Most people know that dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with conditions relating to the skin, but many aspects of dermatology are a mystery to most. Here are five facts about dermatology that you really ought to know.
Many people assume that they only need to see a dermatologist if they have a specific reason for the appointment, such as a strange mole, a sudden rash, or an unusual breakout. The fact of the matter is that you should schedule a yearly checkup with your dermatologist so that he can evaluate your skin and make note of any changes to old birthmarks or moles.
1. It is not vain or frivolous to see a dermatologist about acne treatment.
Although thousands of teenagers and adults suffer from acne at one point or another, many people don’t consider it to be a condition that warrants medical attention or help. The thinking, especially at first, is “oh, it’s just a few pimples; I don’t need a doctor.”
Many people don’t realize that it’s perfectly okay to consult with a dermatologist about acne and skin care treatment. In fact, in many cases, waiting to seek acne treatment can only make the problem worse. Problematic skin can result in poor self-esteem in teenagers and young adults, which can lead to varying degrees of depression. It’s best to nip the problem in the bud by seeking the help of a dermatologist.
A common skin-related myth is that sweets and chocolate are the primary cause of acne, but there are multiple underlying medical factors that can result in tainted skin. Only a dermatologist can run the proper blood tests and evaluate your medical history in order to determine the cause of your acne. This, in turn, can help your dermatologist find the proper treatment for your condition. For more severe acne cases, an over-the-counter treatment might not be sufficient. A dermatologist has the ability to prescribe the proper medication to effectively treat the problem at hand. A dermatologist will also monitor your treatment to ensure that the medication is a) working, and b) not causing any harmful or negative side effects.
2. Cosmetic dermatology is more than just Botox.
In today’s youth-oriented society, cosmetic procedures such as face lifts and chemical peels are becoming increasingly popular. With more affordable options available, these procedures are no longer limited to the rich or elite. Plenty of people look down on cosmetic dermatology and view it as a practice whose purpose is to serve the people - primarily women - who take personal vanity to the utmost extreme.
Many people don’t realize that cosmetic dermatology is not just about zapping wrinkles, it’s about helping all types of people recover from surgery, injury, and ailment. Many cosmetic dermatologists specialize in reducing scars that are caused by injury or medical procedures. One such popular technique is dermabrasion, which involves removing the top layer of the skin to minimize the visibility of any present scars. Cosmetic dermatologists are able to offer a variety of options for the treatment and reduction of scars and burns. These cosmetic services are essential in allowing many patients to truly recover from injury or surgery and resume their normal lives.
Of course, for every burn or scar victim a cosmetic dermatologist treats, he might also get a visit from an age-obsessed woman looking for her latest facial fix. Cosmetic dermatology covers a broad range of procedures and services, but it’s important to realize that many of them are medically necessary and relevant.
3. Dermatologists can help minimize skin-related suffering.
In today’s fast-paced society, many people are unwilling to take time out of their busy schedules to see a dermatologist about skin-related ailments. Unfortunately, this can cause unnecessary suffering and discomfort. When it comes to skin-related self-diagnosis, most people are less qualified than they might otherwise think. For example, a person might mistake a condition like eczema for a case of excessively-dry skin and decide to treat it with over-the-counter body lotion. Not only will this be ineffective in tackling the problem, it can actually aggravate the skin and make it worse.
Another skin ailment that people tend to treat via the “quick fix” approach is warts. Many people are either too embarrassed or too impatient to seek treatment for warts, and as a result, attempt to fix the problem with an over-the-counter removal kit. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these treatment attempts tend to be unsuccessful, and most patients eventually wind up making a dermatology appointment to address the problem.
Remember, dermatologists are trained to recognize a wide variety of skin ailments and administer the best treatment accordingly. By avoiding the dermatologist and taking matters into your own hands, you are most likely just prolonging the problem and causing yourself to suffer in vain.
4. Pediatric dermatology is its own specialty within a specialty.
While all dermatologists are well-trained in their field, there are certain dermatologists who are specifically-trained to deal with skin disorders in younger children. Pediatric dermatologists complete a fellowship in pediatric dermatology on top of their medical school, internship, and residency training. A pediatric dermatologist can treat a child from birth through adolescence and has specialized equipment and treatment techniques that are appropriate for smaller bodies and younger minds. If your child suffers from any type of skin disorder, including rash, eczema, or hives, then you should ask your pediatrician to refer you to a pediatric dermatologist.
5. You should see your dermatologist once a year, no matter what.
Many people assume that they only need to see a dermatologist if they have a specific reason for the appointment, such as a strange mole, a sudden rash, or an unusual breakout. The fact of the matter is that you should schedule a yearly checkup with your dermatologist so that he can evaluate your skin and make note of any changes to old birthmarks or moles.
In many cases of skin cancer, early detection is a key factor in the subsequent success of treatment. Your dermatologist is trained to notice any suspicious marks or moles, and can evaluate areas of your body to which you might not have easy visual access, such as your back and scalp. A dermatologist will also make a point of examining any spots on your body that were previously noted in your records as “potentially problematic.” By visiting your dermatologist once a year, you’ll be giving him the opportunity to catch and treat any potential marks or moles before they develop and cause a more serious issue down the road.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care an appropriate health care provider.
