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What Are the Different Types of Jobs in Dermatology?

Kaiser Castro
Kaiser Castro

Dermatology encompasses the study, treatment, and pathology of conditions and diseases that affect the skin. Most dermatologists will have to be properly licensed in their region before practicing their profession. Jobs in dermatology range from pediatric to teledermatology, and from cosmetic to procedural to immune system studies.

Medical professionals who cater to the dermatological field will usually have many years of work and educational experience. Most positions in dermatology are competitive, with students holding a four-year degree, medical school credentials, and having completed doctoral fellowships. Dermatology jobs share the same route, with some professionals deciding to take on certifications and specializations in other branches.

A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions.
A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions.

Pediatric dermatologists diagnose young children with any variety of skin ailments. The immune system of a child tends to be susceptible to diseases. These jobs in dermatology are usually allocated in day cares and clinics, actively diagnosing infections, diseases, and common skin conditions that affect infants like diaper rash.

There are certain jobs in dermatology that encompass the forefront of medical technologies, with teledermatology being one of the more recent as of 2011. It is a medical branch where telecommunication devices are used to exchange medical information via audio, photographs, and other forms of data. This branch of dermatology allows the practitioner to view skin ailments remotely in real-time usually via the internet. Though it is difficult to diagnose without seeing a patient in person, teledermatologists are usually called upon to reinforce medical opinions.

Dermatologists may focus on people who have acne and related skin conditions.
Dermatologists may focus on people who have acne and related skin conditions.

A cosmetic dermatologist specializes in treating and restoring the appearance of aged skin. Cosmetic dermatologists share similar career routes with a plastic surgeon, but cosmetic dermatologists tend to cater to more superficial ailments that don't require invasive procedures. Some of the more common procedures executed by a cosmetic dermatologist are facial peels, face lifts, and microdermabrasion treatments.

Immunodermatologists often focus on skin illnesses like chicken pox.
Immunodermatologists often focus on skin illnesses like chicken pox.

Jobs in dermatology that deal with more invasive procedures on the skin are generally handled by procedural dermatologists. This involves special training and experience with surgical techniques. Procedural dermatologist share similar roots with cosmetic surgeons, however, most professionals who want a career in procedural dermatology will usually need the correct type of credentials.

Some dermatologists specialize in moles and other skin lesions that might be cancerous.
Some dermatologists specialize in moles and other skin lesions that might be cancerous.

Genital dermatology encompasses the study and diagnostics of ailments that affect the skin in the genital area. Most genital dermatologists are able to treat a number of ailments. Some professionals are able to focus on other branches of genital dermatology, such as disease prevention and sexual health.

Immunodermatology caters to the pathology, health, and structure of immune-related skin ailments like lupus and chicken pox. Many immunodermatologists use their expertise in immunopathology labs in medical centers. These professionals are commonly called upon to test the safety of topical skin treatments before being commercially available.

Discussion Comments

Nefertini
@ Ceptorbi: She had to pass a multiple choice test administered by the Dermatology Nurse Association (DNA) to become certified. To sit for the exam, she had to first meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements include current state licensure as a Nurse Practitioner, a masters degree in nursing (MSN), national certification as a Nurse Practitioner, and at least 3,000 hours of practice as a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner.
Ceptorbi

@ Nefertini, what did your friend have to do to become a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner?

Nefertini

@ Ceptorbi - There are dermatology nurse practitioner jobs as well as physician jobs. I know a nurse practitioner who works for a dermatology practice. The physicians in the practice have a long waiting list, and patients can get in to see the nurse practitioner sooner than they can see a physician in many cases. She has a masters degree and certification from the Dermatology Nurses' Association as a Dermatology nurse practitioner.

Ceptorbi

I used to work for a group of dermatologists and, in addition to cosmetic dermatology and pediatric dermatology, dermatologist jobs include Mohs surgery and dermatopathology. Mohs surgeons treat skin cancer with a special surgical technique called Mohs surgery that removes the cancer in layers. They also repair surgical wounds left after removing the cancer. Dermatopathologists examine biopsied skin under a microscope and interpret what they see in the biopsy.

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    • A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions.
      By: Alexander Raths
      A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions.
    • Dermatologists may focus on people who have acne and related skin conditions.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Dermatologists may focus on people who have acne and related skin conditions.
    • Immunodermatologists often focus on skin illnesses like chicken pox.
      By: Photozi
      Immunodermatologists often focus on skin illnesses like chicken pox.
    • Some dermatologists specialize in moles and other skin lesions that might be cancerous.
      By: F.C.G.
      Some dermatologists specialize in moles and other skin lesions that might be cancerous.
    • Dermatologists might focus on skin rashes.
      By: librakv
      Dermatologists might focus on skin rashes.
    • Dermatologists may be able to treat scalp issues.
      By: Lars Zahner
      Dermatologists may be able to treat scalp issues.
    • Medical professionals who cater to the dermatological field will usually have many years of work and educational experience.
      By: sepy
      Medical professionals who cater to the dermatological field will usually have many years of work and educational experience.
    • A dermatologist may choose to specialize in treating children.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      A dermatologist may choose to specialize in treating children.
    • A dermatologist may treat skin conditions such as lichenification.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A dermatologist may treat skin conditions such as lichenification.
    • A medical esthetician may be trained to assist with skin treatments that involve phototherapy or laser resurfacing.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      A medical esthetician may be trained to assist with skin treatments that involve phototherapy or laser resurfacing.
    • Pediatric dermatologists may diagnose young children with any variety of skin ailments, including diaper rash.
      By: LanaK
      Pediatric dermatologists may diagnose young children with any variety of skin ailments, including diaper rash.