SYNTHETIC DEMONSTRATION — no real student or patient. Not a medical device.

Specialty

Dermatology: What a Dermatologist Treats

A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 conditions — including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, hair loss, and skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. Board-certified dermatologists complete at least three years of accredited residency training beyond medical school.

Written by Gale Editorial · grounded in the cited clinical sources below · Updated 2026-06-15. How we write.

Treats: Acne vulgaris · Atopic dermatitis (eczema) · Psoriasis · Rosacea · Seborrheic dermatitis · Contact dermatitis · Basal cell carcinoma · Squamous cell carcinoma · Melanoma · Actinic keratosis · Androgenetic alopecia · Alopecia areata · Telogen effluvium · Onychomycosis · Hidradenitis suppurativa · Vitiligo · Urticaria · Warts · Cellulitis · Herpes zoster · Keloid scars · Melasma · Rosacea · Drug eruptions

Talk to a clinician

Gale can match you with a clinician licensed in your state — the honest cost shown before you book.

Find care →

What dermatology covers

Dermatology is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Board-certified dermatologists complete medical school followed by at least three years of accredited residency training in dermatology before passing certification exams administered by the American Board of Dermatology, one of 24 ABMS member specialty boards 1.

The specialty spans medical, surgical, and cosmetic practice. Medical dermatology addresses conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections. Surgical dermatology includes procedures such as skin biopsies, excisions, and Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer. Cosmetic dermatology covers elective procedures to address the appearance of aging skin, scarring, and pigmentation changes.

The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes more than 3,000 conditions that fall within the specialty's scope 2.

How common skin conditions are

Skin disease is among the most prevalent health burdens in the United States:

  • Acne affects approximately 50 million Americans annually, making it the most common skin condition in the country. Up to 15 percent of adult women experience acne beyond adolescence 2.
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema) affects nearly one in ten Americans of all ages and up to one in five children under 18 2.
  • Psoriasis affects nearly 7.5 million people in the United States and is most common in adults aged 45 to 64 2.
  • Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States. An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Approximately 9,500 people receive a skin cancer diagnosis every day, and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma daily. When melanoma is caught before it spreads to nearby tissue, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent; that figure falls to 35 percent when the cancer has spread to distant organs 3.
  • Androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss) affects 80 million Americans — 50 million men and 30 million women 2.

Conditions dermatologists diagnose and treat

Dermatologists manage a broad range of conditions organized below by category.

Inflammatory skin disease - Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - Psoriasis - Contact dermatitis - Rosacea - Seborrheic dermatitis - Hidradenitis suppurativa - Urticaria (hives)

Acne and related conditions - Acne vulgaris (in adolescents and adults) - Perioral and periorbital dermatitis - Acne keloidalis nuchae

Skin cancer and precancerous lesions - Basal cell carcinoma - Squamous cell carcinoma - Melanoma - Merkel cell carcinoma - Actinic keratosis (precancerous sunspot) - Dysplastic nevi

Infections - Bacterial skin infections (cellulitis, impetigo) - Fungal infections (tinea, onychomycosis) - Viral infections (warts, molluscum, herpes zoster)

Hair and scalp conditions - Androgenetic alopecia - Alopecia areata - Telogen effluvium - Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis - Scarring alopecias (lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia)

Nail conditions - Onychomycosis (nail fungus) - Psoriatic nail disease - Nail tumors

Conditions more common in darker skin tones The AAD specifically highlights conditions including acanthosis nigricans, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, keloid scars, and lupus skin manifestations as areas where specialist experience matters, because they may be underrecognized or under-treated in darker skin tones 2.

Cosmetic concerns Dermatologists also manage age spots, acne scarring, melasma, rosacea-associated redness, and unwanted hair or vascular lesions through both medical and procedural approaches.

