Dermatologs

Dermatologs are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. In standard English, the term is dermatologists; “dermatologs” may appear as an alternate spelling in some contexts or languages.

Education and training: Most dermatologs complete medical school and then enter a dermatology residency that lasts several years. Depending on the country, board certification is common through national medical boards, and many practitioners pursue additional fellowships in subspecialties.

Scope of practice: They diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, including acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, hair disorders, nail diseases, pigmented lesions, and skin cancer. They perform procedures such as skin biopsies, cryotherapy, excisions, Mohs micrographic surgery, and cosmetic treatments like lasers, chemical peels, and injections.

Subspecialties and settings: Subspecialties include dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and dermatologic surgery. Dermatologs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, or academic centers, often collaborating with other physicians such as oncologists, plastic surgeons, and allergists.

Professional regulation and impact: They are licensed by medical boards and must complete ongoing continuing medical education. Dermatologs contribute to clinical research, publish in medical journals, and participate in guidelines development, helping to advance skin health and skin cancer prevention.