Difference between Allergist and Dermatologist

Key Difference: Allergists deal with the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions which arise due to allergies, asthma or any type of disorder of the immune system. On the other hand, Dermatologist is a doctor who looks after the conditions related to skin, hair and nails.

Allergists are physicians who have specialized in dealing with allergies. They have training in allergy and immunology. They also have a sufficient training in internal medicine or in any of the sub specialty of internal medicine like dermatology, pneumology, pediatrics, etc.

An allergist can provide relief in conditions like eye allergies, asthma and frequent cough, skin allergies, sinus infection, and many more. An allergic reaction occurs due to the misreading of the immune system towards a harmless substance. An allergist first determines the source of symptoms and then treats them. An allergist often suggests blood tests in order to know that what a person is allergic too.

On the other hand, Dermatologist deal with the diagnosis, treatment and management of medical conditions related to skin, hair and nails. A dermatologist not only deals with these types of conditions but also assists a patient in maintaining the health of skin.

There are nearly more than 3000 different disease treated by dermatologists. The diseases treated by dermatologists include diseases like acne, eczema, nail infection, psoriasis, etc.

A dermatologist is also usually able to perform minor surgical procedures like skin biopsies, cold therapy used for removing warts, etc. Dermatologists make use of a variety of procedures for the skin condition like – externally applied, injected and internal medicines, UV light therapy, cosmetic procedures, etc.

Sometimes, patients get confused that they should refer to an allergist or a dermatologist, as many of the condition on skin and hair may arise from any kind of allergy. It is better to refer to any one doctor, who can suggest the best option depending upon the situation.

Comparison between Allergist and Dermatologist:

	Allergist	Dermatologist
Definition	Allergists deal with the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions which arise due to allergies, asthma or any type of disorder of the immune system.	Dermatologist is a doctor who looks after the conditions related to skin, hair and nails.
Deals with disorders/diseases	anaphylaxis, asthma, rhinitis, nasal polyposis, urticaria and angioedema(including hereditary angioedema), eczema, and allergy to food, drugs, latex rubber and venom, etc.	Fungal diseases, skin cancers, psoriasis, and life-threatening skin diseases such as pemphigus, scleroderma, and lupus erythematosuz, etc.
Education	After earning a medical degree, the allergist completes a three-year residency-training program in either internal medicine or pediatrics. Next the allergist completes two or three more years of study in the field of allergy and immunology.	A doctoral degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine. A formal training in dermatology provides the basics of the discipline. An additional fellowship year of dermatopathology or pediatric dermatology is also preferred by many candidates.