requires treatment by a dermatologist. Acne is a skin condition which consists of pimples, deeper cysts or nodules and plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads). While acne usually begins in puberty, the condition is not restricted to any age group; even adults can get acne. Acne is caused by three major factors: overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin, blockage of the hair follicles that release the oil and growth of bacteria called P. acnes within the hair follicles.

Varicose veins are large, dilated blood vessels that are raised above the surface of the skin and have a ropey appearance. Most varicose veins stem from a hidden vein trunk beneath the skin surface that must be treated for any procedure to be successful. Laser therapy is one of the latest treatments for varicose veins. In this procedure, tiny laser fibers are delivered to the vein through a needle puncture that is thread up to the main vein trunk responsible for these veins. Another new therapy for treating varicose veins is radiofrequency. During this procedure, radiofrequency energy converted to heat is used to collapse the vein - which is then reabsorbed by the body.

• Psoriasis is a serious medical condition that affects the autoimmune system. The most common form, which affects about 80% of people with the condition, is called plaque psoriasis and is characterized by patches of raised, reddish skin covered with silvery-white scales. Psoriasis usually occurs on the scalp, knees, elbows, hands and feet. As many as 4.5 million people age 18 and older are affected by psoriasis. Smoking, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), elevated cholesterol and increased BMI (body mass index) can all contribute to cardiovascular complications in people with psoriasis. Biologic psoriasis medications, available only by prescription, are used to treat moderate to severe or disabling psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

• Unwanted, excessive face and body hair can lead to great stress levels for both men and women. Excessive hair growth is classified as either hypertrichosis or hirsuitism. Hypertrichosis is the excessive growth of body hair in a normal or abnormal pattern. It may be genetic or due to medications, hormones, malnutrition, tumors or metabolic problems. Hirsuitism is excessive growth of hair in women, but in a male pattern, such as the beard, mustache or lower abdomen and may be related to hormonal problems, medications, tumors or heredity. Dermatologists use lasers and light sources to treat larger areas of unwanted hair with minimal patient discomfort and fewer complications than other hair reduction methods. Patients can expect to see an approximate 10-25 % reduction in hair growth with each treatment.

• Conversely, hair loss, especially for 30 million American women, can lead to great personal distress. The average person loses from 50-100 hairs each day; if you notice more, consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Causes for men and women may include heredity, medications, hormone levels, diet, allergy, pregnancy and menopause. Treatments include improving diet, diagnosing underlying conditions, topical or injectable medications and hair transplants.

• Liposuction has been used to remove pockets of excess fat for decades, with dermatologists constantly refining the technique to enhance efficacy of the procedure. Lasers enhance liposuction by heating the fat, essentially turning a semi-soft substance into a liquid state, to facilitate its removal. Patients also may experience an improvement in the tone and texture of treated areas with laser-assisted liposuction; lasers are used on the surface of the skin to tighten lax areas. Patients with loose skin, typically those over age 45, can benefit from the laser's tightening properties since their skin does not bounce back as easily as a younger patient's skin following liposuction procedures.

• These are only a very few of the conditions that dermatologists treat daily in their practices. Please consult with your dermatologist if you experience these or other skin problems.

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