Dermatology Toronto - Find A Dermatologist in Toronto
What does a Dermatologist do?
A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of skin, nails, and hair. Dermatologists are medical doctors, but dermatologists spend an additional three or more years focusing just on skin conditions and treatments.
10 signs that you should see a dermatologist
A small outbreak of pimples or temporary rash doesn't require a trip to a dermatologist. But if you have symptoms or conditions such as the ones listed below, it's a good idea or even critical to see a dermatologist.
1. A mole that becomes larger than a pencil eraser or changes color or shape.
2. Acne that has become chronic.
3. Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, or herpes
4. A wound that won't heal
5. A rash or pustule that lingers or rashes that occur frequently
6. Varicose veins become painful or unsightly
7. Topic dermatitis (eczema)
8. Scars or birthmarks that you're uncomfortable about
9. Cosmetic procedures aren't magic elixirs for lifes problems, but they can enhance your life when done well and for the right reasons
10. Your tattoo says, "Francie" but you married Jane
6 common skin conditions
There are over 1,200 disorders of the skin, more than for any other body organ. Of the elderly, 90 percent have one or more skin disorders. Following are just six of the most common.
1. Dermatitis is a catch-all term for a number of similar skin conditions in which the skin is irritated, inflamed and may have a rash or raised surface. Eczema, allergy-triggered contact dermatitis, cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch), diaper rash, cradle cap and dandruff are all forms of dermatitis.
2. Actinic keratoses (AKs) are the result of over-exposure to the sun. AKs vary widely in appearance. Some are a rough, often crusty, patch of skin up to the size of a quarter. Others look like a common rash that doesn't go away, a brown area similar to an age spot or a growth that resembles a horn or knob. AKs come in many colors, from skin tone to brown, purple and black. Because AKs can become cancerous, it's important to check with your dermatologist if you suspect you have one.
3. Psoriasis is a challenging chronic disease usually identified by areas of red skin covered with silver, flaky skin patches. It occurs when the immune system sends skin cell production into overdrive. More severe forms of psoriasis can attack the body's joints. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, your dermatologist can help you find effective treatments for controlling the symptoms.
4. Acne, the most common skin disease, affects 60 million Americans. Yet, according to The American Dermatologist Association, only 11 percent seek medical treatment.
5. Vitiligo eliminates pigment from the skin and is so common that it occurs in about one of every 100 people. Vitiligo can be emotionally distressing because the loss of pigment leaves striking patches of very light skin.
6. Skin cancer is diagnosed in approximately 1 million Americans each year. Most forms of skin cancer are treatable, especially if they're caught early. You're at greatest risk if you have fair hair or skin and light-colored eyes.
Choosing the right dermatologist for your needs
Finding the right dermatologist should take more than a walk through the
yellow pages, but it's not difficult. The checklists below can help you get
started.
Finding Doctors
- What specialists do your primary care doctor and other health care professionals recommend?
- Other health care professionals are good sources of information.
- Ask your health insurer if they can provide recommendations.
- Your state medical society or other local health care organizations normally have referral services.
- Visit the Canadian Dermatology Association web site: dermatology.ca for excellent health-related information.
- The following is a great resource for finding a dermatologist in Canada: dermatologists.ca/index.html
Questions to ask
- Is the doctor board-certified in dermatology?
- Does he have expertise in the area of dermatology that is of concern to you? Examples might be: cosmetic surgery,
phlebology (conditions of the veins), Mole surgery or pediatric dermatology.
- Is she on your health plan's approved list?
- Is your health insurance accepted?
- What hospitals does the doctor use?
- How long do you have to wait for an appointment?
Interviewing the doctor
- Does he explain things in a way that you understand?
- Does she take time to listen to you and answer your questions?
- Does he enable you to be a "partner" when discussing options and making decisions?
- Are you comfortable with the doctor?
What does board-certified mean? Is it important?
When a dermatologist is certified, he or she has exceeded the requirements needed to be a licensed medical doctor. To be certified, a dermatologist has demonstrated expertise in dermatology and achieves better results for patients. The voluntary certification process includes ongoing education, stringent testing and peer evaluation.
When you chose a dermatologist, board certification indicates the doctor has gone the extra mile to be highly informed and provide first-rate care.
