When Is It Time To See A Dermatologist?
Cancer General Health & Wellness Aging Well
June 01, 2022
There are so many things that can happen to our skin, and a lot of the time, we rarely understand the reason why it happened in the first place. Maybe it's an allergic reaction? Did I not wash my face well enough? If anything, the main question that we should focus on is when to visit a dermatologist.
Many people visit a dermatologist when a new mole or "unbreakable" acne shows up on the body, and that's perfectly fine. Still, the field of dermatology covers much more than these few concerns. After all, your skin is ironically the largest and most exposed organ on your body.
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Skin diseases are very common among people. Around 85 million, or 1 in 4 Americans, are affected by a skin condition each year.
Thankfully, dermatologists can diagnose more than 3,000 medical conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They can treat people of all ages, from newborns to seniors, and various skin conditions, from deadly skin cancers to acne. Dermatologists may diagnose skin conditions including:
- Chronic disease caused by problems with your immune system
- Allergic reactions to everyday substances
- Infections caused by bacteria or a virus, and more
Dermatologists also help patients who want to improve aging skin, wounds, acne, or other scars.
Franciscan Health dermatologist May Chow, MD, shares helpful information about when it might be time to see a dermatologist.
"The best time is your birthday. Let's say your birthday is March first, remember that every year on that date you will need to see a dermatologist to check your birthday suit," encourages Dr. Chow.
That said, it's a good idea for average-risk adults to have professional checkups once a year.
Types Of Skin Cancer
Not every skin cancer is created equal.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and presents as a small pink bump. It may bleed a bit in the center.
The second most common - and a step up in danger - is squamous cell carcinoma. It's not necessarily life-threatening, but it grows aggressively.
The most dangerous skin cancer is melanoma. While treatments exist, Dr. Chow believes prevention is much more effective. Methods to prevent this condition involve:
- Regularly using sunscreen
- Wearing protective clothing
- Yearly dermatologist checkups
Dermatologists Can Treat More Skin Conditions
Besides skin cancers, dermatologists focus on skin diseases such as:
Dermatologists also treat mouth, hair, nails, and external genitalia concerns.
Any number of skin concerns might prompt an individual to seek out a dermatologist's help. For example:
Some patients wish to address cosmetic issues, such as broken blood vessels, brown spots, or wrinkles, which are all within the scope of what a dermatologist can treat.
Don't Hesitate To Reach Out
Whether medical or cosmetic in nature, Dr. Chow urges anyone who wants to make a change to consider dermatology as a solution. She notes that the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists the board-certified dermatologists near you, making it easier to find a professional.
"When you are concerned about a condition, that's the time you must pick up the phone and make the appointment."
Dermatologists understand the interaction between the skin and the rest of the body. What seems like a simple rash might be a sign of an underlying disease. For example, an itchy rash could be hives, scabies, or a skin reaction called contact dermatitis. Each of these diseases requires different treatment.
Listen Now: When To See A Dermatologist
Dr. May Chow discusses in the Franciscan DocPod podcast.
