It reflects the health of the body and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. Unfortunately, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease - infants, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Psoriasis is a skin disorder which affects 100,000 New Zealanders. Acne affects every teenager to one degree or another. Hand dermatitis , resulting from external contact with detergents and household chemicals, affects most women with young families.
Dermatologists are medical doctors.
The advanced training in dermatology involves at least a further four years of intensive study, research and practice in a variety of approved training centres in New Zealand and overseas. The position is usually that of a registrar or training fellow who is closely supervised by experienced dermatologists. In total, a dermatologist has a minimum of 13 years of training. In New Zealand today, there are about 40 practising dermatologists, of whom most are members of the NZDS, the New Zealand Dermatological Society , the organisation which oversees professional standards and accreditation. The New Zealand Dermatological Society oversees a CME certification programme.