Nondermatologists

Nondermatologists is a term used to describe physicians and clinicians who are not specialists in dermatology but who nevertheless diagnose and manage skin, hair, and nail conditions as part of their practice. This umbrella includes primary care physicians (family medicine and internal medicine), pediatricians, urgent care and emergency medicine clinicians, surgeons, obstetricians/gynecologists, and other specialists who encounter cutaneous disease in their patient care.

In practice, nondermatologists commonly treat a range of dermatologic issues such as acne, eczema and contact dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal and bacterial infections, warts, viral rashes, and minor wounds. They provide initial assessment, initiate therapy, monitor response, and coordinate care with dermatologists when appropriate. They may rely on clinical guidelines, decision-support tools, and continuing medical education to stay current, especially for conditions that are frequently seen in primary care settings.

Limitations and referrals: For complex or atypical lesions, rapidly changing moles, suspected skin cancer, or diseases requiring specialized procedures such as skin biopsy, dermoscopy, or laser therapy, referral to a dermatologist is often recommended. Nondermatologists may utilize teledermatology or participate in multidisciplinary skin clinics to obtain specialist input and optimize patient outcomes.

Training and collaboration: Dermatology is a distinct medical specialty focused on the integumentary system. Nondermatologists receive varying levels of dermatology education during medical training and rely on guidelines and collaboration with dermatologists to manage cases that fall beyond routine scope. Collaborative care models aim to balance broad access with specialist expertise to ensure quality skin care.