A dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat children and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails. A dermatologist also has additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, moles and other tumors of the skin. Other common diseases treated by them are contact dermatitis and other allergic and nonallergic skin disorders. They also have expertise in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars and the skin changes associated with aging.

To become a dermatologist, a person after earning a medical degree, continue to train in dermatology for an additional four years. The first year is usually spent training in a medical or surgical internship followed by a three year dermatology residency. Additional fellowship training is available in subspecialties such as immunodermatology, Mohs micrographic surgery or cosmetic surgery.

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s (PAMF) Department of Dermatology’s medical team consists of board-certified dermatologists and support staff. Estheticians are also part of PAMF’s Dermatology team. Specializing in the study of skin care, they perform procedures such as facials, microdermabrasions and other therapy complementary to a dermatologist’s medical treatment.