Procedures and diagnostic tools

Dermatologists use a range of procedures that primary care clinicians typically do not perform:

  • Dermoscopy: A handheld magnification tool that improves diagnostic accuracy for pigmented lesions. Research shows dermoscopy increases sensitivity for skin cancer detection, decreases the benign-to-malignant biopsy ratio, and identifies cancers at earlier stages compared with the naked eye alone.
  • Skin biopsy: A small tissue sample removed and examined under a microscope — necessary to diagnose skin cancer, inflammatory conditions, and infections that cannot be identified on visual inspection alone.
  • Patch testing: A structured allergen test panel used to identify contact allergens driving chronic dermatitis.
  • Mohs micrographic surgery: The gold-standard surgical treatment for many basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly in cosmetically or functionally important areas such as the face. The Mohs surgeon removes tissue layer by layer and examines each layer microscopically before proceeding, minimizing tissue loss while achieving complete tumor clearance 3.
  • Phototherapy: Ultraviolet light treatments used for psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.
  • Intralesional injections: Corticosteroid, immunotherapy (candida antigen), or chemotherapy agents injected directly into lesions.
  • Laser and light treatments: Used for vascular lesions, pigmentation, hair removal, and resurfacing.

Dermatologist vs. primary care: when to go where

Primary care clinicians can effectively manage many common skin conditions, including mild acne, rosacea, minor rashes, warts, simple cysts, and athlete's foot. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends considering referral to a dermatologist when 4:

  • A rash is progressive or does not resolve with observation or initial treatment
  • The diagnosis remains unclear after evaluation and empiric therapy
  • The condition covers a large body surface area or is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or difficulty swallowing
  • A skin biopsy is needed to establish a diagnosis
  • A suspicious pigmented lesion requires dermoscopic evaluation or excision
  • A chronic condition such as psoriasis or eczema is not adequately controlled with first-line topical therapy

The AAFP also notes that some conditions — particularly cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides) — can mimic eczema in early stages and are rarely diagnosed correctly at initial presentation, underscoring the value of specialist evaluation for atypical or treatment-resistant rashes 4.

Teledermatology: what can be evaluated remotely

Store-and-forward teledermatology — in which a patient submits photographs reviewed asynchronously by a dermatologist — has expanded access to specialist evaluation. A 2024 study published in the peer-reviewed literature found that 65 percent of teledermatology referrals were managed remotely and discharged with specialist advice, with a Kappa concordance value of 0.636 indicating substantial agreement between remote and in-person diagnosis 5.

Conditions well-suited to teledermatology evaluation include acne, mild-to-moderate rashes, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and follow-up for stable chronic conditions. Teledermatology referral reduced wait times from a median of 104 days for conventional specialist referral to under one week in published reports 5.

In-person evaluation remains necessary when a biopsy is needed, when the lesion requires palpation or dermoscopy with a physical device, or when the clinical picture is complex. Image quality is critical — approximately 20 percent of teledermatology referrals are rejected due to inadequate photography, and this rejection rate falls when patients receive standardized photographic guidance 5.

Subspecialties within dermatology

The American Board of Dermatology offers formal certification in three subspecialties 1:

  • Dermatopathology: The microscopic examination of skin tissue samples; dermatopathologists work closely with both dermatologists and surgical pathologists.
  • Pediatric dermatology: Specialized care for skin conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Micrographic dermatologic surgery (Mohs surgery): Fellowship-level training in the surgical management of skin cancer.

Additional areas of focused practice — not formal ABD subspecialties but recognized fields — include cosmetic dermatology, phototherapy, contact dermatitis, and immunodermatology.

Explore

Common questions

What is the difference between a dermatologist and a primary care doctor for skin conditions?

Primary care doctors can treat many common skin conditions, including mild acne, rashes, warts, and minor infections. Dermatologists have three or more years of residency training specifically focused on skin, hair, and nail disease, and they perform procedures — such as biopsies, Mohs surgery, patch testing, and dermoscopy — that most primary care clinicians do not offer. Referral is typically appropriate when a diagnosis is uncertain, the condition is chronic or treatment-resistant, or a surgical or specialized diagnostic procedure is needed.

Can a dermatologist treat hair loss?

Yes. Dermatologists diagnose and manage a range of hair-loss conditions, including androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss, affecting 80 million Americans), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition), telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding often linked to stress or illness), and scarring alopecias such as lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia. Scalp biopsy is sometimes needed to distinguish between types.

How often should adults see a dermatologist for skin cancer screening?

There is no universal consensus on screening interval for asymptomatic adults. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that adults be familiar with their skin and report new or changing lesions to a clinician promptly. Individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer, a history of significant sun exposure, many moles, or immunosuppression may benefit from annual full-body skin examinations. The AAD runs free skin cancer screenings through its SPOTme program.

