What does dermatological mean?
Dermatological is a formal adjective meaning relating to dermatology — the branch of medicine that deals with the skin, hair, and nails, and with their diseases and treatment. It is used chiefly in clinical and scientific writing: one speaks of a dermatological examination, a dermatological condition, or a dermatological clinic, and pharmaceutical companies describe products such as creams and ointments as dermatological when they are intended for treating skin disorders. Because it belongs to the register of medicine rather than everyday speech, the word carries a precise, professional connotation; in casual conversation people simply say 'skin'. It derives from the Greek derma, meaning skin, combined with -logy (study) and the adjective suffix -ical. Related forms include dermatology (the field itself), dermatologist (a specialist physician), and the adverb dermatologically. Its American English variant, dermatologic, means exactly the same thing.
adjectiveRelating to dermatology, the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair, and nails.
- Relating to dermatology or the medical treatment of skin conditions.
"The patient was referred to a dermatological clinic for further evaluation of the persistent rash."
"The dermatological assessment revealed early signs of eczema."
"New dermatological research has improved treatments for acne scarring."
Every 'dermatological' word you know — from dermatitis to hypodermic — traces back to the Greek word for skin: derma.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dermatological
Dermatological comes from dermatology, which was formed in the late eighteenth century from Greek roots: derma (genitive dermatos), meaning 'skin', plus -logia, meaning 'study' or 'discourse'. The adjective was created by adding the Latinate suffix -ical. The same Greek root derma appears in other English words such as hypodermic ('under the skin') and dermatitis ('inflammation of the skin').
Related word forms
How dermatological is actually used
A formal, technical term used mainly in medical, pharmaceutical, and scientific contexts. In everyday conversation speakers usually say 'skin' rather than 'dermatological'. The variant spelling 'dermatologic' is common in American English.
Easily confused with dermatological
Dermatologic is an American variant of the same adjective; dermatological is the fuller form more common in British English.