Board-certified dermatologists are the only physicians with advanced medical training to diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions. Skin diseases are especially common, affecting one in four Americans each year.
Dermatologists understand the interaction between the skin and the body. What seems like a simple rash might be a sign of underlying disease. Many skin conditions come with related issues, known to physicians as comorbidities. For example:
- Patients with severe acne are 46% more likely to have major depression
- Eczema patients risk significant eye disease like glaucoma and cataracts
- Diabetes patients are 50% more likely to also have psoriasis
Even if you think your concern is “just cosmetic” seeking the advanced medical expertise of a dermatologist is a smart move. Dermatologists have advanced knowledge of the skin, and the underlying anatomy of nerves and muscles. This expertise helps them identify the best approach to avoid any issues. And what you think is a cosmetic problem could be a medical one. For example, what looks like a long-lasting pimple could actually be skin cancer. Dermatologists can spot problems like this, which you may not even know you have.
Houston Institute of Dermatology 