Dermatology is the study of disorders of the skin. A dermatologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats diseases of the skin. This specialist also diagnoses and treats problems of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, and some sexually transmitted diseases. A dermatologist is knowledgeable regarding skin cancers, moles, tumors of the skin, allergic reactions to chemicals or other substances, and changes of the skin associated with aging.

Dermatologists also treat cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars, internal disorders and diseases that affect the skin, and are qualified to perform standard surgical techniques used in the field of dermatology.

Physicians in this specialty treat patients suffering from numerous diseases and illnesses, but some of the most common are Melanoma, moles / warts, tattoo removal, acne scarring, Skin Cancer, skin rash, psoriasis, lice, Scabies, Rosacea, Boil, cysts, lesions, eczema, Dandruff, Canker sore, Baldness, Basal cell carcinoma, Genital wart, and mycosis.

Once properly diagnosed, practitioners can perform numerous procedures on patients including facial peels, burn care, liposuction, laser surgery, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, photodynamic therapy (PDT), blepharoplasty, sclerotherapy, cryosurgery, UVB PHOTOTHERAPY, skin cancer surgery, Mohs' micrographic surgery, electrosurgery, and minimally-invasive facelift surgery (S-lift).

To diagnose patients with possible illnesses and diseases, specialists will often perform one of many tests including culture, x-ray, biopsy, patch test, Physical examination, Wood's light, and dermatoscopic exam.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. West Virginia has 44 practicing dermatologists. Broken out by city, dermatology doctor density in Barboursville is 1, in Beckley is 3, in Bridgeport is 3, in Buckhannon is 4, in Charleston is 8, in Clarksburg is 5, in Fairmont is 4, in Gassaway is 1, in Glen Daniel is 1, in Huntington is 7, in Kingwood is 1, in Morgantown is 8, in New Cumberland is 1, in New Martinsville is 1, in Parkersburg is 4, in Ronceverte is 2, in South Charleston is 2, in Summersville is 1, in Vienna is 2, in Weirton is 2, in Weston is 1, and in Wheeling is 5.

West Virginia is a mountainous state, located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain Range. It was admitted into statehood in 1863, and its population is 1,816,856. West Virginia’s capital is Charleston, located in the southwest part of the state. When in Charleston, see the West Virginia Cultural Center, the Charleston Town Center Mall with its three-story indoor waterfall and atrium, play at the Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center, or tour a nearby coal mine. Many outdoor activities such as skiing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing and hunting are available to West Virginia visitors. Hike or bike a scenic trail, visit the cultural center or a museum, take a scenic train ride, or explore a cavern.

According to 2005 Census estimates, West Virginia has a population of 1,816,856. Of this population, 375,871 are under the age of 18 and 276,973 are at or above the age of 65.