dermatology

American  

[dur-muh-tol-uh-jee] / ˌdɜr məˈtɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases.

---

dermatology British  

/ ˌdɜːməˈtɒlədʒɪ, ˌdɜːmətəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases

---

dermatology Scientific  

/ dûr′mə-tŏl′ə-jē /

1. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair, and nails.

---

dermatology Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the study and care of the skin.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dermatological
  adjective
• dermatologist
  noun
• dermatologic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dermatology

First recorded in 1810–20; dermato- + -logy

Explanation

If you have a terrible, itchy rash or troublesome acne, you need to see a doctor who specializes in dermatology, the branch of medicine that focuses on skin diseases and disorders. At the heart of dermatology is the Greek root dermat-, "skin." The -logy suffix, meaning "the study of," or "science," is used for many medical specialties, from oncology (the treatment of cancer) to cardiology (the treatment of heart disease). The practice of dermatology includes cosmetic procedures as well as life-saving procedures including the removal and diagnosis of skin cancers.

Example Sentences

Patients can expect to wait nearly 42 days for obstetrics and gynaecology appointments, 40 days for gastroenterology, just over 36 days for dermatology and nearly 33 days for cardiology.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Analysts highlight J&J’s strong positions in oncology, dermatology, and gastroenterology, with oncology sales projected to reach $58.2 billion by 2032.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Through a subsidy, LG&P last year acquired dermatology offices in Broomfield, Colorado, Reisterstown, Maryland, and Chesterfield, Missouri, each of which boasts a clinical staff of fewer than six.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

Aesthetic and dermatology doctor Ross Perry thinks dupes are fine to use for "basic skincare" like moisturisers and cleansers.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

Sometimes seen as bring to a head, this phrase has its humble beginnings in dermatology.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner