15 Tools Every Dermatologist Needs

Dermatologists help clients look and feel their best by assisting with acne, wrinkles, scars, and hair removal, but that’s not all they do. These medical professionals also examine moles for signs of cancer, remove unsightly warts, and treat issues such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and nail conditions.

Like all other doctors, dermatologists need different tools to do their jobs. However, if you’re a dermatologist just starting the industry, you may not know which tools your clinic needs. Dermatology tools can also be costly, so you might wonder which ones are must-haves and which you can skip.

Below, learn about the 15 dermatologist tools your practice can’t do without.

15 Must-Have Tools for Dermatologists

Diagnostic Dermatology Equipment

Are those moles a sign of skin cancer? Does that nail discoloration or sun damage indicate a serious underlying health problem? Without the right dermatology instrument for diagnostic purposes, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to know for sure. Let’s review the top five diagnostic dermatologist tools for your practice.

Dermatoscope: A dermatoscope is a type of microscope that includes a high-powered magnifying lens and lighting system. Dermatologists primarily use this tool to evaluate pigmented skin lesions and diagnose melanoma. Doctors can also use it to find splinters, evaluate hair conditions, examine nail fold capillaries, and locate scabies mites under the skin.

Dermal biopsy punch: A biopsy punch includes a small circular blade that dermatologists can use to take a deep skin tissue sample from patients. This tool is user-friendly, and when used properly, dermatologists can close the biopsy site with a single suture. They can use this tool to diagnose lesions and cutaneous neoplasms.

Wood’s lamp: This equipment uses long-wave ultraviolet light to detect fluorescence in hair and skin, which helps dermatologists diagnose skin conditions. It can also detect skin pigment disorders, such as vitiligo and corneal abrasions on the surface of the eye.

Test patches: Clinicians can use test patches to diagnose allergies and certain skin diseases. You should remove these patches after two days and review the results on day four.

Radiology equipment: Ultrasounds, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans aren’t used often in dermatology, but at times, you may need to perform such testing to assess a patient’s condition. Radiographic machines are especially useful for diagnosing advanced melanoma under the skin and nails.

Treatment-Focused Dermatology Instruments

Common tools used to treat various nail and skin conditions in dermatology patients include:

Cryo Tweezers: Cryo Tweezers are ideal for treating small areas of the skin in situations where a cryogun would not be useful. Dermatologists can use Cryo Tweezers to treat molluscum lesions, warts, and skin tags. This tool includes safety features to minimize pain for patients, and compared to a cryogun, thus providing superior results.

Dermal cutter: A dermal cutter is a tool for removing warts and basic types of moles on the skin.

Needleless injectors: Needleless injectors, also called jet injectors, use a high-pressure jet of liquid to penetrate the skin of a patient. They are useful for providing treatments for hypertrophic scars and keloids. A dermatologist can also use this device to administer an anesthetic.

Intense pulsated light system: Dermatologists can use the intense pulsed light system for various skin conditions. It is effective for removing hair, treating acne on the face or body, and improving skin tone for patients.

Blackhead extractors: A blackhead extractor helps dermatologists remove blackheads, or dirt-filled pores, from the skin’s surface. Blackhead extractors come in three types. Loop extractors can remove minor blackheads, and spoon extractors are ideal for immature blackheads. A lancet extractor works best for mature blackheads.

Digital Tools for Enhancing Patient Satisfaction

Dermatology tools need not be expensive or employ the latest medical science to help patients at your practice. The following are a few digital tools that can help you increase patient satisfaction:

Online scheduling software: Have you ever had a patient put off scheduling treatment for wrinkles, chemical peels, or nail care because it was too inconvenient? As a dermatologist, you know it’s important for patients to have regular checkups to help detect and treat certain diseases. Online scheduling software from Weave makes it easy for patients to schedule an appointment when convenient.

Texting software: Let’s face it: many patients don’t like answering the phone. Texting software allows you to reach clients no matter how busy or introverted they are.

Digital forms: Is your office reliant on old-school paper forms? If so, you know how frustrating it is when a patient arrives late and still needs to fill out intake paperwork. With Weave digital forms, clients can fill out paperwork prior to arrival, allowing you to see more patients in less time.

Billing tools: Billing software from Weave gives patients several convenient ways to pay their bills after you treat them.

Patient apps: Dermatology apps, such as UMSkinCheck and MoleScope2, give patients tips on examining their nails and skin for signs of cancer and other diseases. They can then schedule an appointment with you to discuss treatment options.

Learn How Weave Can Help Your Dermatology Practice Thrive

If you want your practice to succeed, it’s important to choose the right dermatologist tools for diagnosis, treatment, and a good patient experience. Digital tools, in particular, can send patient happiness skyrocketing and do wonders for your business’s bottom line.

Reach out to us now to get a free demo of Weave, or call (833) 572-2139 if you have questions about our software.