Dermatology is a medical specialty that focuses on medical and cosmetic skincare. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, nail, hair, and mucous membrane diseases. Dermatologists can pursue specialized training in a wide range of specialties, meaning they can diagnose and treat a huge spectrum of different conditions. Thousands of various illnesses can damage the skin, some only cause minimal symptoms whereas others may be significant and interfere with everyday life.
Redness, itching, pain, rashes, and pus are all signs that you should see a dermatologist, but you shouldn't always wait for things to go wrong before making contact. Regular screenings and mole checks can prevent issues like skin cancer, if you have even mild issues or sensitive skin this should be looked at if it's been going on for a long time. If you're concerned about your skin in any way, find a dermatologist near you. Alternatively you can contact your GP first who will then refer you if it's something that can't treat themselves.
Types of Conditions Dermatologist Can Treat:
- Blemishes and acne
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Redness/ itching/ discomfort
- Psoriasis
- Moles/ growths possible skin cancer
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Fungal, viral and bacterial infections
- Lice
How do They Diagnose Issues?
Dermatologists will use a range of methods to get to the bottom of your skin issues. This could be anything from a visual check, to skin scrapings examined under the microscope to biopsies or blood tests.
What Are Common Treatment Plans?
Often, skin issues will be a result of an underlying condition and will simply be the symtom of another problem. Take hormonal issues for example, these often result in acne and other skin conditions. A dermatologist can help you get to the bottom of what's causing the initial dysfunction and then work on treating your skin. Depending on what's causing your skin problem, this may need to be resolved first. In other cases, medication such as antibiotics can help, sometimes simple lifestyle factors can make all the difference. Eating a healthy diet and exercising, cutting out certain products from your diet and sleeping better can improve some skin issues. Some treatment such as the treatment of scarring can benefit from things like lasers and on occasion, even surgery can be considered.
Final Thought
Skin issues can be really embarrassing, and take the enjoyment out of life. It's hard to socialise when you're ashamed of the way you look or are dealing with a lot of discomfort. A dermatologist can turn things around so that you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
