Dermatology

Dermatologists manage diseases of the skin, hair and nails in people of all ages. It is estimated that about a quarter of the population in the UK are affected by a skin disease that would benefit from medical care. As there are over 1,000 recognised conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential.

Most dermatologists are skin surgeons as well as physicians, and lead the organisation and delivery of skin cancer services, treating approximately three-quarters of all skin cancers.

Dermatology is largely an outpatient-based specialty with most referrals coming from GPs. Community specialist nurses and pharmacists play a major role in the treatment of patients outside a hospital setting and can support the self-management of mild chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Dermatologists also work closely with oncologists, paediatricians and histopathologists.

Related RCP publications

• Dermatitis: occupational aspects of management (2009)
• Consultant physicians working with patients, fourth edition (2008)
• Prevention, diagnosis, referral and management of melanoma of the skin (2007)

Map of Medicine

The RCP has been working with Map of Medicine since 2008 to produce web-based knowledge support tools. There are 300 evidence-based clinical care maps covering all major areas of healthcare; including care maps for specific specialties.

Specialty training

For information about specialty training in dermatology, please visit the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Postgraduate Training Board (JRCPTB) website.

Specialist societies

• British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)
• British Society for Medical Dermatology

2010 Consultant Census

The RCP has completed our census of working physicians in 2010. Attached below is a breakdown of the report with results for this specialty.

 Patient information

• National Eczema Society
• Psoriasis Association