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Dermatology is the medical specialty caring for illnesses relating to the skin, hair and nails. Dermatologists also treat many diseases affecting the genitalia and the inside of the mouth. Dermatologists treat patients of all ages.

A Dermatologist is a medically qualified doctor who has gone on to spend several years training specifically in Dermatology. The precise details of the training system vary between countries. In the United Kingdom, doctors who have completed the full specialist training in Dermatology are listed on the specialist register of the General Medical Council, and almost all consultant dermatologists have an appointment at an NHS hospital.

Over two thousand diseases of the skin exist. Dermatologists spend much of their time treating patients with skin cancer, often by surgery. They also see many patients with inflammatory skin diseases (such as eczema and psoriasis). In addition to treating all manner of skin diseases, many dermatologists choose to develop additional skills and knowledge in a specific area of skin disease (such as allergy, laser treatment, infections of the skin, cancer etc.)

Further information about the Dermatologists practising in the United Kingdom can be obtained from the British Association of Dermatologists (to which almost all British dermatologists belong).