When to See a Dermatologist

There are different healthcare providers you can see if you have a skin condition, including your primary care physician, a nurse practitioner, or a physician’s assistant. But, there are times when you are best served by seeing a dermatologist—a doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.

While dermatologists can treat uncomplicated skin conditions like acne or warts, they are crucial to the diagnosis and treatment of serious ones like scleroderma, cellulitis, and skin cancer. Knowing when seeing a dermatologist is a “must” can help you get to the bottom of a condition quicker and access the correct treatment faster.

This article can help decide whether it’s OK to see a primary care provider for a skin condition or if it’s time to book an immediate appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.