A doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the skin is called what?

A doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the skin is called a dermatologist. Dermatologists diagnose and manage diseases affecting the skin, hair, nails, and related mucous membranes.

Their work ranges from treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, infections, and allergic reactions to identifying and treating skin cancers. Dermatologists may use medicines, cryotherapy, laser procedures, biopsies, or surgery, depending on the condition. A biopsy removes a small tissue sample so it can be examined for diagnostic clues.

Dermatology overlaps with several specialties but is not the same as them. A nephrologist treats kidney disease, an oncologist treats cancer broadly, and a neurologist treats disorders of the nervous system. Dermatologists can also perform cosmetic procedures, but their medical training centers on diagnosing and treating disease. The skin is the body’s largest organ and serves as a barrier, helps regulate temperature, and provides sensory information, making dermatology a wide-ranging medical field.