Dermatologist

A dermatologist's expertise covers a very wide range of skin, hair, and nail diseases and conditions.

A dermatologist diagnoses and treats:

• dermatitis — atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other types of dermatitis;
• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• acne;
• rosacea;
• urticaria;
• skin allergy and other allergic skin reactions;
• vitiligo and other autoimmune skin diseases;
• skin fungus, nail fungus, and other fungal infections;
• bacterial skin infection, viral skin infection, and parasitic skin infection;
• pigmentation changes, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and melasma;
• hair loss, alopecia, and other hair and scalp diseases;
• nail diseases;
• hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating;
• skin lesions — mole, wart, papilloma, seborrheic keratosis, cyst, and other skin lesions;
• precancerous skin changes and skin cancer.

You can also see a dermatologist when the diagnosis is not known and there are only symptoms or noticed skin changes.

You can see a dermatologist if you have skin itching, dryness, redness, rashes, peeling, cracking, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, pigmentation changes, or a skin lesion that does not heal for a long time.

One symptom can have several possible causes, so the dermatologist's task is to determine the diagnosis, not just reduce a specific symptom.

Yes. The patient does not need to determine the diagnosis themselves.

It is enough to show the doctor the problematic area and explain when the symptoms appeared, how they have changed, and what affects them. The dermatologist will assess the possible causes and the diagnostics needed.

Yes. Many dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, or different types of eczema, can be chronic.

In these cases, the goal of treatment is often not only to stop a flare-up, but to achieve long-term disease control and reduce the risk of recurrence.

A dermatologist diagnoses and treats several skin diseases related to allergic reactions, such as allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria.

If broader allergy diagnostics are needed, the dermatologist may recommend consultation with another specialist.

Yes. A dermatologist diagnoses and treats fungal, bacterial, viral, and parasitic skin infections.

You can see a dermatologist, for example, if you suspect skin fungus, nail fungus, warts, herpes infection, or another infectious skin lesion.

Yes. A dermatologist assesses and treats pigmentation problems such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation, vitiligo, and other changes in skin color.

Before treatment, it is important to determine the type of pigmentation and its possible cause.

Yes. A dermatologist's expertise includes hair loss, alopecia, scalp itching, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and other hair or scalp diseases.

Depending on the problem, a trichologist may also be involved in treatment.

Yes. A dermatologist diagnoses nail problems such as nail fungus, changes in nail color, changes in nail shape, nail separation, inflammation around the nail, and other nail damage.

In some cases, treatment prescribed by a dermatologist can be supplemented by a podiatrist, who provides medical foot or nail care.

Yes. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a dermatological problem that can affect the armpits, palms, feet, face, or other areas of the body.

A dermatologist assesses the nature of the problem and the most suitable treatment options.

A dermatologist can assess acne scars, pigmentation changes after inflammation, hypertrophic scars, and keloids.

Depending on the problem, medical treatment can be supplemented with laser therapy or cosmetic procedures.

Yes. Aesthetic dermatology combines assessment of skin health with procedures aimed at improving skin quality, texture, tone, and overall appearance. A dermatologist can assess which changes are medical and which can be corrected aesthetically, and select the most suitable procedure or combination of procedures.

Depending on the patient's needs, options may include biorevitalization, fillers, botulinum toxin injections, chemical peeling, laser therapy, as well as correction of scars, pigmentation changes, vascular changes, and selected benign skin lesions. In Med Art aesthetic dermatology, an individual treatment and skin quality improvement plan is created.

Yes. Sometimes changes in the skin, hair, or nails can be related to hormonal, metabolic, autoimmune, infectious, or other diseases of the body.

In such cases, a dermatologist may order additional tests or recommend consultation with another specialist.

A dermatologist assesses different skin lesions, for example moles, warts, papillomas, seborrheic keratoses, cysts, and other benign or suspicious lesions.

The doctor determines whether the lesion can simply be observed, whether additional diagnostics are needed, or whether removal should be considered.

A skin lesion should preferably be checked if it is new, grows quickly, changes shape or color, starts bleeding, hurting, itching, forming a crust, or otherwise changes.

A lesion that causes aesthetic or general discomfort and that the patient wants to remove can also be shown to a dermatologist.

A dermatologist assesses suspicious skin lesions and diagnoses diseases and conditions such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and other precancerous skin changes and skin cancer.

If needed, the doctor orders additional diagnostics or appropriate treatment.

First, a consultation with a dermatologist is required, during which the lesion is evaluated, the most appropriate removal method is determined, and the procedure is discussed. Usually, a separate appointment is scheduled for the removal of the growth; however, in some cases—if the growth is small, there are only a few of them, and the procedure does not require special preparation or additional resources—it can also be performed during the initial visit.

Surgical removal and laser therapy usually need to be planned separately, because they may require an operating room, a specific device, and additional staff. Even after an in-person examination, circumstances may become clear that cannot be predicted from a photo.

