For some people, skin care is a must; for others, it’s something they usually don’t pay much attention to. The thing about skincare is that it’s easy to skip out on. However, this excuse cannot be used as a license for neglecting it entirely.
We can’t determine whether or not we’re dealing with a skin condition at first glance. At times, even something as normal as a mole can be harmful to your health. For this reason, visiting a skin specialist from time to time is essential. To help you not waste any visits, here are five conditions that may indicate that a trip to the nearby skin specialist needs to be on your schedule.
What Can A Specialist Offer?
Approaching a specialist or dermatologist will provide you with the right treatment and care needed for your skin problems. When you consult with a specialist, you will benefit from the following:
Faster Diagnosis
Once you suspect a skin problem, consulting a primary care doctor will take longer to diagnose. It is no doubt that a primary care doctor can provide a simple evaluation of your condition.
However, specialists have extensive training and expertise in identifying and giving you an accurate treatment plan. A specialist will be able to recognize the severity of the problem and diagnose accordingly, which the primary care doctor does not have in-depth knowledge of.
Preventing Scars
Specialists get to the root cause of the skin problem. So whether it is a critical issue such as lupus, severe acne, hair, or scalp conditions, the specialist will be able to effectively treat it to make sure there is no scarring.
Moles
Most people have common moles, which are harmless for the most part. Having said that, if the mole changes in appearance in its color, shape, or size, it is a sign to have it examined by a dermatologist.
Atypical moles should be inspected to check for change as they could have a type of skin cancer called melanoma. People with more than 4 atypical moles who have previously had a melanoma or have a first-degree relative (parents, siblings, or child) who has had this disease are at a greater risk.
Hence, it’s best to get immediate treatment in such cases along with regular checkups and screenings with the dermatologist.
Cystic Acne or Bruises
Acne and bruises may be embarrassing if in a visible area but are not a concerning health problem. Visiting a dermatologist will provide you with the correct treatment to reduce the effect of these issues.
As for stubborn acne, it may seem ordinary but introduce risks of infection and scarring. Cystic acne, in particular, is a type of inflammatory acne which is not only painful but causes the development of pus-filled acne.
As this type of acne is difficult to treat with over-the-counter products, it’s best to receive the treatment from a specialist.
Similarly, bruises or blemishes can be treated with the help of laser, microdermabrasion, or other medical treatments recommended by the dermatologist.
Itchy Hives or Rashes
Hives and rashes are often confused with one another, given their similar appearance. While both of these conditions are skin reactions that include red bumps (swollen or raised skin) and are even itchy and painful, the cause and treatment for both are different.
Hives, also known as Urticaria, refer to an allergic reaction caused by an irritant, medications, or chemicals in food. In addition, hives can give rise to a burning or stinging sensation.
These itchy welts can appear anywhere on your body and fade within 24 hours or last for several days. A dermatologist can immediately identify hives and do various skin and blood tests to discover the trigger.
On the other hand, rashes are of different types, including eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Rashes are mainly seen as inflammation, and abnormal changes (discoloration) in the skin, which occur in one area or spread throughout the body.
If you have an underlying virus such as measles or shingles and detect rashes on your body, make sure that you contact a doctor right away. A dermatologist will observe the rash and provide the necessary treatment.
Nail Disorders
As surprising as it seems, nails can sometimes be an indicator of the general condition of our health. Abnormalities in nails can reveal signs of critical health disorders including:
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Anemia
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid
- Nutritional deficiencies
Certain nail disorders need attention and, if noticed, require a specialist’s treatment. If you notice any of these changes, you should see a dermatologist.
Nail Discoloration
Pink or mauve-colored nails are generally considered to be healthy. Any color besides this, like white, yellow, blue, or purple, can suggest a serious underlying problem.
A dermatologist will provide a diagnosis based on the discoloration and determine whether the problem is dangerous or harmless.
Brittle Nails
Healthy nails not only have a consistent color but are also quite firm. Brittle or split nails tend to break easily, which is attributed to too much or too little moisture.
If you identify brittle nails accompanied by fatigue, it may indicate iron deficiency or anemia. Any weight gain or loss could indicate thyroid as well.
Dark Streak
A dark streak should be taken seriously as it could be a sign of a type of skin cancer- melanoma.
Not every dark streak points out a serious condition, but it’s best to consult a dermatologist and get it checked as it may worsen, and treatment may become more complicated if ignored.
Hair Loss
Is there more hair on your pillows than usual? While losing hair is normal, it may be rather distressing if it’s sudden or unexplained. Rapid hair loss is a major concern that must be addressed.
Scenarios such as aging, pregnancy or childbirth, surgery or illness, loss of weight, hormonal changes, diet, and many such factors can trigger hair loss. The dermatologist will examine your condition by inquiring about your family background and medical history and even run a few tests to get a grasp of the problem.
After this, a treatment plan will be produced, including changes in lifestyle, medications, or procedures to provide what suits you best.
Conclusion
Our skin needs to be looked after, especially if you notice any sudden or persistent problem.A dermatologist as soon as possible so that appropriate treatment can be administered.
Not paying a visit to a dermatologist can result in you potentially developing a new problem or worsening the one at hand already. Hence, even if it’s just once every year, try your best to visit your dermatologist and ensure the best health for your skin!