Dermatology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses the skin, hair, and nails. Doctors of dermatology (dermatologists) specialize in treating conditions that affect these parts of the body, including skin diseases and some cosmetic conditions. Conditions that dermatologists treat include:
Dermatologists are highly specialized medical doctors who are trained to treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. They can specialize in a number of dermatologic specialties, including:
Pediatric dermatology: Pediatric dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions in children. They treat conditions like birthmarks, warts, eczema, or psoriasis.
Dermatopathology: Dermatopathologists are doctors who specialize in both dermatology and pathology. This means they are trained to examine biopsied parts of the skin, and write a biopsy report to determine the possibility of skin cancers (such as melanoma) or skin disease (such as impetigo, vitiligo, or warts). Some dermatopathologists undergo special training to be able to perform Mohs surgery, a precise technique used to get rid of skin cancer cells. The dermatopathologist uses a scalpel to remove cancer on the skin, as well as a thin layer of skin below. Once removed, this tissue is taken to a laboratory for analysis. This analysis helps the dermatopathologist determine if all the cancer cells from the skin have been removed, or if further surgery is needed.
Cosmetic dermatology: Cosmetic dermatologists are doctors who specialize in aesthetic skin care, treating conditions including acne, wrinkles, sagging skin, or varicose veins. These doctors are trained to perform cosmetic procedures like filler injections for sagging skin, laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels.
Dermatologists must complete 4 years of a bachelor’s degree, 4 years of medical school, an internship, and a 3-year residency. After finishing their residency, a dermatologist can complete an exam to earn certification from the American Board of Dermatology. Board certification ensures that the dermatologist has the expertise and qualifications necessary to treat conditions of the skin, hair and nails.
Dermatologists are medical doctors who undergo special training to be able to diagnose and treat conditions related to the skin. Some conditions dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat include:
- Eczema: Eczema is a red and itchy rash that is caused by irritants and allergens. Dermatologists can treat eczema with topical corticosteroid creams, moisturizers, or oral medication.
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, condition that flares in cycles. A psoriasis flareup can cause red, itchy, and flaky skin on the torso, knees, elbows, or scalp. Dermatologists can treat psoriasis with topical creams, light therapy, or oral medication.
- Dermatitis: Dermatitis refers to skin irritation that results in red, itchy, and dry skin. This can be caused by an allergic reaction, eczema, or yeast in the oil of the skin. A dermatologist can prescribe light therapy, creams, gels, or oral medication.
Skin care, on the other hand, is handled by estheticians, professionals who specialize in the cosmetics of the skin. Estheticians are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose skin conditions or prescribe medication. They perform elective skin treatments that can help the appearance of the skin. Estheticians can perform cosmetic procedures such as waxing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and hair removal.
Most major hospitals and health care providers will have departments of dermatology that can work with you to diagnose and treat any skin conditions you may be experiencing. Without insurance, most dermatology consultations for new patients will cost anywhere from $100 to $200, depending on the clinic and needs of the patient.
Save 60% on your next dermatology appointment by booking with Sesame. On Sesame, you can connect with a real, quality dermatologist licensed to treat patients near you for a range of skin conditions. Sesame works directly with dermatologists - not insurance companies - who post affordable, upfront prices, getting you the care you need while eliminating surprise billings and copays. It's that simple!
Severe acne breakouts can lead to acne scars on the face and body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne scars can become more pronounced with age as the body loses collagen. This can make scarring from acne breakouts stubborn and hard to get rid of. The AAD recommends clearing skin of acne breakouts before undergoing treatment for acne scars.
Some remedies for acne scars include:
Sunscreen: Sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays, while also helping to limit the contrast between scarred skin and unscarred skin. Exposure to the sun can cause scarring to darken, highlighting acne scars and making them more noticeable. Applying sunscreen before going outside, even when it’s cloudy, can help skin stay even and reduce the discoloration of scarring.
Medication: Over-the-counter acne medications such as salicylic acid or azelaic acid can help keep pores clear and reduce swelling. These products can help keep the skin around the acne scars clean and healthy while helping to minimize discoloration or inflammation from scarring.
Soft tissue filler: Injections of collagen or fat can help plump up and fill the skin under scars to make it appear smoother. Filler results are only temporary, so multiple injections are needed to maintain the effect of smoother skin.
Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing removes the top layer of the skin, clearing blemishes and imperfections on the surface of the skin such as acne scars. Laser resurfacing requires the patient to wear bandages over the treated area and is not as effective for patients with darker skin.
Chemical Peels: Skin care providers can use a strong chemical solution to peel away the top layer of the skin to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Mild and medium chemical peels can be purchased over-the-counter and used at home, but severe scarring may require an in-office peel to properly even the skin.
