Dermatologist Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Dermatologists can diagnose and treat over 3,000 diseases.
  

  
  

  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 44 million visits to dermatologists annually. The top five most common reasons for visiting a dermatologist are skin lesions, progress visits, acne issues, skin rashes, and discoloration or pigmentation. They also notice signs of other health concerns, such as kidney damage or diabetes.
  
  

• What types of conditions can dermatologists treat?

  Dermatologists treat a wide area of conditions. Some of the more common examples are:

  • Medical conditions including acne, rosacea, plaque psoriasis, and ezcema.
  • Cosmetic concerns like hair loss, wrinkles, and dark spots or pigmentation.
  • Surgical needs such as removing moles, warts, benign cysts, and skin cancer, as well as reducing or removing birthmarks.

• What to expect at a dermatologist\'s appointment?

  First, it’s important to preface that most patients shouldn’t expect a quick fix when visiting the dermatologist; most conditions a dermatologist treats take time to resolve. It helps to come to your appointment with your questions ready. During your appointment, your dermatologist will examine the area of concern and ask questions about your medical history. You may require some follow-up testing for a diagnosis.
  

• Can a dermatologist help with hair loss?

  Yes, a dermatologist deals with many areas of the body, including hair. A dermatologist should be able to establish a diagnosis and what's causing the hair loss, offering a treatment plan, if possible.
  

• What questions should I ask my dermatologist? 

  While specific questions depend on what reason brings you to the dermatologist, here are some good general questions to start with:

  • What is the best way to monitor moles?
  • What can I do to monitor and screen for skin cancer?
  • How do I know if a skincare product is worth its price?
  • Is my skincare routine working?
  • Do you recommend [a particular treatment or procedure] I'm considering?

• Do you need a referral to see a dermatologist?

  In most states, you need a referral from a general physician to see a specialist doctor, such as a dermatologist. If you’re paying out-of-pocket, you can see any doctor without a referral. However, if you have health insurance, your provider may not cover the costs of a dermatologist visit without a referral. It's best to check with your insurance provider for this information.

• Can a dermatologist prescribe birth control?

  Technically, any physician can prescribe birth control. However, dermatologists are one of the most frequent prescribers. When treating a patient with acne, a dermatologist may prescribe birth control. This is because birth control has been proven to reduce acne in some individuals.