In Latvia, dermatology and venereology are included in the basic medical specialty dermatologist, venereologist.

In everyday use, the word dermatologist usually emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail diseases.

A dermatovenereologist, or venereologist, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and diseases of the genital skin or mucous membranes.

Therefore, for common skin diseases people most often look for a dermatologist, while for suspected STI/STD or complaints after a potentially risky sexual contact, a dermatovenereologist or venereologist is appropriate.

A dermatologist is a doctor who diagnoses skin diseases, can order tests, and prescribe medical treatment.

A cosmetologist mainly deals with skin care and procedures within their professional competence.

If it is not clear whether a problem is medical or aesthetic, it is more appropriate to consult a dermatologist first.

A dermatologist diagnoses skin and nail diseases and determines the treatment needed, while a podiatrist performs medical foot and nail care procedures according to the established diagnosis and treatment plan.

Therefore, for certain foot and nail problems, a dermatologist and podiatrist can work as one treatment team.

A dermatologist diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of skin, hair, and nail diseases.

A trichologist specializes specifically in hair and scalp problems, so they may be especially suitable in cases of hair loss, alopecia, and other hair diseases.

If it is not clear which specialist to see, it is important to clarify this before booking, because choosing the wrong specialist can lead to extra loss of time and money.

When booking by phone, it is possible to receive help from the Med Art administration and choose the most suitable specialist based on the description of complaints. After that, it is recommended to book through the Med Art website, because online booking offers more favorable conditions.

Google or AI tools can be used for initial orientation based on symptoms, but not for self-diagnosis. If it is unclear whether a dermatologist, trichologist, podiatrist, cosmetologist, or another specialist is needed, it is safer to first consult the clinic administration.

It is recommended to see a dermatologist if a skin, hair, or nail problem does not go away, recurs, worsens, or causes discomfort.

A doctor's consultation is especially needed if changes progress quickly, a new or changing skin lesion appears, or there is a skin lesion that does not heal for a long time.

Yes. Skin problems should not be judged only by their size or visual appearance. Even a small or seemingly harmless skin lesion may require a dermatologist's assessment, because melanoma and other types of skin cancer do not always look dangerous at first.

Self-assessment is important, but it does not replace professional diagnostics. Extra caution is needed if the skin change is new, changing, not healing, or progressing, as well as in older people, in whom different skin problems can develop faster or cause more complications.

If there are doubts, it is safer to check the lesion or skin change in time rather than wait until symptoms become obvious.

Yes — and often it is worth seeing a dermatologist even before prolonged self-treatment. Many skin diseases can look similar visually, but their causes and treatment differ. Incorrect self-diagnosis can lead to months or even years of using ineffective products and medicines.

This not only creates unnecessary costs, but can also worsen the skin condition, change the signs and appearance of the disease, and delay the correct diagnosis. If the problem does not go away or recurs, the most important thing is to first determine the diagnosis and only then choose treatment.

Yes. Recurrent symptoms can indicate a chronic disease, regular exposure to an irritant or allergen, or another long-term cause.

A dermatologist can help determine not only the diagnosis, but also a long-term treatment and prevention plan.

Urgent medical assessment is needed if skin changes spread very quickly, large blisters or skin peeling develop, there is a high fever, severe malaise, or mucous membranes are affected.

In cases of swelling of the face, tongue, or throat and difficulty breathing, emergency medical help is needed.

Med Art is a private clinic. A family doctor's referral is not needed for a dermatologist consultation.

A good dermatologist can not only identify common diagnoses, but also solve more complex cases, connect symptoms with test results, and choose targeted diagnostics. Experience often helps avoid unnecessary tests and reach treatment faster.

Med Art dermatologists are divided into qualification categories. Doctors in higher categories have more experience and higher professional or academic qualifications, so the consultation price is also higher.

Special preparation is usually not needed, but the doctor will be helped by information that is as accurate as possible.

For the visit, it is advisable to:

• know when the symptoms began and how they have changed;
• remember what improves or worsens the symptoms;
• prepare a list of medicines and treatment products used;
• bring previous test results and doctors' reports, if available;
• show previously taken photos of symptoms if the changes tend to disappear;
• avoid applying a thick layer of decorative cosmetics, cream, or ointment to the skin area being examined right before the visit;
• if nail changes are being assessed, remove nail polish or gel polish as far as possible.

Prescription medicines should not be stopped without a doctor's instruction.

Yes. Pediatric dermatologists also see patients at Med Art. Current information about specialists, the age of children accepted, the consultation process, and booking can be found in the Pediatric dermatologist section.

A Med Art dermatologist is available in several Latvian cities:

• Riga — dermatologists see patients regularly.
• Cesis — visiting consultations are organized.
• Liepaja — visiting consultations are organized.
• Preili — visiting consultations are organized.

During visiting consultations, Med Art provides highly qualified dermatologists so that patients outside Riga also have access to a full specialist consultation and the necessary diagnostics.