Acne scars can be stubborn and difficult to get rid of. Connect with a skin care provider on Sesame today for an in-person or video consultation to determine what acne scar treatment might be right for you. 15-minute skin consultations start at just {{ LowestPrice }}.
Yep! Telehealth has made it easier than ever to speak to a licensed dermatologist from the comfort of your home. Sesame offers video skin consults with real, quality doctors near you. Dermatologists on Sesame can diagnose a wide range of skin conditions including:
Video skin care consults on Sesame start at just $26 for a 15 minute visit. Search for the doctor you want to see, compare prices, and save up to 60% on your visit with our affordable cash-pay prices. Sesame works directly with doctors - not insurance networks- so you don't ever have to worry about surprise bills or copays. Just quality care at affordable prices. Book a skin care visit with a doctor near you today!
Eczema is a highly persistent skin condition that usually won't go away without treatment. Unaddressed eczema can lead to open wounds, discolored skin, and bacterial skin diseases.
While there is no known cure for eczema, at-home remedies have been shown to help reduce side effects and symptoms associated with the condition. Common at-home remedies include:
Moisturizing: Moisturizing once or twice daily can help soothe skin. Dry skin can cause flare-ups of eczema, so keeping skin moisturized not only helps reduce the side effects of eczema but can also help prevent flare-ups from occurring.
Cool compress: Soak a clean washcloth in cold bathwater and apply it to itchy and inflamed skin. The cool compress can help reduce the inflammatory swelling that can occur, while soothing itching.
Oatmeal baths: Add colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak affected skin to relieve itching and reduce irritation. Studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal protects skin and diminishes inflammatory cells that can lead to flare-ups.
Using gentle soaps and detergents: Because contact dermatitis can be caused by exposure to harsh chemicals and bleaches found in some cleaning products, swapping these products out for products that use natural ingredients and gentle cleansing compounds can help prevent flare-ups. Look for fragrance-free, color-free, and exfoliant-free products to help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
Allergy medication: Because many forms of eczema flare up due to irritation from allergens, taking an oral antihistamine or using anti-itch topical gel can help minimize the body’s reaction to allergens.
Protect the skin: Eczema gets itchier the more it is scratched. Continued scratching can lead to bleeding, open sores, and bacterial infections. Keeping the skin under clothing, using anti-itch treatments (such as those listed above), and keeping the skin moisturized can help prevent itchy, dry skin.
If eczema is persistent or severe, speak with your primary care doctor or dermatologist about treatment options. Dermatologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat severe skin conditions like eczema and can prescribe maximum-strength medication to help alleviate the discomfort that comes with it.
First visits with board-certified dermatologists may cost anywhere from $100-$200, depending on the type of care you need. Some dermatologists may offer payment plans to help you afford the cost of that visit, but you can expect at least a $100 fee for your first consultation. This does not include any prescriptions or tests that the doctor may perform.
Video skin consults with real, quality doctors on Sesame start at just $26, and dermatology consults with board-certified dermatologists start at around $50 - without insurance. Sesame works with doctors directly - not insurance networks - to set upfront prices on the site. That means the price you see is the price you pay. No surprise bills or overhead from copays. Doctors on Sesame can diagnose and help treat conditions such as:
Acne
Eczema
Rashes
Atopic dermatitis/ contact dermatitis
Warts
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Also, if you have an existing skin care prescription, you can get it refilled on Sesame with our video prescription refill visits. Sesame has made it easier than ever to regain control of your skin. Book a visit today and save up to 60% on your next skin care appointment.
Video dermatology consultations help patients address skin conditions without the hassle and stress of office visits. Video consultations mean no wait times, no crowds, and visits on your own schedule. Video dermatology consultations can help patients get medical advice and treatment plan options for conditions such as:
Acne
Eczema
Rashes
Psoriasis
Rosacea
In some cases, follow up visits may be required. Depending on the severity of the patient's skin condition, or if there is risk of skin cancer, your dermatologist may request an in-person face-to-face office visit to get a skin sample or a biopsy.
There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatment plans that can help manage and ease symptoms. These treatments include:
Over-the-counter medication: Anti-allergy medications such as antihistamines and topical anti-itch cream can help fight itchiness and inflammation of the affected skin. Non-prescription hydrocortisone creams can also help temporarily relieve itching, which may help the condition improve.
Moisturizing: Moisturizers, such as lotions, oils, or ointment can help reduce dryness and relieve itching. Moisturizing twice a day has been shown to soothe skin and relieve symptoms. If you are using a hydrocortisone cream, it is best to apply the hydrocortisone after moisturizing so that the cream can be more easily absorbed by the skin.
Phototherapy: If a patient experiences flare-ups due to topical treatments, phototherapy (or light therapy) has been shown to reduce symptoms of eczema. Phototherapy is a process that exposes the patient to controlled doses of natural sunlight or UV rays. There are dangers associated with sun exposure, however, such as skin cancer and accelerated skin aging. Because of this, phototherapy is rarely used as a long-term treatment plan for eczema in adults and is never used for children or infants.
