What is... a Dermatologist?

A simple explainer for clinicians, solicitors, and medico-legal professionals

When a legal case involves skin disease, scarring, burns, rashes, or unexplained lesions, the medical expert best placed to provide insight is often a dermatologist.

But what exactly does a dermatologist do? How are they trained? And when might their expertise be called upon in a clinical negligence, personal injury, or medico-legal context?

This article provides a clear, practical overview of the role of dermatologists and the value they bring to both clinical practice and legal proceedings.

What Is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medically qualified doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. The skin is the body’s largest organ — and it reflects, protects, and responds to both internal and external factors.

Dermatologists manage acute, chronic, inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, and malignant skin conditions. Their work ranges from common issues like acne and eczema to rare genetic conditions and complex skin cancers.

In the UK, dermatology is a recognised specialty with a structured training pathway under the NHS and GMC (General Medical Council).

What Conditions Do Dermatologists Treat?

Dermatologists diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, including:

• Eczema and dermatitis

• Psoriasis

• Acne and rosacea

• Skin infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)

• Skin cancers (e.g. melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma)

• Hair loss and scalp disorders

• Urticaria (hives) and allergic rashes

• Vitiligo, lichen planus, and autoimmune skin conditions

• Skin damage from burns, radiation, or trauma

Many also perform minor surgical procedures such as mole removal, cryotherapy, punch biopsies, or excision of suspicious lesions.

How Are Dermatologists Trained in the UK?

To become a consultant dermatologist in the UK, a doctor must complete:

1. Medical school (5–6 years)

2. Foundation training (2 years)

3. Internal medical training (IMT)

4. Specialist dermatology training (usually 4 years)

Many dermatologists also pursue academic research, teaching, or medico-legal work, including expert witness reports.

When Are Dermatologists Involved in Legal Cases?

Dermatologists are frequently instructed in both personal injury and clinical negligence claims, including:

Personal Injury:

• Scarring after accidents, burns, bites, or lacerations

• Skin damage from chemical exposure or allergen contact

• Psychological impact of visible disfigurement

• Photosensitivity reactions due to medication or workplace exposures

  
  

Clinical Negligence:

• Delayed diagnosis of melanoma or skin cancer

• Incorrect or unnecessary excision of skin lesions

• Mismanagement of eczema, psoriasis, or drug rashes

• Poor wound care leading to ulceration or infection

• Laser or cosmetic treatment injuries

Their expert reports often focus on causation, diagnostic delay, standard of care, and long-term prognosis, especially when skin damage is disfiguring or psychologically distressing.

What to Expect in a Dermatologist’s Expert Report

Dermatology expert witness reports typically include:

• A detailed review of clinical history and timelines

• Analysis of photographs, histopathology, or imaging

• Application of consent and treatment standards

• Opinions on whether a breach of duty occurred

• Prognosis, including cosmetic and functional impacts

• Commentary on the need for further treatment (e.g. plastic surgery, camouflage makeup, psychological support)

Dermatologists may also give evidence in court or contribute to joint expert meetings under CPR Part 35.

Dermatology and the Medico-Legal Interface

At Apex Experts, our dermatology panel is often instructed for:

• Scarring and disfigurement reports (Quantum assessments)

• Delayed melanoma diagnosis claims

• Expert screening advice to assess clinical merit early

• Joint expert meetings in complex cancer misdiagnosis litigation

We work closely with solicitors to ensure that reports are clear, CPR-compliant, and focused on the legal questions that matter.

Final Thoughts

Dermatologists play a vital role in both healthcare and litigation. Their detailed understanding of skin pathology — combined with the ability to link clinical features to wider systemic or environmental causes — makes them invaluable expert witnesses.

Whether you're investigating a missed cancer diagnosis, quantifying cosmetic injury, or exploring causation in an allergic reaction, a dermatologist may be the key expert your case needs.

Need a Dermatology Expert Witness? Contact info@apexexperts.co.uk or visit www.apexexperts.co.uk to request a CV or quote.