dermatologist

American  

[dur-muh-tol-uh-jist] / ˌdɜr məˈtɒl ə dʒɪst /

noun

1. a specialist in dermatology, especially a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases of the skin.

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Etymology

Origin of dermatologist

First recorded in 1860–65; dermatolog(y) + -ist

Explanation

The person who examines your moles, acne, and other skin problems is called a dermatologist. Once visited mainly for acne problems, dermatologists have become more important, as skin problems have grown more common with our increased exposure to the sun. You know that an "-logy" at the end of a word means "study" and that "-logist" means "one who studies. In the noun dermatologist, the object being studied is the derma, the Greek word for "skin." (The Greeks also used it to refer to "leather" or "hide," which still works for diehard sun worshipers. And think of elephants being called "pachyderms," with their "thick skin.") Dermatology and dermatologist both appeared in English in the 19th century.

Example Sentences

“Please send recs for all things Indy,” she wrote, before asking for specific referrals for “hairstylists, makeup artists, nail salons, restaurants, vet, dermatologist, spa.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

“When people ask me about under-eye bags and puffiness, one of the first things I tell them is to decrease the amount of sodium in their dietary intake,” says L.A.-based dermatologist Ivy Lee.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

As Mr. Sasse prepares to leave to see his dermatologist about his bleeding lips, I ask why he chose to die in such a public way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Claims like these are "irresponsible" and "potentially dangerous", the government told us - while an NHS dermatologist described the amount of sunbed misinformation on social media as "genuinely terrifying".

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

Right after she saw my spots, Mom called the doctor, who told her that she should make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish