noun

dermatology

/ˌdɜːməˈtɒlədʒi/ · say it: der·muh·TAH·luh·jee

the branch of medicine dealing with the skin

In Medicine & Health

In more detail

the branch of medicine that deals with the skin and skin diseases

Examples

She decided to specialize in dermatology after seeing how a dermatologist helped her with her acne.

How to use dermatology

Dermatology is a formal, medical term used in healthcare contexts to refer to the medical specialty concerned with skin conditions. It is typically used when discussing medical fields, professional expertise, or clinical settings. The term is precise and technical but widely understood by general audiences.

Common phrases

dermatology clinic
dermatology appointment
dermatology specialist
board-certified dermatology
dermatology patient

Synonyms

skin medicine · dermatological medicine

Word family

dermatologist (noun) · dermatological (adjective) · dermatologically (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse dermatology with cosmetology (which focuses on beauty and cosmetic treatments rather than medical treatment of skin diseases).

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