Find top-rated dermatologists in New York, NY

What is dermatology?

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. It is a specialty field that requires advanced training and expertise to understand and treat these issues. A primary care provider can refer patients with skin-related concerns to dermatologists for further evaluation.

Examples of such concerns include:

• Acne
  
• Eczema
  
• Rosacea
  
• Dermatitis (skin irritation)
  
• Skin infections
  
• Melanoma (skin cancer)
  
• Moles
  
• Hair loss/ abnormal hair growth
  
  

In addition to these skin conditions, dermatology can involve the aesthetic appearance of the skin, hair, and nails. For instance, you may be referred to a dermatologist to help manage hair loss or reduce the appearance of scar tissue.

What is a dermatologist?

A Doctor of Dermatology–a dermatologist—is a highly trained and experienced medical health care provider who has received advanced training to diagnose and treat conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails.

To complete their nearly ten years of training, a dermatologist must:

• Complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree
  
• Complete 4 years of medical school to become a medical doctor (MD)
  
• Complete a 1-year internship in medicine
  
• Take a 3-year residency in dermatology
  
  

This three-year residency involves working alongside experienced dermatologists in a clinical setting. Resident physicians can help with inpatient and outpatient dermatological problems, surgery, elective dermatological procedures, research, and pathology.

After all this training, a dermatologist will usually take a board certification exam from the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology. This exam tests the physician's knowledge and application of skills required to perform dermatology services. Board certification means that the dermatologist has received the most rigorous training possible.

In practice, dermatologists can diagnose and treat various skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dermatologists can carry out specialized diagnostic procedures related to skin conditions. They can use treatments such as externally applied, injected, and internal medicines, ultraviolet light therapy, surgical procedures, and more.

What conditions can dermatologists treat?

Dermatologists have the education and clinical training necessary to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails. Some of the most common conditions dermatologists treat include:

Acne: Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the pores on the skin's surface become clogged by hair follicles, oily skin (also known as sebum), bacteria, and dead skin cells. Blockage of the skin’s pores results in blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pimples. Acne may be a persistent condition that can scar the skin on the face, chest, forehead, and shoulders.

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is caused by an overreactive immune system that rapidly generates new skin cells. When these skin cells are produced quickly, they build up on the skin's surface. This common, often chronic, skin condition causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on various body parts. The elbows, knees, scalp, feet, lower back, and genitals are the most common areas affected by psoriasis. These patches of inflamed skin are called plaques.

Eczema: Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes your skin to become itchy, red, and scaly. It's a chronic, non-contagious condition that may be accompanied by other symptoms of irritation or allergic reaction. In most cases, eczema flares up when exposed to an irritant or allergen but subsides after some time. Some people may experience flare-ups and healing periods several times a year.

Hair Loss: Hair loss (alopecia) is a common condition that affects 300+ million people every single year. Nearly 85% of men over 50 will experience hair loss, as will almost 50% of women. Hair loss is often hereditary or caused by risk factors such as hormonal changes, stress, underlying medical conditions (like alopecia areata), and the use of some hair products.

Skin infections: Skin infections occur when a pathogen - an organism that causes disease - affects the skin. For example, bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites may cause skin infections. Athlete’s foot/ jock itch, cellulitis, impetigo, boils, and warts are all considered skin infections. While a primary care provider can treat these infections, a dermatologist may be able to offer specialized care when needed.

This is not a complete list of all conditions treated by dermatologists. In addition to diagnosing and treating medical conditions related to the skin, dermatologists also regularly perform elective cosmetic care for skin imperfections. For instance, you might see a dermatologist to get laser treatment on scar tissue or remove unwanted hair.

What will my first dermatology appointment be like?

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 cancers or underlying conditions.

If further testing is not required, the dermatologist or physician can advise the patient about treatment options and next steps.

While many people just see a dermatologist when something bothers them, annual dermatologist visits can play a crucial role 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 easily) 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.

How do I see a dermatologist in New York?

Whether you need treatment, an exam, or just want to discuss a skin concern, Sesame has you covered. You can find convenient and affordable in-person and telehealth (video) dermatology care services on Sesame with licensed health care providers in your area.

To book a visit:

• 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
  
• Book your visit!
  
  

Yep, it’s that easy. Not sure if you need to see a doctor in-person or not? We recommend in-person visits for physical exams, specialized treatment (like laser treatment), and lab testing. There are just some things that can’t be done over video. Video visits are used to address symptoms, discuss prescriptions, and screen for certain medical conditions.

Don’t wait to get the skin care you need. Book a dermatology visit with the best doctors in your area and save up to 60% on your appointment.