Are All Dermatologists Just Guessing?

Skin conditions literally all look the same. So we ask the question: How is it possible dermatologists actually know what the disease is?

Skin conditions literally all look the same. So we ask the question: How is it possible dermatologists actually know what the disease is? While they have many years of medical training there is no way dermatologists can look at something and just say with certainty, "ah yes that is seborrheic dermatitis, easily treated with triamcinolone shampoo."

A recent study has called into question the ability of dermatologists to correctly diagnose skin conditions. The study, which was published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, found that dermatologists were only able to correctly diagnose 17 percent of the time when presented with photos of skin conditions.

While this may seem like a low success rate, the study authors say it's actually not that bad. They point out that dermatologists are often working with limited information, and that 17 percent is actually a pretty good success rate considering the circumstances.

The study authors say that this is a reminder that patients should be patient with their dermatologists and not expect them to be perfect. They also say that it's important for patients to get a second opinion if they're unsure about a diagnosis.