What Is a Dermatologist? What Do They Treat & When to Go
Learn about dermatologists, what they treat, when to visit them, how to become one with salary scope
Skin is responsible for providing immunity from a number of diseases, as it forms a protective barrier in our body. Also protect other body organs in optimum condition in warm and cold environments, providing a shield to them by being the largest organ of the body.
Every human body system needs a specific medical doctor with specific expertise to treat various issues of that particular system, and that is why dermatologists are very important in this case because they are the doctors who treat diseases related to the skin. This guide will give you a complete overview of dermatologists and their work profile.
What is a dermatologist?
Dermatologist, known as a medical professional expert in managing conditions related to hair, nail and skin. Treating small initial lesions with severe diseases such as skin cancer, which can be life-threatening.
Dermatologists are fully trained in medical college, post-graduation, and fellowship years regarding different skin conditions via theoretical knowledge, clinical exposure, conferences, training programmes, and experts' input.
Sometimes people get confused between dermatologists and aestheticians. Aestheticians basically work on the outer appearance of the skin and manage conditions with non-medical cosmetic treatment options.
What do dermatologists treat?
Dermatologists help by treating issues related to skin, hair and nails. They caught the condition when it started by various tests and methods that help to treat it easily. This can halt the spread of the condition to severe stages. Sometimes a cancerous condition may appear as a small discoloured area on the skin; if caught by a doctor at this stage, treatment becomes easier with a better outcome.
Some of the commonly treated conditions by dermatologists are as follows:
Acne
Acne is one of the most reported problems in any group, especially during hormonal imbalance. This condition occurs when oil and dead skin get trapped in hair follicles, leading to pus and infection. This also results in blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Acne treatment includes oral or topical medications and procedures such as laser, light, or chemical peel therapy.
Eczema
This is a skin disorder that results in itchy and dry skin and usually does not spread from one person to another. It is a condition that is chronic in nature. This condition can worsen in case of exposure to an irritant or allergen. Management includes moisturising the skin, medication, or light therapy.
Hair loss
Hair loss can happen due to hormonal fluctuations, medical conditions, genetic conditions or as part of ageing. This can be a temporary or lifelong condition. Hair loss can affect only the scalp or the whole body, depending on severity. Along with medication treatment, such as plasma-rich protein therapy or hair transplantation, it can be useful in hair loss treatment
Nail fungus
Nail fungus is a major infection affecting the nails. It all starts with spot beneath nail in yellow, white or brown colour. The colour of the nail changes as the disease progresses, with a thickened and crumbled edge of the nail. It can affect more than one nail. Antifungal medication or nail removal can help to treat the condition based on severity.
Psoriasis.
This is a skin condition that causes thick, scaly areas of skin called plaques. Psoriasis treatment often involves creams and ointments.
Dandruff
Dandruff is the most common scalp condition. It appears as small white to yellow flakes of dead skin, which can progress and appear on the shoulders and clothing of the individual, making social situations awkward. Along with this, it makes the scalp itchy. Medicated shampoo and topical applications can help to manage dandruff.
Skin cancer
It is abnormal, out-of-control growth of cells. It mainly occurs due to UV radiation exposure. Various types of skin cancer can be observed, in which the melanoma type is the most severe and aggressive, giving a poor prognosis. It starts with a change in a mole; the border becomes irregular and sore that ot heal like a normal one.
When to see a dermatologist?
Visit your dermatologist at the earliest when your skin issue lasts for more than a week, appears again and again, or doesn't heal even after over-the-counter creams. If a mole or spot changes in size or colour faster, bleeds, and doesn't heal, this can be a sign of cancer. Excessive hair loss, discoloured nails, painful or spreading infections, and itchy patches on the skin are signs of psoriasis or eczema. Early detection of the condition is helpful for treatment options.
How to become a dermatologist?
The medical profession requires years of study and medical training to become an expert dermatologist.
- This starts with 12th completion in science subjects and clearing the NEET UG exam.
- Followed by 4 years of study for an MBBS degree with 1 year of additional internship, which is compulsory for getting the degree.
- The second step is clearing the NEET PG exam and getting MD in dermatology, which requires 3 years of study and clinical training.
- An additional fellowship programme of one or two years can add additional expertise in a specific area.
A fellowship is not mandatory to start practice as a dermatologist, but it can add credibility in that field.
How much is a dermatologist's salary?
The salary depends on several factors of practice, such as location, the doctor's expertise, type of sector, independent practice, or affiliation with a hospital or organisation.
Government sector
| Experience | Typical monthly (gross) | Approx. yearly |
| Fresher (0–2 years, after MD/DNB) | ₹1.1 – 1.6 lakh | ₹13 – 19 lakh |
| Mid-level (3–8 years) | ₹1.6 – 2.3 lakh | ₹19 – 28 lakh |
| Senior (10+ years, Associate Professor or above) | ₹2.3 – 3 lakh+ | ₹28 – 36 lakh+ |
Private sector
| Experience | Typical yearly range |
| Fresher (0–2 years) | ₹3 – 10 lakh |
| Mid-level (3–8 years) | ₹10 – 20 lakh |
| Senior (10+ years) | ₹20 – 30 lakh+ |
A dermatologist gives accurate treatment and manages conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. A student with a medical background can look for this career path, as it gives exposure to a variety of conditions with good recognition, scope for growth, and earning opportunities. For knowing current job openings for dermatologists, visit Docthub now.
FAQs
Q.1. What is the difference between a dermatologist and an esthetician?
A. A dermatologist is a medical doctor (MBBS plus MD/DNB in dermatology) who diagnoses and treats skin, hair and nail diseases and can prescribe medicines and perform procedures. An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who does non-medical treatments such as facials, cleansing and exfoliation, and cannot diagnose or treat disease.
Q.2. What are the top 5 skin diseases?
A. Rankings vary by source and region, but the most common are acne, eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, fungal infections such as ringworm, and vitiligo. Skin cancer is less common but more serious.
Q.3. Is dermatology hard to study?
A. It is demanding mainly because of the path: MBBS, then a competitive NEET PG rank to get a dermatology seat, then a 3-year MD or DNB. The subject itself is visual and detail-heavy, with many conditions to recognise, but the workload is generally lighter than in surgical branches.
Q.4. Is dermatology a good career?
A. Yes, for most people. It offers steady demand, regular hours compared with many specialties, and a mix of medical and cosmetic work. Income can grow a lot with a private clinic, though getting a seat is competitive and building a practice takes time.
Q.5. What is the minimum salary of a dermatologist?
A. In India, a fresher in a private role can start at about ₹3 lakh a year, with entry-level packages beginning at ₹3.10 lakh a year. Government posts start higher, at Level 11 with basic pay from ₹67,700 a month, plus allowances.
