dermatology

American  

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

noun

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

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dermatology British  

/ ˌdɜːməˈtɒlədʒɪ, ˌdɜːmətəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

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

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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.

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dermatology Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• dermatologic adjective
• dermatological adjective
• dermatologist noun

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

"There can be a breakdown of communication," Dr Pippa Bowes, an urgent care doctor in Southampton with a special interest in acute dermatology, explains.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Aside from a strong multiple myeloma offering, with products including Darzalex, Tecvauli, and Carvykti, J&J has an “enviable position in dermatology and gastroenterology,” analysts wrote.

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

“It’s been decades since we’ve had a new treatment,” said George Cotsarelis, chair of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

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

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