If you need to find a dermatologist, Googling “dermatologist near me” should provide you with a long list of options. There are well over 10,000 dermatologists working throughout the U.S. They specialize in treating your skin, hair and nails. We suggest that you don’t settle for the first dermatologist that appears after you conduct a Google search. Instead, look for a top dermatologist in your area. The top-rated dermatologists will offer everything from basic cosmetic procedures to more advanced treatment of skin cancers and conditions affecting your skin, hair or nails.
We’ve created a list of the most frequently asked questions about dermatologists and answered them below. Use the answers we’ve provided to help find a dermatologist who can treat all skin, hair, and nail conditions.
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
Before you find a dermatologist, it is good to understand what a dermatologist actually does. It is a good idea to make sure that your condition requires a dermatologist and not a different type of doctor. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who is qualified to perform treatments on the skin, hair, and nails. From rashes to psoriasis to skin cancers, a dermatologist treats these conditions. The skin is, of course, the body’s largest organ. As a result, there is a multitude of skin, hair, and nail conditions that can affect a person. A dermatologist will be able to treat them all.
To become a dermatologist, a person must go through 4 years of college and earn a bachelor’s degree before going through 4 years of medical school to become a medical doctor. From there, they must serve as an intern for one year before getting at least 12,000 hours of experience working a residency alongside more experienced dermatologists. Finally, they must be board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.
What Are Some Common Dermatological Treatments?
There are approximately 3,000 skin, hair, and nail conditions that a dermatologist can treat. A great dermatologist will need to be able to assist patients with the treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Some of the most common dermatological treatments include:
- Dry skin
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Warts
- Hives
- Eczema
- Skin cancer
- And many others
If you ever experience any issues with your skin, hair, or nails, it would be worth trying to find a dermatologist as soon as possible. They will diagnose the specific problem and discuss potential treatment plans with you.
When Should I Make a Dermatologist Appointment?
Most people know when they should make an appointment with their primary doctor. If they have a cough that won’t go away or pain in a certain part of their body that seems to be getting worse, they’ll call their doctor to be seen. You might not always feel certain when you should make a dermatologist appointment. There are, however, some signs that should trigger you to make an appointment with a local dermatologist.
Here are a few signs that suggest you to see a dermatologist:
- You have a rash that doesn’t clear up on its own within a few days
- You have a cyst or another bump on your skin that appears to be getting bigger
- You have acne that is worsening over time and affecting your appearance in a major way
- You have a fingernail or toenail infection
- You have spotted possible signs of skin cancer such as a mole that is changing size and/or color
Generally speaking, if you see anything that seems to be off with your skin, hair, or nails, you should arrange to see a dermatologist. It’s better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to your health. A dermatologist is also licensed to perform laser treatments, skin grafts, and various cosmetic procedures that your family doctor may not be able to do.
How Can I Find a Dermatologist Near Me?
There are several ways to find a dermatologist in your area. Consider making a list of your options when you begin to search for the best provider. Ask your primary doctor if they can recommend a dermatologist in your area. There should be at least a few dermatologists they would recommend. You will also want to do some research on your own. Google “dermatologist near me” and check out the websites of the local dermatologists you find. Visit each of their websites to learn more about them. You may also want to ask family members and friends to recommend dermatologists. Some people will even go as far as to use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to gather dermatologist recommendations.
What Should I Look For in a Quality Dermatologist?
There are several qualities you’ll want to look for in a dermatologist. Your goal should be to find a dermatologist who checks all the right boxes. Some of the important things to look for:
- Board-certified dermatologist with experience treating patients
- A good reputation among the people in your community who’ve trusted them as their dermatologist
- Conveniently located offices that aren’t too far from your home
A great dermatologist will also be able to extend a long list of general dermatology services as well as cosmetic procedures.
How Does a Dermatologist Find New Patients?
As you’re trying to find a dermatologist, there is a good chance there are also dermatologists looking for you. Dermatologists, like all medical professionals, need patients. They’ll search for them in a variety of ways. In some cases, dermatologists will run TV, radio, and newspaper advertisements in an attempt to spark interest in their practices. They’ll also use different digital marketing strategies, including social media and email marketing. Some dermatologists will even look to connect with primary doctors in your area to get their stamps of approval.
How Can I Get Affordable Dermatology Care With Insurance?
While you want to find a dermatologist you can trust, you also want to locate one that’ll fit into your budget. Contact your health insurance company if you have insurance to see which dermatologists they would recommend. If you’re able to find a dermatologist who’s in network with your insurance company, the dermatology services should be more affordable. If you don’t have insurance, you may want to contact some dermatologists and ask if they offer “self-pay” discounts and/or payment plans. You’ll also want to ask for price ranges for specific services so that you can plan accordingly from a financial perspective.
Find a Dermatologist to Treat Your Skin, Hair, and Nails
Almost everyone needs a dermatologist at some point in their life. We hope this information has encouraged you to seek out a great dermatologist. And, we hope that Pariser Dermatology Specialists is on your list.
We’re proud of our rating and offer 7 convenient office locations in Williamsburg, Newport News, Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. If you’d like to make an appointment, call us at 757-622-6315 during business hours or schedule your appointment online.
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