There are several recognised areas within dermatology. While all dermatologists share the same core medical training, many go on to develop expertise in particular aspects of skin, hair and nail health. Understanding the different types of dermatologist can help explain who is best placed to manage specific concerns.
General or Medical Dermatologist
A medical dermatologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the skin, hair and nails. This includes conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, infections, pigmentation disorders, hair loss and allergic skin reactions. Medical dermatologists also carry out mole checks and assess suspicious lesions. This is the broadest form of dermatology and the foundation of the specialty.
Consultant Dermatologist
A consultant dermatologist is a senior medical dermatologist who has completed full specialist training and holds a consultant post. Consultants manage complex and long term skin conditions, lead clinics, supervise other clinicians and provide expert opinions. At private clinics such as Azthetics, consultant dermatologists often provide both medical and aesthetic dermatology services.
Dermatologist Specialising In Skin Cancer
Some dermatologists have a particular focus on skin cancer diagnosis and management. This includes assessing suspicious moles, performing biopsies, carrying out skin cancer excisions and monitoring patients with a history of melanoma or non melanoma skin cancer. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are central to this role.
Dermatologic Surgeon
A dermatologic surgeon specialises in surgical procedures involving the skin. This may include mole removal, lesion excision, skin cancer surgery and reconstructive procedures following removal. Their training focuses on achieving both safe medical outcomes and good cosmetic results.
Aesthetic Dermatologist
An aesthetic dermatologist is a medically trained dermatologist who also provides cosmetic and skin rejuvenation treatments. These may include injectable treatments, skin quality treatments and regenerative therapies. Because aesthetic dermatologists have a full medical background, they are able to assess skin health in detail, manage complications and tailor treatments for patients with underlying skin conditions.
Paediatric Dermatologist
A paediatric dermatologist specialises in skin conditions affecting infants, children and adolescents. Children’s skin conditions can present differently to those in adults and often require specialist assessment. Conditions commonly treated include eczema, birthmarks, genetic skin disorders and inflammatory skin diseases in children.
Hair And Scalp Specialist Dermatologist
Some dermatologists develop a particular interest in hair and scalp disorders. This includes different types of hair loss, inflammatory scalp conditions and hair shaft disorders. These cases often require detailed assessment, investigation and long term management.
Academic Or Research Dermatologist
Academic dermatologists work in research and teaching roles alongside clinical practice. They contribute to advancing understanding of skin disease, developing new treatments and training future dermatologists. Patients may encounter academic dermatologists in teaching hospitals or specialist referral centres.
Dermatology at Azthetics
At Azthetics, dermatology care here in Bristol is led by a consultant dermatologist with expertise in medical dermatology and aesthetic dermatology. This allows patients to access thorough assessment of skin concerns alongside medically led aesthetic treatments, all within one clinic setting. Get in touch to find out more.