A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of skin, nails, and hair. Dermatologists are medical doctors, but dermatologists spend an additional three or more years focusing just on skin conditions and treatments.
10 signs that you should see a dermatologist
A small outbreak of pimples or temporary rash doesn't require a trip to a dermatologist. But if you have symptoms or conditions such as the ones listed below, it's a good idea or even critical to see a dermatologist.
1. A mole that becomes larger than a pencil eraser or changes color or shape.
2. Acne that has become chronic.
3. Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, or herpes
4. A wound that won't heal
5. A rash or pustule that lingers or rashes that occur frequently
6. Varicose veins become painful or unsightly
7. Topic dermatitis (eczema)
8. Scars or birthmarks that you're uncomfortable about
9. Cosmetic procedures aren't magic elixirs for lifes problems, but they can enhance your life when done well and for the right reasons
10. Your tattoo says, "Francie" but you married Jane
6 common skin conditions
There are over 1,200 disorders of the skin, more than for any other body organ. Of the elderly, 90 percent have one or more skin disorders. Following are just six of the most common.
1. Dermatitis is a catch-all term for a number of similar skin conditions in which the skin is irritated, inflamed and may have a rash or raised surface. Eczema, allergy-triggered contact dermatitis, cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch), diaper rash, cradle cap and dandruff are all forms of dermatitis.
2. Actinic keratoses (AKs) are the result of over-exposure to the sun. AKs vary widely in appearance. Some are a rough, often crusty, patch of skin up to the size of a quarter. Others look like a common rash that doesn't go away, a brown area similar to an age spot or a growth that resembles a horn or knob. AKs come in many colors, from skin tone to brown, purple and black. Because AKs can become cancerous, it's important to check with your dermatologist if you suspect you have one.
3. Psoriasis is a challenging chronic disease usually identified by areas of red skin covered with silver, flaky skin patches. It occurs when the immune system sends skin cell production into overdrive. More severe forms of psoriasis can attack the body's joints. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, your dermatologist can help you find effective treatments for controlling the symptoms.
4. Acne, the most common skin disease, affects 60 million Americans. Yet, according to The American Dermatologist Association, only 11 percent seek medical treatment.
5. Vitiligo eliminates pigment from the skin and is so common that it occurs in about one of every 100 people. Vitiligo can be emotionally distressing because the loss of pigment leaves striking patches of very light skin.
6. Skin cancer is diagnosed in approximately 1 million Americans each year. Most forms of skin cancer are treatable, especially if they're caught early. You're at greatest risk if you have fair hair or skin and light-colored eyes.
Choosing the right dermatologist for your needs
Finding the right dermatologist should take more than a walk through the
yellow pages, but it's not difficult. The checklists below can help you get
started.
Finding Doctors
- What specialists do your primary care doctor and other health care professionals recommend?
- Other health care professionals are good sources of information.
- Ask your health insurer if they can provide recommendations.
- Your state medical society or other local health care organizations normally have referral services.
- Visit the Canadian Dermatology Association web site: dermatology.ca for excellent health-related information.
- The following is a great resource for finding a dermatologist in Canada: dermatologists.ca/index.html
Questions to ask
- Is the doctor board-certified in dermatology?
- Does he have expertise in the area of dermatology that is of concern to you? Examples might be: cosmetic surgery,
phlebology (conditions of the veins), Mole surgery or pediatric dermatology.
- Is she on your health plan's approved list?
- Is your health insurance accepted?
- What hospitals does the doctor use?
- How long do you have to wait for an appointment?
Interviewing the doctor
- Does he explain things in a way that you understand?
- Does she take time to listen to you and answer your questions?
- Does he enable you to be a "partner" when discussing options and making decisions?
- Are you comfortable with the doctor?
What does board-certified mean? Is it important?
When a dermatologist is certified, he or she has exceeded the requirements needed to be a licensed medical doctor. To be certified, a dermatologist has demonstrated expertise in dermatology and achieves better results for patients. The voluntary certification process includes ongoing education, stringent testing and peer evaluation.
When you chose a dermatologist, board certification indicates the doctor has gone the extra mile to be highly informed and provide first-rate care.
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