A dermatologist is a skin doctor, although the definition usually extends to the hair and nails as well. Many dermatologists are general dermatologists, who focus on medical and health issues, such as toenail fungus treatment. All true dermatologists are medical doctors, with an M.D., or doctors of osteopathy, or a D.O. To become a dermatologist, a doctor completes three or four years of residency in a dermatology setting in a hospital or clinic. Most medical dermatological treatments are covered by the same policies as other specialists in regular insurance plans.
More focused kinds of dermatologists include dermatopathologists, who specialize in the diagnosis of various skin diseases, and immunodermatologists, who specialize in managing autoimmune skin disorders, such as lupus. Mohs surgeons are experts in removal of moles, such as cancerous ones, and pediatric dermatologists work with children’s skin. Cosmetic dermatologists focus on aesthetic treatments. Examples include plastic surgery, botox treatments and fillers. Cosmetic dermatology may not be covered by most insurance plans.
The field of dermatology range from the head to the feet. Dermatologists may examine the scalp and try to treat dandruff or head lice. Freezing treatments are designed to get rid of warts and other blemishes. A dermatologist is the expert to call when an individual notices a change in a mole or birthmark and is worried about skin cancer.
At the bottom of the bottom are the feet, and at the very end of the feet are the toenails. Keeping them clean can be difficult, and toenail fungus can be unavoidable sometimes, especially when people frequent public pools and locker rooms, or get sweaty feet from exercising in tight shoes and don’t take a shower soon afterward. Dermatologists can recommend the strongest toenail fungus treatment available in patients who have serious cases of fungus. Treatment may also include cutting back the toenails and applying ointment to supplement the oral antifungal pills.