To book a dermatologist in Preili, patients should contact Preili Hospital.

Med Art offers an in-person dermatologist consultation and a remote dermatologist consultation. An in-person visit is suitable when a full skin examination, diagnostics, or a procedure is needed.

A remote consultation takes place by phone, WhatsApp, or email and can be useful if the patient cannot attend in person, is outside Latvia, or wants to discuss an already known problem or test results. It does not replace an in-person visit when an examination or tests are needed for an accurate diagnosis. More information is available in the Remote dermatologist consultation section.

The dermatologist first asks the patient about their complaints, the duration of their symptoms, previous illnesses, family medical history, and any treatments they have received.

The doctor then examines the affected area of the skin, hair, or nails and, if necessary, orders additional diagnostic tests or develops a treatment plan.

The standard duration of a dermatologist consultation is 20 minutes. The length of the visit is affected by the complexity of the problem, the number of areas to examine, the diagnostics needed, and communication with the patient.

It is important that the patient understands the doctor's explanation, diagnosis, and further treatment plan. At the end of the visit, the patient should have the opportunity to ask unclear questions and make sure that the information provided by the doctor is understandable.

Yes. The patient can tell the dermatologist about several complaints.

If detailed diagnostics of several unrelated problems or several procedures are needed, the doctor may recommend an additional visit.

A standard dermatologist appointment is intended for the evaluation and diagnosis of one primary health issue and to discuss a treatment plan.

If time permits after addressing the primary issue during the appointment, the dermatologist may also address the patient’s other concerns. If a detailed evaluation of several unrelated issues, additional diagnostic tests, or procedures is necessary, the doctor may recommend scheduling a separate appointment.

It depends on the reason for the visit.

If the problem is in a specific area, only that skin area needs to be uncovered. For a broader skin examination, the doctor may need to examine a larger part of the body.

An experienced dermatologist can diagnose many skin diseases during the first visit, based on the patient's history, examination, and the doctor's professional experience. The doctor's qualification also affects the ability to distinguish visually similar diseases, analyze previous test and examination results, and see connections between them.

If examination is not enough, additional methods may be needed to clarify the diagnosis, such as dermatoscopy, trichoscopy, mycological examination, laboratory tests, biopsy, histology, or another diagnostic method.

The type of examination depends on the specific problem. A dermatologist can use or order tests such as dermatoscopy, trichoscopy, mycological examination, microbiological examination, skin biopsy, histological examination, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests.

Not all patients need additional examinations.

The treatment method depends on the diagnosis. A dermatologist can prescribe treatment methods such as medicated cream, medicated ointment, prescription medicine, injection, phototherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, surgical procedure, or another suitable therapy.

In some cases, treatment prescribed by a dermatologist is supplemented by procedures or care provided by other Med Art specialists.

Yes. A dermatologist is a doctor and, if needed, can prescribe prescription medicines for treating skin, hair, or nail diseases.

Therapy is chosen according to the diagnosis, severity of the disease, and the patient's health condition.

No, but a follow-up visit may be needed for several reasons.

It may be part of a planned treatment or therapy course, for example to assess treatment results, test results, adjust therapy, or continue monitoring a chronic disease.

A follow-up visit may also be needed if it is not possible to properly examine or treat all problems during one visit. For example, if there are many warts or other skin lesions, their examination, diagnostics, and removal may require more time than is planned for one visit.

If the patient has several complaints, it is recommended to mention them at the beginning of the visit so the doctor can plan the available time and say what can be done immediately and what will require a separate visit.

The base price of a dermatologist consultation at Med Art is from 45 to 80 EUR, depending on the qualification level of the chosen specialist.

The final consultation price depends on three factors:

• Whether you are visiting the clinic for the first time or are already a Med Art client. Clinic clients receive a permanent 5% discount.
• Whether you guarantee your arrival for the visit. In this case, an additional 5% discount may be available.
• The qualification level of the selected dermatologist. Med Art specialists are divided into four qualification categories.

Discounts are applied only to online bookings.

It is recommended to check the specific doctor's consultation price on the Med Art website before booking.

It depends on the service booked. If the purpose of the visit is a dermatologist consultation, additional examinations or procedures may be charged separately.

If the patient books a specific service, for example a skin lesion check or removal, the price may include the doctor's consultation and a defined minimum scope of manipulations.

During the visit, the doctor's time is always taken into account, as well as what scope of diagnostics or treatment can be performed properly during that specific visit.

Med Art clinic does not cooperate directly with specific insurers. After payment, the clinic issues a receipt/invoice that the patient can submit to insurers themselves.

Before the visit, it is recommended to check whether the policy covers a dermatologist consultation and whether separate diagnostic examinations or procedures are included.

Med Art is a private clinic and does not offer state-funded dermatologist services.

Instead, patients have access to highly qualified Latvian dermatologists and the opportunity to receive a consultation without a long waiting list.