
Dermatologist
Specialist in the article

Dermatologist services at a glance
- A dermatologist provides an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for skin conditions.
- A dermatologist's appointment usually takes 20–60 minutes, depending on the procedures required.
- Before your dermatologist's appointment, write down your symptoms and their duration, as well as the medications you are taking.
The most common skin conditions
A dermatologist examines and treats skin conditions, allergic symptoms and various changes in the skin. The dermatologist's area of expertise also includes sexually transmitted infections and skin conditions affecting the genitals as well as many systemic diseases that cause skin symptoms. There are about 3,000 different rashes and skin conditions that dermatologists can treat.
The most common skin conditions include:
- acne
- various types of eczema, such as atopic eczema and seborrheic eczema
- psoriasis
- infectious skin conditions such as cold sores, impetigo, molluscum contagiosum and warts
- fungal skin and nail infections
- skin tumours, such as benign moles or skin cancer
- hives
- allergic rashes and drug reactions
How a private dermatologist's appointment proceeds
Before an appointment with a dermatologist, it's a good idea to write down or make a mental checklist of, at least, the following:
- Symptoms, such as what kinds of symptoms you have and their duration.
- Your current medications.
At the appointment, your dermatologist will start by discussing your symptoms with you and possibly ask other questions related to your health and the medicines you are taking. After the initial discussion, the dermatologist will assess the visible skin symptoms of the skin change or skin condition on the basis of the information you have provided, such as the symptoms of the rash and their duration.
Usually, the dermatologist can make a diagnosis at the appointment on the basis of the above information and their observations. The dermatologist will usually check the entire skin during the appointment.
Sometimes the skin symptom requires additional tests, such as laboratory tests and allergy tests. A biopsy sample can also be taken from a rash or skin change. A dermatoscope makes it easier to distinguish, for example, benign moles from suspicious moles that require removal.
Skin conditions can be treated with various topical or oral medications. In addition to these, a dermatologist can use treatments such as phototherapy, skin laser treatment, cryotherapy and surgery to treat skin conditions. Some dermatologists also perform aesthetic treatments for the skin.
Symptoms and problems related to skin conditions
Chlamydia
The most common sexually transmitted infection in Finland. Almost all chlamydia infections are asymptomatic.
Condyloma or genital warts
Are warts that typically develop in the genital area of women and men. They are caused by the human papillomavirus.
Genital herpes
The most common cause of genital ulcers. In most cases, the symptoms appear 4–14 days after infection. Can also be asymptomatic.
Gonorrhoea
Is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria that is transmitted through unprotected sex.
HIV and AIDS
The HIV virus causes a permanent infection that slowly destroys the human immune system.
Mycoplasma genitalium
Is a sexually transmitted bacterium that causes an inflammation with symptoms that resemble chlamydia.
Oral herpes, i.e. cold sores
The herpes simplex virus causes redness, itching and blisters on the lips.
Scabies or itch mite
A skin disease caused by the itch mite, which results in intense itching and rash.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Sexually transmitted diseases should always be treated as early as possible.
Syphilis
About 3–4 weeks after a syphilis infection, a painless ulcer will appear at the site of infection and it will heal spontaneously within a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions about dermatologist's appointments
A dermatologist is a specialist who examines and treats skin conditions, allergy symptoms and various skin changes. The dermatologist's area of expertise also includes sexually transmitted infections and skin conditions affecting the genitals as well as many systemic diseases that cause skin symptoms. Previously, dermatologists graduated as specialists in dermatology and sexually transmitted infections. With the change in the training programme, the title changed to specialist in dermatology and allergology.
If you have skin symptoms, suspect you have a skin condition or notice new or suspicious skin changes, it's a good idea to book an appointment with a dermatologist. Common dermatologist-treated skin conditions include:
- acne
- various types of eczema, such as atopic eczema and seborrheic eczema
- psoriasis
- infectious skin conditions such as cold sores, impetigo, molluscum contagiosum, warts and fungal skin and nail infections
- skin tumours, such as benign moles or skin cancer
- hives
- allergic rashes and drug reactions
If you have skin symptoms, suspect you have a skin condition or notice new or suspicious skin changes, it's a good idea to book an appointment with a dermatologist. Book an appointment with a dermatologist via Mehiläinen's online appointment booking service or by calling our customer service at 010 414 00 (local network rate/mobile charge).
Your dermatologist will start by discussing your symptoms with you and possibly ask other questions related to your health and the medications you are taking. After the initial discussion, the dermatologist will assess the visible skin symptoms of the skin change or skin condition on the basis of the information you have provided, such as the symptoms of the rash and their duration. The dermatologist will usually check the entire skin. Often, the dermatologist can make a diagnosis during the appointment. Sometimes the skin symptom requires additional tests, such as laboratory tests and allergy tests.