Description
Diagnose and treat diseases and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair, and nails; perform medical, surgical, and laser dermatologic procedures.
- • Take and document patient medical and dermatologic histories.
- • Perform complete skin examinations.
- • Diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail disorders (e.g., acne, dandruff, tinea, psoriasis, nevi, skin cancer).
- • Diagnose and manage pigmented lesions, including nevi and melanoma.
- • Perform skin surgery for diagnosis, cancer control, and cosmetic improvement.
- • Perform biopsies, including incisional biopsies, for suspected melanoma.
- • Conduct or order diagnostic tests (e.g., dermoscopy, skin scrapings, microbiology, endocrinologic tests, chest radiographs).
- • Recommend diagnostic testing based on history and examination findings.
- • Prescribe systemic and topical therapies (e.g., hormonal agents, retinoids, antibiotics, corticosteroids, spironolactone, benzoyl peroxide).
- • Provide procedural therapies such as intralesional steroids, chemical peels, and comedo extraction.
- • Perform dermabrasion, laser resurfacing or ablation, and microdermabrasion for scars and other conditions.
- • Evaluate patients for eligibility and safety of cosmetic procedures.
- • Counsel patients on sun protection, skin cancer awareness, self-examinations, and routine screenings.
- • Provide dermatologic consultation to other health professionals.
- • Refer patients to other specialists as needed.
- • Teach and supervise residents or interns in dermatologic diagnosis and treatment.
- • Stay current by reviewing literature, collaborating with colleagues, and attending conferences.
- • Conduct clinical or basic dermatology research.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
