Key Takeaways
- Seeing a board-certified dermatologist ensures expert evaluation and accurate diagnosis, as well as advanced treatment for routine and complex skin issues.
- PACT dermatologists provide comprehensive care, from annual skin checks to chronic condition management.
- With modern technology and evidence-based treatments, the CT Dermatology Group at PACT delivers accessible skin care for patients of all ages.
- Early evaluation and regular preventive screenings can detect issues such as skin cancer before they progress and become harder to treat.
Did you know your skin is the largest — and one of the most important — organs in your body? Skin acts as a protective barrier, shielding your internal organs from the external environment, and regulates your temperature. It is also one of the most important indicators of overall health and can reveal issues such as dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, and even autoimmune conditions.
If you have concerns about your skin — whether it’s a new spot that looks suspicious, or a condition like eczema that needs managing — an experienced dermatologist can help. Physicians Alliance of Connecticut (PACT) is home to experienced, board-certified dermatologists who provide comprehensive skin care using the latest advances in medical dermatology. As a multi-speciality network, PACT connects patients with top CT dermatologists who work collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.
Why See a Dermatologist?
Many people see their primary care doctor regularly, but not as many people think to visit a dermatologist until an issue arises. But a dermatologist plays a crucial role in identifying subtle changes in your skin that may indicate an underlying health problem. They can help patients manage complex chronic conditions, distinguish a benign mole from something potentially dangerous, and much more. Early evaluation and preventive screenings by an experienced dermatologist can detect issues such as skin cancer — the most common cancer in the United States — when they are most treatable.
A board-certified dermatologist can diagnose and treat more than 3,000 hair, skin, and nail conditions, and address cosmetic concerns as well. Dermatologists can treat patients from newborns to older adults.
Some of the issues a dermatologist can help with include:
- Age-related skin changes
- Chronic condition management
- Diagnosis of new or changing moles
- Rashes or allergic reactions
- Preventive skin cancer screenings
A dermatologist can also perform specialized diagnostic procedures, such as patch testing and skin biopsies. PACT dermatologists are also able to perform a number of cosmetic treatments, including:
- Chemical peels
- Dermal filters
- Hair loss restoration
- Laser hair removal
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials
PACT dermatologists perform these services with patient comfort in mind. They’ll take the time to understand your specific condition and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel supported throughout your treatment.
Comprehensive Skin Care in Connecticut
PACT patients have access to a range of dermatologic services, from preventive screenings to advanced treatment for chronic conditions. Regular full-body checks let dermatologists to evaluate moles, sunspots, and any other skin changes that may indicate early skin cancer or precancerous lesions.
PACT dermatologists offer comprehensive management plans for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Acne and rosacea
- Alopecia
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Hair loss or thinning
- Melasma
- Psoriasis
- Shingles
- Vitiligo
- Warts
Treatment plans may include prescription medications or topical solutions. Your dermatologist will help you understand how each option works and what to expect.
The Importance of Board-Certified Dermatologists
When you choose a board-certified dermatologist, you can rest assured that your provider has undergone extensive training. To become board-certified, a dermatologist receives over a decade of training, including:
- Four years of college for a bachelor’s degree
- Four years of medical school to become a medical doctor
- A year-long internship in medicine
- Three years minimum of residency in dermatology, completing 12,000 to 16,000 treatment hours
Some dermatologists may pursue additional training in a subspecialty, known as fellowship training. Fellowships can include:
- Cosmetic dermatology
- Dermatopathology
- Mohs surgery
- Pediatric dermatology
In addition to fellowship training, dermatologists may have special medical interests. For example, BIPOC patients may feel more comfortable seeing a dermatologist who has an interest in ethnic skin since symptoms and treatments can vary across different skin tones.
A dermatologist must also pass board exams before they can become board-certified. Exams are provided by three organizations:
- American Board of Dermatology
- American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
When you choose a PACT board-certified dermatologist, you’re choosing a specialist who is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
Schedule a Skin Care Consultation
Whether you need an annual skin exam, help managing a chronic condition, or evaluation of a new skin concern, PACT’s dermatology specialists are here to help.
Schedule a skin care consultation with a PACT dermatologist.
FAQs: Board-Certified CT Dermatologists Near You
Q: What skin conditions do PACT dermatologists treat?
A: Our dermatologists treat a wide range of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, including acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, and psoriasis.
Q: How often should I see a dermatologist?
A: You should see a dermatologist for a full-body skin exam at least once a year. You may need to see one more often if you have a high risk for skin cancer or a history of sun exposure. You should also call a dermatologist any time you notice a new or changing spot.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a PACT dermatologist?
A: Yes, you need a referral to see a PACT dermatologist. Your primary care physician can provide you with one. If you need a primary care physician, we have doctors who accept new patients, some who have same-day or next-day appointments available.