Is it poison ivy rash? A spider bite? Or are you developing acne? Know about your skin condition
Only a dermatologist can tell you.
Skin takes a lot of hits as it is your body’s first line of defence. Not only your skin protects you from germs, but it also covers your organs, nerves and blood vessels.
Dermatologists won’t only diagnose and treat skin issues, but they also care for your nails and hair to help improve your skin appearance and perform certain kinds of suitable treatments.
Not just during their teenage years, people also develop different skin issues. Even many women experience skin issues during their pregnancy. Everyone’s skin is different; the same goes for how your skin reacts to life. Here are some reasons you may want to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist:
Moles
You need to examine your skin condition once a month to see whether a mole has appeared or has been there since birth.
This is especially important to note if you have noticed the mole changing in colour, shape or size. Also, if your mole is scabbing, painful, bleeding, itchy or turning into a non-healing state, this is the time to see the dermatologist.
People of any skin colour can develop skin cancer. If your skin colour is dark or you don’t have fair skin, even then, you should see a dermatologist.
Acne
This is the number one complaint and one of the most common skin condition seen by skin specialists.
Acne forms due to the over-production of oil in the skin that turns into sebum which clogs the pore. Clogged pores cause different shapes of acne, such as cysts, pimples, beachheads, and whiteheads. Acne usually starts during teenage and gets matures once you reach your adulthood. But this is not the case with everyone; many experience severe acne issues long into adulthood.
Acne can become a sinister condition, such as PCOS. When OTC remedies (over-the-counter) don’t work, it is important to see your skin doctor.
Red, inflamed skin
If you have swollen, itchy, red skin, you have eczema. This type of skin disease can include different problems, which is quite common in the UK.
Additionally, face flushing or chronic redness can indicate rosacea. Make an appointment with your skin specialist if you have pimple-like bumps, burning, redness or dry skin.
Warts
You know the old tale of how warts can play their part in your life. A specific type of virus causes a flesh-coloured, small benign growth. Although they are not very pleasant, they are harmless.
If OTC (over-the-counter) methods don’t work, see a skin doctor who can offer more suitable treatments than any general practitioner or primary care physician. The most advanced and effective treatments your dermatologist recommends may include cryotherapy (a cold treatment that involves liquid nitrogen) and electrolysis.
The bottom line is it is better to skip a drugstore or primary care and go straight to a skin specialist. This way, you will save time and money and have a quicker and more effective solution.
Fungus, ingrown nails or nail disorders
Whether you’re getting treatment for a wart, a fungal infection, or an ingrown nail, having a good skin doctor look over your skin conditions is the right thing to do.
Especially, nails show signs of many other body disorders like diabetes, anaemia, heart conditions or liver disease. So, whenever you notice a change in the appearance of your nails, consult this with your near dermatologist.
Rough, scaly patches
A rough, scaly patch is the main visible symptom of psoriasis. An autoimmune disorder triggers this type of skin disease. When your immune system signals your skin cells to grow too quickly, those cells start piling up on your skin’s surface, which causes thick, red scales.
Depending on your needs, your dermatologist will recommend a specific or individualised treatment.
Scars
It is quite normal for people to develop scars throughout their lives.
In some cases, scars may fade with time, or in some cases, they might need to be treated repeatedly to be removed from the skin. Acne and keloid scars can be treated in a clinic to make them less apparent. Scars on your skin triggered by surgeries or burns might have to be treated by a cosmetic specialist or a plastic surgeon, whom your skin doctor may recommend.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is another typical issue seen by skin doctors and is undoubtedly life-threatening.
One of the most dangerous types of skin cancer is Melanoma. Having said that, if it is clinically diagnosed early, it will be the easiest cancer to treat. If you have any visible changes to moles or skin growth, such as thickness, colour, shape and size of warts or moles, spots that scab or hurt, bleed, itch or crust, then you should plan a visit to the skin specialist.
A skin specialist should examine your skin condition at least once a year, or if the condition is severe, then once a month or week and every six months for patients with a history of genetic predisposition or skin cancer.
Irritated, itchy or dry skin
You would think just a minor allergy would be easy to treat at home with some skincare products stacked in the drug store aisles. But mostly, you do not realise that your flaky, itchy skin is more than a seasonal adverse reaction. It may be a common, persistent skin ailment known as eczema.
Some eczema cases are different, but treating this condition is as simple and easy as changing a lifestyle that your skin doctor will quickly recommend.
How to find the right dermatologist?
To find an experienced dermatologist in your neighbourhood, many local websites can provide you with a list of qualified and board-certified experts in your area.
You can visit a local Department of Health and Social Care office to see if a specific service provider has had any bad reputation or complaints against them. You can also explore the list of London’s best dermatologists on Expert Centre.
You can also ask your relatives, friends or community members whether they have any referrals or recommendations. However, reputable providers are usually well-known in any area.
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