How long is the wait to see a dermatologist?

Average wait times for a dermatology appointment in the United States are approximately 34 days, according to a 2022 survey of physician appointment wait times — a figure that reflects an ongoing specialist shortage. Teledermatology services can reduce this wait substantially; published data show specialist review within one week for qualifying cases referred electronically.

Does insurance cover dermatology visits?

Insurance typically covers medically necessary dermatology visits — those for diagnosed skin conditions, suspicious lesions, skin cancer, and prescriptions for conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Cosmetic procedures (botulinum toxin, filler, laser resurfacing for cosmetic purposes) are generally not covered. Patch testing and phototherapy coverage varies by plan and may require prior authorization.

What is the difference between medical and cosmetic dermatology?

Medical dermatology addresses diagnosed skin conditions — acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, infections, hair loss — and is typically covered by health insurance when medically necessary. Cosmetic dermatology addresses elective aesthetic concerns such as wrinkles, age spots, or unwanted hair using procedures such as laser treatments, injectables, or chemical peels, and is generally paid out of pocket.

Related conditions

Skin Rash: Common Causes and When to See a Doctor

Specialties

Primary Care: What a PCP Treats and When to See One

Talk to a clinician

Say what's going on in your own words. Gale finds a clinician licensed in your state and shows the real cost before you book.

Find care →

When to seek care

  • —A new mole or existing mole that is asymmetric, has irregular borders, contains multiple colors, is larger than 6 mm (pencil-eraser size), or is evolving in size, shape, or color (ABCDEs of melanoma)
  • —A sore that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal within four weeks
  • —A rash accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or rapid spread across the body
  • —A bull's-eye pattern rash following a potential tick bite (possible Lyme disease)
  • —Skin that blisters extensively or peels after starting a new medication (possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome — seek emergency care immediately)
  • —Sudden widespread blistering or skin sloughing in the absence of a clear cause

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for rapidly spreading rash with fever, blistering over large body areas, or throat swelling. For a mole or lesion that concerns you, contact a dermatologist or primary care clinician promptly rather than waiting.

General health information, not medical advice. Synthetic demonstration content.

References

  1. 1.American Board of Dermatology (2024). American Board of Dermatology: Certification and Subspecialties. American Board of Dermatology (abderm.org). link ✓Board-certified dermatologists complete at least three years of accredited residency and pass ABD exams; ABD offers subspecialty certification in dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, and micrographic dermatologic surgery
  2. 2.American Academy of Dermatology (2024). Skin Conditions by the Numbers. American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org). link ✓Acne affects 50 million Americans annually; eczema affects nearly 1 in 10 Americans; psoriasis affects 7.5 million; androgenetic alopecia affects 80 million Americans
  3. 3.American Academy of Dermatology (2026). Skin Cancer Statistics. American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org). link ✓One in five Americans will develop skin cancer; 9,500 diagnoses daily; 99% five-year melanoma survival when caught early vs. 35% for distant metastasis; Mohs surgery as standard of care for many skin cancers
  4. 4.Drage LA, Rogers RS (2010). The Generalized Rash: Part I. Differential Diagnosis. American Family Physician (AAFP), 81(6):726-734. link ✓AAFP guidance on when to refer to a dermatologist: rash progressive or non-responsive to treatment, diagnosis unclear, or serious condition (including mycosis fungoides mimicking eczema) suspected
  5. 5.Yeasmin F et al. (2024). Effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy of teledermatology for the assessment of skin conditions. PubMed / peer-reviewed journal. PMID 38421885 ✓65% of teledermatology referrals managed remotely; Kappa 0.636 concordance with in-person diagnosis; wait time reduced from 104 days to under one week; 20% rejection rate due to inadequate photography
  6. 6.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Health and Economic Benefits of Skin Cancer Interventions. CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. link ✓6.1 million people treated for skin cancer annually in the US; annual medical costs $8.9 billion; community prevention programs could prevent 21,000 melanoma cases and save $250 million annually

https://www.gale.care/specialties/dermatology · 6 sources. General health information, not medical advice — synthetic demonstration content.