Dermatologists are physicians who diagnose and treat diseases of the skin,
hair and nails. Many specialize in specific disorders or forms of treatment.
Our skin is our largest organ, so at some point almost everyone develops
a skin problem. Problems could range from itchy rashes to deadly forms of
skin cancer.
"Every single person in this world has one or two skin problems," says
dermatologist Dr. Harvey Lui. "Everyone needs to take care of their skin."
Some of the more common skin diseases include:
- Skin cancer
- Warts
- Fungal infections
- Psoriasis -- patchy, red-colored skin covered with white scales
- Hair loss or excessive hair growth
Recent research suggests that people who have had less serious forms of
skin cancer are at greater risk of developing other types of cancers. The
study appeared in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2008.
This study should act as a wake-up call to dermatologists who treat patients
suffering from all types of skin cancers. They must educate their patients
about the increased risks that accompany a skin cancer diagnosis.
The main goal of dermatologists, like all doctors, is to help their patients
and relieve suffering. Dermatologists often prescribe medication or administer
treatment to people suffering from a particular skin disease.
But dermatologists do more than just diagnose skin diseases. They often
perform surgery too. According to many dermatologists, one of the benefits
of dermatology over other forms of medicine is the variety of effective treatments
available to patients.
"If you're a surgeon, you basically just cut and sew," explains Lui. "As
a dermatologist, you can rub medication into the skin, you can prescribe pills
for the patient to take, you can shine ultraviolet light on their skin, [or]
you can use surgery to cut a tumour out. You can even use lasers to remove
a birthmark. I think that variety is what I find most interesting."
While most dermatologists spend their time examining and treating patients,
some also work in universities as professors, teaching other doctors. Other
dermatologists work in laboratories trying to discover new treatment techniques
and solutions.
In spite of the important research performed by dermatologists, misconceptions
about the field remain.
"A lot of people doubt your value as a doctor," says Lui. "The hardest
part of this work is the credibility gap. Dermatologists are medical doctors.
We just happen to know all about the skin. People don't appreciate the value
of a dermatologist until they have a painful skin rash. Then we're your best
friend."
Dermatologists work in comfortable, well-lit offices and medical facilities.
Most work for themselves in a private practice or with a group of specialists
in a group practice. Others work in universities, hospitals and private industry.
Most dermatologists work regular office hours, Monday to Friday. A growing
number, however, work later hours to accommodate their patients' work schedules.
"Dermatology is something you can do as a career but still have time for
your family," says dermatologist Dr. Gloria Graham. "It is compatible with
having children because the hours are fairly flexible. It's a little easier
to balance your home life with your career than other forms of medicine."