Dermatology is the study of disorders of the skin. A dermatologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats diseases of the skin. This specialist also diagnoses and treats problems of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, and some sexually transmitted diseases. A dermatologist is knowledgeable regarding skin cancers, moles, tumors of the skin, allergic reactions to chemicals or other substances, and changes of the skin associated with aging.

Dermatologists also treat cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars, internal disorders and diseases that affect the skin, and are qualified to perform standard surgical techniques used in the field of dermatology.

Physicians in this specialty treat patients suffering from numerous diseases and illnesses, but some of the most common are Melanoma, moles / warts, tattoo removal, acne scarring, Skin Cancer, skin rash, psoriasis, lice, Scabies, Rosacea, Boil, cysts, lesions, eczema, Dandruff, Canker sore, Baldness, Basal cell carcinoma, Genital wart, and mycosis.

Once properly diagnosed, practitioners can perform numerous procedures on patients including facial peels, burn care, liposuction, laser surgery, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, photodynamic therapy (PDT), blepharoplasty, sclerotherapy, cryosurgery, UVB PHOTOTHERAPY, skin cancer surgery, Mohs' micrographic surgery, electrosurgery, and minimally-invasive facelift surgery (S-lift).

To diagnose patients with possible illnesses and diseases, specialists will often perform one of many tests including culture, x-ray, biopsy, patch test, Physical examination, Wood's light, and dermatoscopic exam.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Alaska has 7 practicing dermatologists. Broken out by city, dermatology doctor density in Anchorage is 6, in Elmendorf Afb is 1, and in Wasilla is 1.

Alaska became the 49th state in 1959, and Juneau is its capital city. Comprising 586,000 square miles, the population is 663,661. Also called the Land of the Midnight Sun, Alaska’s average winter temperatures are around 20°F, so tourism is active all year round. You can study Alaska’s native culture, take a dogsled ride, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, skating, ice fishing, or a sea kayak ride. Enjoy winter carnivals and festivals. Take a cruise to view wildlife, including humpback whales, pan for gold, or fish for Alaska’s world-famous King salmon.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Alaska has a population of 663,661. Of this population, 172,628 are under the age of 18 and 43,134 are at or above the age of 65.