Prescription medication: For some severe or persistent cases of eczema, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce irritation and fight itchiness. These prescription medications may come in the form of an oral corticosteroid (such as prednisone) or topical steroid creams. It is recommended that you apply these medications after moisturizing to best help the medication penetrate the skin. Along with a corticosteroid treatment plan, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help keep bacteria from infecting the open cracks or sores on the surface of the skin.
While there is no known cure for eczema, the side effects of eczema can be reduced and relieved with either at-home remedies, or prescription medication. Moisturizers, anti-itch creams, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs have all been shown to help patients manage their itching while reducing redness and scaly skin. Many of these methods have proven effective in minimizing side effects.
Eczema can take different forms and present different symptoms - mostly based on where the affected skin is located on the body. According to the National Eczema Association, most types of eczema cause similar symptoms, which include:
Itchy skin
Dry skin
Inflamed and discolored skin
Crusting
Scaly patches of skin
Depending on the type of eczema you are experiencing, these symptoms may vary. For instance, patients with stasis dermatitis often experience symptoms in the lower legs, near varicose veins. Those with hand eczema often experience scaly, itchy patches of skin on the hands and wrists. The severity and duration of these symptoms can differ from person to person. Some patients may experience flare-ups due to very dry skin or an allergic reaction. Some patients may only experience a brief period of symptoms, and nothing more.
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails.
Dermatologists attend up to 12 years of medical school, including a three-year-long dermatology residency. After a dermatologist completes this training, they must complete an exam given by the American Board of Dermatology to become board-certified. Certification ensures that the dermatologist has the most rigorous education and experience in the field of dermatologic medicine. After certification, a dermatologist can become a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the professional organization of dermatologists in the US. To become a Fellow (FAAD), a dermatologist must be board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
Some skin conditions that dermatologists can diagnose and treat include:
Acne
Eczema
Skin cancer (melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma)
Rashes
Warts
Rosacea
Psoriasis
Birthmarks
Skin lesions
Atopic dermatitis/ contact dermatitis (allergic reactions)
Some dermatologists undergo special training to be able to perform procedures related to dermatopathology (microscopic diseases of the skin), as well as additional training to be able to perform procedures including:
Cosmetic procedures/ cosmetic surgery
Biopsy
Mohs surgery (removal of cancerous skin cells)
Phototherapy
Liposuction
Hair removal
Chemical Peels
Connect with a real, quality doctor on Sesame today to discuss any skin problems or skin conditions you may be experiencing. Sesame offers both in-person and video skin consults at prices up to 60% less than what you'll find anywhere else. Book an affordable and convenient visit today.
Dermatologists are highly specialized medical doctors who are trained to treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. They can specialize in a number of dermatologic specialties, including:
Pediatric dermatology: Pediatric dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions in children. They treat conditions like birthmarks, warts, eczema, or psoriasis.
Dermatopathology: Dermatopathologists are doctors who specialize in both dermatology and pathology. This means they are trained to examine biopsied parts of the skin, and write a biopsy report to determine the possibility of skin cancers (such as melanoma) or skin disease (such as impetigo, vitiligo, or warts). Some dermatopathologists undergo special training to be able to perform Mohs surgery, a precise technique used to get rid of skin cancer cells. The dermatopathologist uses a scalpel to remove cancer on the skin, as well as a thin layer of skin below. Once removed, this tissue is taken to a laboratory for analysis. This analysis helps the dermatopathologist determine if all the cancer cells from the skin have been removed, or if further surgery is needed.
Cosmetic dermatology: Cosmetic dermatologists are doctors who specialize in aesthetic skin care, treating conditions including acne, wrinkles, sagging skin, or varicose veins. These doctors are trained to perform cosmetic procedures like filler injections for sagging skin, laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels.
Dermatologists must complete 4 years of a bachelor’s degree, 4 years of medical school, an internship, and a 3-year residency. After finishing their residency, a dermatologist can complete an exam to earn certification from the American Board of Dermatology. Board certification ensures that the dermatologist has the expertise and qualifications necessary to treat conditions of the skin, hair and nails.
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 exam, or a visual exam, of the affected area will usually be done so that the doctor can assess what skin condition may be affecting the patient. In certain cases, based on the doctor's findings, further testing may need to be done. These tests 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 give medical advice to the patient about treatment plan options and next steps. This way the patient has an understanding of available options and possible next steps.
There are no risks associated with video dermatology consultations, as these online visits are meant to diagnose conditions. Video dermatology consultations can play a key part in creating treatment plan options to help reduce the effects of skin conditions and catch skin issues before they become more severe.