Dermatologist

What conditions does a dermatologist treat?

You should visit a dermatologist when the following occur:

• concerning changes, e.g. lichen,
• suspected fungal infections of the skin, fungal infections of the nails,
• suspected psoriasis,
• problems with acne,
• skin problems such as broken capillaries, discoloration,
• excessive hair loss,
• concerning changes on the nails.

Indications for a visit to a dermatologist

Symptoms occurring

You should visit a dermatologist when the following occur:

• concerning changes, e.g. lichen,
• suspected fungal infections of the skin, fungal infections of the nails,
• suspected psoriasis,
• problems with acne,
• skin problems such as broken capillaries, discoloration,
• excessive hair loss,
• concerning changes on the nails,
• a desire to check the condition of moles and skin lesions.

If a mole or skin lesion seems particularly suspicious to you, for example it has changed its color to lighter or darker, has blurred and irregular edges, has become raised, or swelling has appeared around it, consult a dermatologist. It is necessary to have a mole or skin lesion examined to assess the risk of melanoma.

For this purpose, it is worth scheduling a mole examination.

Consultation for adults.

If you want to find a specialist who speaks a foreign language, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the profile of the doctor. Just from the list of slots above, click on the name of the specialist and go to the broader description of the doctor, which will contain information on foreign languages. If the doctor has no visible additional languages, it means that he speaks only Polish.

What does the visit include?

• As part of the consultation, the dermatologist:
• conducts a medical interview,
• performs a dermatological examination,
• makes diagnoses,
• provides medical recommendations,
• issues referrals for tests, consultations, and hospitalization,
• issues medical certificates for sick leave.
• The consultation lasts 15 minutes.
• Consultation for adults.

Medical interview

The dermatologist will want to obtain information from the patient regarding their health condition, past dermatological diseases, and medications taken. Therefore, several basic questions will be asked: whether you suffer from thyroid disorders, hormonal disorders, whether you take any medications, whether you use dietary supplements, whether you suffer from recurrent dermatological diseases – herpes, acne vulgaris – and whether allergies occur.

Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy
Melanoma vs. mole

Dermoscopy examination of the skin

The examination is performed using a dermatoscope. This is a type of microscope that, when placed on the skin, allows skin changes to be viewed under 10× magnification. Dermoscopy is mainly performed when examining moles and skin lesions for the diagnosis of skin melanoma.

Frequently asked questions

When is it worth scheduling a dermatology consultation?

It is worth considering a visit when new or recurring skin changes appear or when something about the appearance of the skin is concerning. A consultation can help assess the situation, indicate possible causes, and plan further steps (e.g., skincare, topical treatment, or diagnostics) – depending on the appearance of the changes and the medical interview.

What problems can you consult a dermatologist about?

A dermatologist deals with issues related to the skin, scalp, hair, and nails, including:

• acne and inflammatory skin changes,
• rashes, itching, irritation, and allergic reactions,
• eczema / atopic dermatitis, scaling and dryness,
• moles and other pigmented lesions (assessment of the nature of the changes),
• scalp problems, hair loss, and dandruff,
• nail problems (e.g., discoloration, brittleness, splitting).

If there is any doubt whether something is a “dermatology-related issue,” a consultation helps clarify the situation and choose the appropriate next steps.

What does a dermatology consultation look like?

Typically, the visit includes a medical interview (e.g., duration of the changes, skincare routine, products used, medications, allergies), visual examination of the skin and assessment of the changes, and recommendations – meaning a plan for management and skincare, and, if indicated, treatment as well. If a more detailed assessment is needed, the doctor may recommend an additional examination (e.g., dermoscopy) or further diagnostics – depending on the situation.

How to prepare for a dermatology visit?

To make the consultation as specific as possible, it is worth:

• preparing a list of medications and supplements (including those used on the skin),
• gathering information about previous therapies (what worked and what did not),
• if helpful: taking photos of the changes “over time” (e.g., from several days/weeks),
• before the visit – if possible – not applying heavy makeup or products that may make assessment difficult to the affected area.

Can a dermatologist prescribe medications or issue an e-prescription?

During the consultation, the doctor may decide on treatment and – if indicated – prescribe medications, including in the form of an e-prescription. The scope of recommendations always results from the medical assessment during the visit and the safety of the therapy.

Do you need a referral to see a dermatologist?

In the case of a private/commercial visit, a referral is usually not required. If the consultation takes place as part of services financed from public funds (e.g., NFZ), different rules may apply – in such cases it is worth checking the requirements for the given pathway.