According to the American Academy of Dermatology Associations (AAD), there are clear advantages to working with a board-certified dermatologist:
- They have completed medical school plus three to four years of advanced training—a total of 12,000 to 16,000 hours—studying diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.
- They have passed rigorous exams in dermatology.
- They have made a commitment to keeping up with the latest advances in dermatology.
- They understand the interactions between the skin and the rest of the body.
This not only helps them reach a fast and accurate diagnosis, but provide effective treatment as soon as possible, which can reduce the risk of issues related to incorrect or delayed treatment (e.g., scarring, hair loss, or nail damage).
The letters “FAAD” in a doctor’s list of credentials means that they are board certified and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.