Dermatologists don’t only diagnose and treat skin diseases. They also care for the hair and nails, help improve the skin’s appearance and perform certain kinds of surgery. Here are five reasons you may want to schedule a visit with a dermatologist.
1. Acne
A dermatologist can help you treat troublesome acne and pimples. He or she can also help reduce scarring and prevent acne from coming back. Treatment may include skin cream, oral medication, or both.
2. Eczema
Eczema causes patches of skin that may be scaly, itchy, bumpy, red, or cracking. A dermatologist can look at your skin and perform tests to diagnose eczema. If you have eczema, a dermatologist may recommend lifestyle changes, such as taking cooler showers. Prescription ointments, creams, or pills may also be necessary.
3. Skin cancer screening
Skin cancer is the number one form of cancer among Americans. Skin cancer can be difficult to diagnose. A dermatologist can perform a thorough full-body skin exam to check for skin changes that could lead to cancer. Ask your dermatologist how often you should be screened for skin cancer.
4. Surgery
Dermatologists who are trained to perform surgery are called dermatologic surgeons. They do cosmetic surgery, such as hair transplants and neck lifts. They also perform medical procedures, such as skin cancer removal.
5. Warts
Warts are very common. They’re not harmful, but they may affect your appearance or hurt. In these cases, a dermatologist can remove the wart with medication, cold treatment, or by cutting it out of the skin.