When to See a Dermatologist and When to Stay Home

This is melanoma or black mole cancer. If you have a lesion or mole that looks suspicious, see your dermatologist straightaway.

A basic consideration to keep in mind is how long you have had the specific ailment. If you have a rash that doesn't seem to get better within a few days, you might choose to see your primary care provider. If you still have no joy, this might signal the need to see a specialist. 

Keeping in mind your own genetic history is important as well (see below). People with a history of skin cancer in their family, who are fair-skinned or prone to having a proliferation of moles on their face or body should also make regular appointments with their dermatologist to make sure they stay healthy.

What is a dermatologist?

He or she will not only be able to diagnose your problem, but can also prescribe creams, medicines and treatment to either cure it, or keep it under control.

There are many types of dermatologists who can treat conditions of the skin, hair and nails, and who have specific specialties in areas such as cosmetic dermatology, pediatric dermatology etc. Whether you need medical, surgical or cosmetic treatment, they should be able to help you.

According to the American Board of Dermatology, dermatologists can help with the following conditions:

* Management of specific inflammatory skin disorders such as contact dermatitis, when the skin reacts after being exposed to specific allergens.

* Dermatopathology, or diagnosis of skin diseases, such as infections, immunologic and infectious diseases.

* Surgical techniques used in dermatology, such as correction of acne scars, chemical peeling and laser surgery.

* Cosmetic disorders, including hair loss, skin, and aging-related disorders.

Why See a Dermatologist?

Reasons to see a dermatologist include:

* You suspect you may have skin cancer. Everyone should perform regular self-examinations of their bodies and be aware of what their moles look like. Moles that look unusual, have irregular borders or appear asymmetrical, have grown or bleed but do not crust over should be seen to immediately. 

* You have risk factors for skin cancer. Some people are at high risk for developing skin cancer, and along with regular self-examinations, you should also see a dermatologist regularly to make sure their health is not at risk.  a close relative with a melanoma; fair skin that tends to burn or freckle; history of bad sunburns or tanning salon use; more than 50 moles on face or body; having moles that look irregular, large, or asymmetrical (see above); past use of x-ray treatments for acne, and taking medications to prevent arthritis or organ rejection.

* You have a skin problem that just won't go away. Many people choose to treat minor skin problems on their own. But if you have a rash that looks suspicious or does not respond to conventional treatment, it's probably time to see a dermatologist. 

* Your chronic skin condition that doesn't respond to treatment. If you have eczema, for example, you may be able to keep it under control with moisturizers, emollients, or over-the-counter steroid creams. But if you find your skin does not respond well, or if indeed eczema gets worse or becomes infected, then seeing a dermatologist is your best bet.

*  If you have a skin problem that you think would benefit from medical intervention, seek professional help. It's not advised to visit a med spa unless you are 100 percent positive that a dermatologist will be treating you. A licensed dermatologist is a physician certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and they have far more medical experience than cosmetologists and hair technicians!

What is Dermatologic Surgery?

Sometimes surgery is the only way to treat specific problems or cosmetic complaints. The purpose of dermatologic surgery is to "repair and/or improve the function and cosmetic appearance of skin tissue," according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. It "deals with the diagnosis and treatment of medically necessary and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair, nails, veins, mucous membranes and adjacent tissues by various surgical, reconstructive, cosmetic and non-surgical methods."

Dermatologic surgery today is a lot less invasive than it used to be, according to the Society, with less downtime and often no need for general anesthesia. This, it says, is largely thanks to breakthroughs in medical science, clinical advances and instrumentation innovations. Examples of dermatologic surgery today include:

* Dealing with aging-related issues, such as brown spots, lines and wrinkles

* Using injectable soft-tissue fillers

* Using implantable soft-tissue fillers

* Chemical peels

* Liposuction

* Laser surgery

* Treatment for skin caner

* Treatment for acne scars

* Treatment for moles, rashes etc

* Vein therapy (varicose veins and spider veins)

* Hair restoration techniques

* Reconstructive surgery