What's A Dermatologist?

Don't be put off by the name - a dermatologist is simply a doctor who specializes in skin diseases and care of the skin. Dermatologists are trained as medical doctors, followed by extra specialized training for 6 years as a dermatologist.

They have expertise in basic sciences including microbiology, pathology, biochemistry, physics, physiology, and endocrinology. They're also familiar with all the other medical specialities because skin diseases are often associated with internal conditions.

You can get a referral to a dermatologist from your local doctor. In Australia, only dermatologists can prescribe isotretinoin, an oral treatment for people with severe acne.

What Do They Do?

Dermatologists can treat all common skin disorders, including acne. They may use a range of therapies depending on the condition, from prescribing oral or topical (skin lotions and creams) treatments to laser therapies or surgery.

Talk About It

If there's one message you should take away from this site, it's this: if you have any worries about your acne or how to treat it, see your doctor. Your local GP will have a good idea of the range of treatments available to help you, and they can also refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist) if you need further expert assistance.