Dermatology
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists complete medical school followed by a residency in dermatology, and many pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties such as cosmetic dermatology, dermatopathology, or pediatric dermatology.
What conditions do dermatologists treat?
Dermatologists treat over 3,000 conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer, hair loss, nail disorders, and cosmetic concerns such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and scarring. They perform both medical and cosmetic procedures.
What is the difference between medical and cosmetic dermatology?
Medical dermatology focuses on diagnosing and treating skin diseases — conditions that affect health and require clinical intervention. Cosmetic dermatology focuses on aesthetic improvements — reducing wrinkles, treating pigmentation, tightening skin, and enhancing appearance through procedures such as Botox, fillers, lasers, and chemical peels.
What procedures do dermatologists perform?
Dermatologists perform a wide range of in-office procedures including skin biopsies, Mohs surgery for skin cancer, cryotherapy, laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, Botox injections, dermal fillers, and photodynamic therapy.
When should you see a dermatologist vs. a primary care physician?
See a dermatologist for any persistent skin condition that has not responded to over-the-counter treatments, any changing mole or skin lesion, a diagnosis of skin cancer, chronic hair loss, or cosmetic concerns you want addressed by a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you see a dermatologist?
Most dermatologists recommend an annual full-body skin check for all adults, and more frequent visits for patients with a history of skin cancer, chronic skin conditions, or cosmetic treatment plans.
Do dermatologists treat hair loss?
Yes. Dermatologists treat all forms of hair loss including androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and scarring alopecias.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and an esthetician?
Dermatologists are medical doctors licensed to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Estheticians are licensed skincare professionals who perform facials, waxing, and basic skin treatments but cannot diagnose or prescribe medications.
Does a dermatologist treat skin cancer?
Yes. Dermatologists are the primary physicians who diagnose and treat skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
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Dr. Daniel Scott Karempelis
Dermatologist
Dermatology · Atlanta, Georgia, GA
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Dr. Bertha Baum
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dermatology · Aventura, FL
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Dr. Victoria Cirillo-Hyland
Dermatologist
Dermatology · Bryn Mawr, PA
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