Dermatologists

Diagnose and treat pigmented lesions such as common acquired nevi, congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz nevi, blue nevi, or melanoma.

Conduct complete skin examinations.

Counsel patients on topics such as the need for annual dermatologic screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, or skin and lymph node self-examinations.

Record patients' health histories.

Diagnose and treat skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, athlete's foot, moles, psoriasis, or skin cancer.

Perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma.

Perform skin surgery to improve appearance, make early diagnoses, or control diseases such as skin cancer.

Prescribe hormonal agents or topical treatments such as contraceptives, spironolactone, antiandrogens, oral corticosteroids, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics.

Recommend diagnostic tests based on patients' histories and physical examination findings.

Provide dermatologic consultation to other health professionals.

Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in dermatology.

Instruct interns or residents in diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases.

Provide liposuction treatment to patients.

Refer patients to other specialists, as needed.

Provide dermabrasion or laser abrasion to treat atrophic scars, elevated scars, or other skin conditions.

Conduct or order diagnostic tests such as chest radiographs (x-rays), microbiologic tests, or endocrinologic tests.

Conduct clinical or basic research.

Provide therapies such as intralesional steroids, chemical peels, or comodo removal to treat age spots, sun damage, rough skin, discolored skin, or oily skin.

Evaluate patients to determine eligibility for cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, laser resurfacing, or microdermabrasion.