A dermatologist is the medical expert you should consult if you have any significant problem with
your skin.

A dermatologist is a doctor who has undergone many years of specialization in the study of the skin.

Dermatology is the science that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails.

The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. It reflects the health of the body and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. Unfortunately, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease – infants, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. One in six (15%) of all visits to the family doctor (GP) involves a skin problem.

The most common skin diseases include:

• Eczema
• Warts
• Acne
• Fungal Infections
• Skin Cancer
• Psoriasis
• Cold sores

Dermatologists are medical doctors turned specialists. In Singapore, the training to become a dermatology specialist requires 5 years of medical school, 3-4 years of internal medicine training, and another 3 years of advanced specialist training in dermatology coupled with numerous rigorous examinations.

The advance training program also involves hours of intensive study, research and practice in approved training centres in Singapore and overseas. In total, a dermatologist has a minimum of 10 years of training.

Dermatologists must have expertise in basic sciences including microbiology, pathology, biochemistry, physiology, and endocrinology. They must be familiar with all the other medical specialities because of their consultant work and because skin diseases are often associated with internal conditions.

Dermatologists perform minor skin surgery in some situations:

• To prevent or provide early control of disease, eg remove skin cancer
• To improve the skin’s appearance by removing growths, discolourations, or damage caused by ageing, sunlight or disease
• To establish a definite diagnosis (biopsy).