Dermatologist, as defined by Webster, is "a doctor who specializes in the treatment of the skin, usually for disorders of the skin." In the broadest terms, a dermatologist generally is considered to be in charge of taking care of your skin, teeth, hair, and nails, by treating or preventing any diseases or conditions associated with these areas. Some of the more prominent areas in which a dermatologist may specialize include:

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Acne: This is the most common condition that a dermatologist treats. There are many different kinds of acne from severe, painful cystic acne to pimple filled acne. One of the steps to take when you visit their office is to have an assessment done to determine which kind of treatment plan is best for your type of acne. A good assessment will help to determine what areas of your body you need to treat, how severe the condition might be, how long it will take to resolve, and how bad your acne is. When you schedule your first appointment, be sure to discuss any medications that you currently have or are using on a daily basis, including the frequency and dosage, as well as any special circumstances such as birth control pills, hormone therapy, lithium, or acne surgery.

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Nails and Hair: This is a less common area to see a dermatologist. Usually, a dermatologist only treats the skin on the face or upper body, but they will often also treat the scalp and nails. This is especially true if you suffer from psoriasis, an infection that causes your nails to look like the hair on your head. The first step to taking care of your nails and hair is to have your nails and hair assessed. During your appointment, your dermatologist will be able to assess the condition of your nails and hair; you will then be able to choose a treatment plan.

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Laser Technology: While lasers have been around for quite some time, they are just now becoming one of the main treatments being used by dermatologists. Laser technology can be used for a number of different treatments, including removing unwanted hair. The laser technology works by targeting unwanted hair follicles, burning them off so they can't grow back. After this process, the remaining follicles are left unaltered, but in a dormant state so they can easily grow back in the future. However, because this process can be expensive, many people shy away from this option.

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Mole Removal: Many people shy away from dermatology simply because they are afraid of getting skin cancer. While moles are not technically skin cancer, they can harbor cancerous cells underneath the surface of your skin, so you should be aware of this risk. Any mole that you suspect may contain cancer should be checked out by a dermatologist. If you do have a mole that is suspected of containing cancer, the doctor will use a cauterization process to get rid of it. This process, however, is relatively painless and non-invasive, which makes it very popular among many patients. It is important to note that this procedure can leave scarring and sometimes require further treatment to make sure the hole is completely gone.

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As you can see, visiting a dermatologist for various skin conditions is a good idea for many individuals. When you make an appointment with a dermatologist, you will be able to ask about a number of different treatments that can be used to treat your particular skin condition. You may also be able to schedule an in-office consultation in which the dermatologist will discuss with you various options for treating your skin condition. If you are considering getting one of these procedures, it is important to remember that you should never have any type of operation or medication without consulting with a dermatologist first. Dermatologists are well trained to treat a wide variety of different skin problems and are skilled at providing excellent care for patients.