A DERMATOLOGIST FOR YOUR SKIN PROBLEMS
A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in treating skin, hair, nail, and mucous membrane disorders and diseases.
They can also address cosmetic issues, helping to revitalize the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails.
When to see a dermatologist
If skin, hair, or nail symptoms are not responding to home treatment, it may be time to seek professional attention.
If concerns are cosmetic, a person can seek out a specialized cosmetic dermatologist.
It is important for people to discuss any upcoming dermatological treatments with their insurance providers, who often do not fund cosmetic procedures.
Be sure to obtain copies of any medical reports, consultation notes, and diagnostic test results to assure the insurer of the medical necessity of the treatment.
What to do if you have an urgent issue
If you have an urgent issue, getting a dermatology appointment can sometimes be tough. Currently, there aren’t enough specialists to meet patient needs, and many focus on surgical or cosmetic rather than medical dermatology.
If you do have an urgent need for a dermatologist, do it this approach:
- Call your dermatologist and discuss your symptoms in detail.
- If you can’t get in to see him or her right away, call around and find an office that can see you sooner.
- Keep in touch with your first choice to watch for cancellations.
- See your primary care provider and ask him or her to reach out to your dermatologist.
Some offices, particularly those in academic medical centers, offer same-day appointments for patients with urgent problems, he says. Otherwise, for serious problems, you can expect to get in within two weeks. As a last resort, you can seek assistance in the emergency department.
How to Choose a Doctor to Treat Psoriasis
A doctor who specializes in skin care, called a dermatologist, can be a big help with your psoriasis. He’ll be up to date on all the triggers you should avoid, symptoms, and treatments.
When you look for a dermatologist, start by asking your primary care doctor for a recommendation. You can also check with the American Academy of Dermatology, which has lists of specially trained doctors. A nearby medical school is another resource.
Questions to Ask a Dermatologist
Ask these questions to help you choose the right doctor for you:
- Does your office accept my insurance?
- How quickly can I schedule a visit?
- Do you have patient references?
- Are you available after hours?
- Do you have evening or weekend hours?
- Do you have a special area of interest in skin care?
- How many patients with psoriasis have you treated?
- Do you offer biologic therapies for psoriasis?
Top Common Skin Problems
If you’re living with skin problems, you’re probably facing a lot more challenges than people think. Individuals with recurring dermatological issues potentially face a number of emotional hurdles as well, including things like depression and lack of confidence.
Luckily, there are answers. The dermatology field has advanced by leaps and bounds and can provide solutions for a large number of skin conditions. The first step is pinpointing exactly what the issue is. You can then seek out the proper medical help you need.
To help you on your road to clearer skin, we’ve compiled a list of the most common dermatology problems and their symptoms.
- Acne
Definitely the most well-known of all dermatology problems, most of us went through some degree of acne during adolescence. However, acne can persist well into adulthood and become more than just a few pimples.
Acne happens when the area between your pores and oil glands get clogged. Depending on the severity, this may happen on the face, neck, shoulders, and back. The symptoms, which are easy to spot, consist of whiteheads and blackheads. More severe cases result in sores deep under the surface of the skin. This is referred to as cystic acne.
- Eczema
This condition, also called atopic dermatitis, can affect both children and adults. The condition is usually chronic, but the symptoms and flare-ups come and go.
There’s no cure for eczema, but a dermatologist can provide relief and help reduce the symptoms.
Eczema may appear all over the body and causes dry, itchy skin along with red, rash-like patches. You may also experience tiny bumps that secrete fluid. This condition tends to accompany hay fevers or asthma, so make sure you tell your dermatologist if you have either of these.
- Psoriasis
This is one of the more severe dermatology problems on this list. Psoriasis can be disfiguring and very uncomfortable, but there are ways to reduce the symptoms. This is a genetic disease, so find out if there’s a history of it in your family.
A person with psoriasis experiences an excess buildup of skin tissue. This creates a red, splotchy appearance with flaking skin on the affected areas. It’s common for psoriasis to first appear on knees or elbows, but, it can also spread to other areas of the body including the scalp, hands, and chest.
- Sunburn
When you think about dermatology problems, you probably don’t consider sunburn. However, a severe sunburn can be extremely damaging and may require medical attention.
Prevention is the best approach when dealing with sunburn, so make sure you always use a strong sunscreen. This is important, as frequent sunburns could result in a higher risk of skin cancer.
If you notice blistering and swelling, you have a bad sunburn. You may also get a headache or fever. You should apply aloe to your burns, but if you feel you need more intensive care, see your dermatologist.
- Hives
Unlike psoriasis, which is a genetic condition, hives occur as a reaction to a number of possible external factors. You may get hives after an insect bite, or if you have a bad reaction to certain foods or medications. Hives appear as red welts on the skin. They’re typically raised and very itchy.
It’s possible for hives to go away on their own, but in some cases, they last for months. In this case, you’ll need medical help. Your dermatologist may recommend an antihistamine along with topical ointment.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition that causes the loss of pigmentation (or color) of the skin. It appears as lighter splotches or patches of skin with undefined borders. Vitiligo can affect any part of the body, such as skin, hair, or even the pigment of your eye. Although the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, the condition is not life threatening or contagious.
Vitiligo can be treated with the goal of restoring some of the color that is lost. Topical medications, light therapy, and the excimer laser are commonly used options for treatment. Our providers can recommend the treatment that may work best for your skin.
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