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Glite Dictionary
skin doctor

skin doctor

1 3.4
A doctor who treats skin problems like rashes and eczema
  • noun
  • /skɪn ˈdɑktər/
  • Informal
translation icon : dermatólogo
  • I went to the skin doctor to get treatment for my eczema.
  • skin doctor or dermatologist

Examples

  • I was at the skin doctor all day.

    Meet Monica Velour (2010)

  • The skin doctor recommended a special cream for my dry skin condition.

  • Goes to a skin doctor, they try everything, creams... ...ointments, injections

    Saint Jack (1979)

  • After noticing a rash on his arm, he decided to consult a skin doctor for advice.

Synonyms

dermatologist
vsskin doctor
37 3.9

A doctor who finds and treats problems with the skin, hair, and nails

is an informal phrase used instead of the formal medical name
derm
vsskin doctor
  • Jargon
1 8.5

A doctor who treats skin problems

uses an informal phrase that is not a shortened label

How Specialized

dermatologist
37 3.9
skin doctor
  • Informal
1 3.4
general practitioner
  • Specialized
7 2.7
doctor
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

skin doctor singular
skin doctors plural

Morphology

skin + doctor

The meaning 'a doctor who treats skin disorders' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'skin' (the body's outer organ) with 'doctor' (a medical professional). The noun+noun composition reflects a common, literal naming pattern (parallels exist in many languages), so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand this informal term.

Etymology

Skin doctor is a simple, everyday name that comes from putting the words skin and doctor together to make a clear picture. It literally means a doctor for your skin, so it is used to mean 'a doctor who treats skin problems'.