SKIN THERAPY
Who can call themselves a skin therapist?
A skin therapist is a paramedical specialist in treating
of healthy, diseased or damaged skin. For this he or she has
followed a 4-year HBO course in Skin Therapy. Skin therapists include:under Article 34 of the BIG Act (Individual Healthcare Professions Act). The purpose of the BIG Act is to promote and monitor quality in healthcare. Article 34 describes the areas of expertise and training requirements. Anyone who has a diploma that meets the requirements is entitled to use the protected title of qualification. Such a title indicates that the bearer is an expert in a particular field of healthcare.
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What does a skin therapist do?
A skin therapist will do everything possible to reduce, solve or prevent complaints resulting from skin disorders. Possible complaints arising from skin conditions are pain, itching, movement restrictions and physical handicaps. In addition, the skin therapist regularly receives patients with psychological complaints as a result of shame, feelings of fear or limitations associated with their skin condition. The treatment of patients often takes place in collaboration with a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, medical specialist or general practitioner.
HThe skin therapist's field of work is broad and varied. From young to old, patients can go to the skin therapist with skin problems (from acne, excess hair to age spots) and wishes in the field of cosmetic improvements (camouflage of discolorations, removal of tattoos, etc.). In addition, a preventive visit to the skin therapist can prevent problems or aggravation of complaints, such as the early detection of skin cancer.
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What is the difference between a skintherapist, beauticianruse and a dermatologist?
Skin therapists are often asked what the difference is between us dermatologists and beauticians.
Beauticians
A beautician is trained to care for and beautify (healthy) skin. They mainly focus on the cosmetic aspect of skin care. You you can often contact them for relaxing, skin care treatments, and less so with medical skin complaints such as (severe) acne, scars and edema. However, some beauticians have undergone extra training for this and have been able to obtain a specialization with this.
Skin therapists
A skin therapist often does not aim to offer you a relaxing treatment. Its aim is to reduce your skin complaints as efficiently as possible. Complaints are reduced by drawing up a treatment plan, if necessary in consultation with your treating doctor or specialist. You can go to the skin therapist without a referral for an intake interview. Many skin therapeutic treatments are reimbursed from the additional health insurance.
Dermatologists
A dermatologist treats the diseased skin. For this he or she has followed a university education as a basic doctor, after which a specialization as a dermatologist follows. A dermatologist examines your skin and makes a diagnosis. Because he/she is a doctor, he/she can prescribe medication for you. You always need a referral from your general practitioner for a consultation with a dermatologist. A treatment with a dermatologist is reimbursed from the basic insurance. This is at your own risk.
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Cooperation
These professions all have a different approach to your skin (complaint), but they can work together seamlessly with many skin conditions. Consider, for example, a complaint such as acne. Do you use acne medication prescribed by a dermatologist? Your skin therapist can offer additional acne treatments. The treatment plan will then be adapted to your treatment at the dermatologist.
More information
Do you doubt whether you can go to the skin therapist with your skin complaint or do you have another question? Feel free to contact us.
