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Dermatology 101

Dermatology is a medical practice that focuses on the skin, hair, and nails. A practitioner of dermatology is called a dermatologist or Doctor of Dermatology. Dermatologists have the same foundational training as primary care providers and additional training to diagnose and treat over 3,000 skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dermatologists also perform elective cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance and health of these areas.

A dermatologist may be able to identify and treat the following conditions:
Acne
Eczema
Rosacea
Dermatitis (skin irritation)
Skin infections
Melanoma (skin cancer)
Moles
Hair loss/ abnormal hair growth

In addition to diagnosing and treating medical conditions related to the skin, dermatologists can perform cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal or laser scar treatment.

Standard cosmetic procedures performed by dermatologists include:

• Sunspot treatment
  
• Wrinkle/ scar tissue treatment
  
• Facial veins treatment
  
• Cellulite and fat removal
  
• Tattoo removal
  
• Anti-aging care
  
  

Your First Dermatology Appointment

Most dermatology consultations start with the doctor reviewing the patient's medical history and asking about symptoms or complications the patient may be experiencing. After these initial steps, a physical or visual exam of the affected area will usually be done so that the doctor can assess what skin condition may be affecting the patient. Based on the doctor's findings, further testing may need to be done in some instances. These may include blood tests, skin samples, or biopsies to check for cancer or underlying conditions.

If further testing is not required, the dermatologist or physician can advise the patient about next steps. While many people just see a dermatologist when something bothers them, annual dermatologist visits can be crucial in detecting and preventing skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that those at high risk for skin cancer (like people with lighter skin, blue eyes, and skin that burns quickly) see a dermatologist once a year. These yearly visits allow doctors to detect skin cancer warning signs early, making treatment significantly more effective. In addition, talk to your dermatologist about how often you should come in for physical exams to help prevent skin conditions before they cause complications.

Dermatology Treatment for Hair Loss

During a hair loss consultation, dermatologists will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history to help assess risk factors associated with hair loss. They will also perform a visual exam to test the health of your hair and any clues about what is causing hair loss. You may be asked to take a blood test to help determine whether or not your hair loss is caused by high blood pressure, disease, vitamin deficiency, or hormonal imbalances.

A wide range of factors and conditions of the body can cause hair loss. Therefore, you should attend a hair loss appointment prepared to discuss your health history, medications you might be taking, and lifestyle risk factors that could cause hair loss (such as blood pressure or regular cigarette smoking). After a dermatologist diagnoses the cause of your hair loss, they can prescribe medical treatments to help slow or stop further shedding.

Medical treatment options include:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Rogaine is applied directly to the scalp as a foam or liquid to stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Rogaine can take up to 6 months before you see results and only works if applied regularly.
  
• Finasteride (Propecia): Finasteride blocks the androgen DHT, which can contribute to the shrinking of hair follicles and hair loss. Like minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride takes several months before results can be observed, but it is considered a safe and effective hair loss treatment method.
  
• Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a drug prescribed to combat female pattern hair loss. It works by slowing the body's production of androgens (or male sex hormones such as testosterone).
  

How to Book a Dermatology Appointment on Sesame

Because dermatology is considered a specialized form of care, many health insurance plans require a referral from a primary care provider before seeing a dermatologist. If you are getting care through an insurance network, you need to talk to your primary care physician about whatever signs, symptoms, or concerns you are experiencing. They will examine the affected area. Then, they will refer you to a dermatologist in your network if they deem it appropriate. With this referral, you can typically get insurance to cover most of your dermatology visit. It should be noted that insurance may not cover elective aesthetic procedures like laser hair removal or tattoo removal.

When you book a dermatology appointment through Sesame, no referral is needed. Just find a dermatologist you want to see in New York City, find a time that works for you, and book an in-person or virtual appointment.

Here’s how it works:

• Search “Dermatology” in Sesame’s search bar
  
• Browse the list of available providers near you
  
• Choose between video and in-person services
  
• Pick a time that works best for your schedule
  
• Set up your appointment
  
  

If you book a video appointment, you will receive an email with a link to join the video appointment. You will also be able to access this link in another reminder email you will receive 30 minutes before the appointment start time and within your account.