What Is a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner?

If you are a nurse practitioner, there is a wide range of specialties and subspecialties you choose.

Dermatology is one of the popular rewarding fields.

Nurse practitioners specialized in this field provide care for patients diagnosed with a multitude of skin issues.

Dermatology nurse practitioners help in diagnostic and treatment for skin cancer.

They also work with patients with psoriasis.

Their job responsibilities are wide and there are plenty of tasks that are usual for dermatology nurses.

Job Settings

Dermatology nurse practitioners rarely work in acute care settings and often work flexible clinic hours.

The first contact with the patient involves taking a complete health history and physical assessment.

An important element is taking the family history of cancer, skin disorders, and all-skin related issues.

Role in the Treatment Process

Dermatology nurse practitioners often participate in or perform treatment procedures.

There are various procedures, from cosmetic treatment for acne or chemical peeling, to punch biopsies or skin lesion treatment.

Dermatology nurse practitioners can also perform phototherapy, hair transplants, laser therapy, or cryotherapy.

Wound Care

Another part of the daily duties of dermatology nurse practitioners is simple wound care.

Dermatology nurse practitioners are educated and trained for healing procedures, so they can assist in wound care therapies.

They can participate in specific wound treatments according to the patient’s needs.

The dermatology nurse practitioner also takes care of acute and chronic wounds.

Education requirements

Taking care of skin and skin-related issues is highly important because the skin is the largest human organ.

The skin is exposed to harsh effects from the environment and most people don’t take care of their skin issues until they deteriorate severely.

The job of the dermatology nurse practitioner goes beyond cosmetic procedures and skincare.

Rather it implements techniques to prevent skin cancer and educate patients on how to recognize skin lesions or conditions that need diagnostic and treatment.

Because dermatology nurse practitioners have an important role in every aspect of skincare, they can help reduce skin cancer prevalence and negative outcomes.

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