A brief intro to Dermatologists
Who is a dermatologist
Dermatologists (ماہرامراض جلد) are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating a diverse range of skin diseases and also perform certain cosmetic treatments to improve the texture, type and tone of skin, hair and nails. They are also able to make more complex diagnoses, like determining whether or not a mole is cancerous.
When should you see a dermatologist
If you have really stubborn acne, scars, stretch marks, excess cellulite, dark discolorations, hyperpigmentation, itches, rashes, or abnormally 'blush-ing' skin, an appointment with a dermatologist is a good idea.
What are a dermatologists main areas of concern
Dermatologists(ماہرامراض جلد) can do three main things which includes treating various illnesses, making cosmetic improvements to a patient's skin and diagnosing certain illnesses. These can happen in many different ways, such as the prescription of certain ointments/creams or additions/subtractions from the patient’s diet etc. They mostly deal with skin problems but hair and nail related problems also make up a large chunk of their work. Some dermatologists (ڈرمیٹولوجسٹ) go on to specialize in hair or nail related problems.
What are the most common skin diseases in Pakistan
Skin doctors (ماہرامراض جلد) are capable of treating over 3000 different illnesses and many of these illnesses are more common than most people think. The most common skin diseases in Pakistan are:
| Disease |
Percentage of Patients Infected |
| Eczema |
31% |
| Viral/Fungal infections |
28% |
| Acne |
11% |
| Adverse reaction to medication |
6% |
How to become a dermatologist in Pakistan
In order to become a dermatologist/cosmetologist in Pakistan, you must first get an M.B.B.S/Bachelor of Medicine from an institution that is recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), and then work as a supervised general practitioner for a year, this is commonly referred to as a House Job. Once both of these are complete, you will have to finish a four to five year fellowship program (FCPS) in dermatology with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan.
The FCPS program involves at least three different examinations, including the FCPS-1 exam that enables a trainee to enroll in the program in the first place. You will then have to attend a number of mandatory generalized workshops and gain specialized training for around four years before attempting the final FCPS exam. Once this test has been cleared, you will be given the title of specialist and will be made a member of the CPSP, enabling you to practice as a dermatologist in Clifton, Karachi. Though this is the minimum amount of training a dermatologist is required to have, many do go on to gain more certifications and training, further expanding their knowledge of the field.
What kinds of dermatologists are there?
Like all fields of medicine, dermatology has numerous sub-specialities; which are listed below:
- Cosmetic Dermatologists: These are specialists who are experts in cosmetic procedures which are majorly surgical.
- Dermatopathologists: these specialists can diagnose dermatological diseases through a microscopic study of skin samples. It's a lab based specialization.
- Surgical Dermatologists: As the name suggests, these are dermatologists who are experts in surgical procedures related to dermatological issues.
- Pediatric Dermatologists: They treat genetic, congenital and acquired dermatological diseases affecting children, including newborns and toddlers.
- Medical dermatologists: These are doctors whose expertise lie within diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases of the hair, nails and skin.
- Mohs Surgeons: These are specialists in skin cancer treatment and surgery. If you have an odd mole, this is the dermatologist you should consult.
What are dermatologists called in Pakistan
- Cosmetologist
- Jild Ka Doctor
- Skin Specialist
- Skin doctor
