Posts for tag: Dermatologist
When should you turn to a dermatologist?
Minor skin, hair or nail issues may be treated by your general physician; however, they won’t have the same expertise and knowledge as a dermatologist. After all, a dermatologist is a medical specialist who understands the complex inner workings and function of the hair, skin and nails. This also means more knowledgeable, well-rounded care. Here are just some of the top benefits of turning to a dermatologist.
They Can Help You Get Acne Under Control
Acne is certainly not an easy thing to treat and sometimes over-the-counter options just aren’t enough. Luckily, a dermatologist understands the different causes of acne and can provide the proper treatment based on whether your acne is due to hormones, bacteria or inflammation. A dermatologist can also prescribe stronger oral and topical medications, as well as other therapies and treatments options to improve your acne-prone skin.
They Can Detect Skin Cancer Early
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that must be detected early. The best way to detect both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer is through annual skin cancer screenings with your dermatologist. They are painless and only take a couple of minutes. A screening simply involves examining your skin from head to toe, checking for any suspicious growths or moles that may require further testing.
They Can Treat Hair Loss
Skin isn’t the only thing that dermatologists are experts in, they also know hair and nails. So if you are dealing with hair loss you may want to turn to a dermatologist for answers. After all, hair loss can be distressing and nothing is more important than figuring out what’s causing hair loss so you know how to treat it. Everything from hormones to heredity to certain medical conditions can be to blame, and a dermatologist can determine the cause of your hair loss and provide a variety of treatment options.
Provide Recommendations and Advice
We all know that when it comes to caring for skin, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Everything from acne and sun damage to wrinkles and eczema can impact the health and appearance of your skin and a dermatologist can provide recommendations and tips customized to fit your needs and skincare goals.
If you are dealing with any injuries, conditions or issues that are impacting the health of your skin, hair or nails, a dermatologist is going to be the ideal medical professional to turn to. Don’t ignore your symptoms. Get the treatment you deserve to get your issues under control.
Remember Your ABCDEs
This easy-to-remember acronym will help you spot those signs of skin cancer whenever you examine moles yourself. This is what it stands for,
- A is for asymmetry: A healthy mole will be perfectly circular and symmetrical. If you find that half of the mole is shaped differently from the other half, this could be a sign of pre-cancerous growth.
- B is for a border: A healthy mole will have a clearly defined border. If the mole has a jagged or an even or poorly defined border, it’s time to visit your dermatologist.
- C is for color: A healthy mole will remain a singular color throughout your life. If the mole changes color or develops multiple colors this could be a sign of skin cancer.
- D is for diameter: A healthy mole is typically smaller than a pencil eraser (under 5mm). Moles over 5mm, or larger than a pencil eraser, may be cause for concern. Large moles warrant seeing a dermatologist.
- E is for evolving: A healthy mole will remain the same over the course of your lifetime. So, if you notice it changing at all then it’s worth having a dermatologist look at it.
Along with remembering your ABCDEs, it’s also a good idea to look for,
- New moles: Just because you develop a new mole doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s cancerous; however, if you start noticing any new moles developing past the age of 20 (particularly on the face, neck, shoulder, or other sun-exposed areas), this warrants an evaluation with a skincare professional.
- Troublesome moles: Do you have a mole that bleeds, itches, crusts over, or is painful or tender? If so, the mole should be checked out.
When your child breaks out all over in a blistery, itchy red rash, there’s a good chance it’s the chicken pox. Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and although it’s typically a childhood disease, people who have not contracted it as a child can suffer from it in adulthood as well.
Chicken pox is highly contagious and can spread from person to person by direct contact or through the air from an infected person's coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms of Chicken pox
Itchy red spots or blisters all over the body are telltale signs of chicken pox. It may also be accompanied by a headache, sore throat and fever. Symptoms are generally mild among children, but can cause serious complications in infants, adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The most common symptoms of chicken pox include:
- Itchy rash all over the body, including the face, on the arms and legs and inside the mouth
- Fatigue and irritability
- Fever
- Feeling of general illness
- Reduced appetite
The symptoms of chicken pox may resemble other skin problems or medical conditions, so it is always important to consult your child's physician or dermatologist for proper diagnosis. If the chicken pox rash seems generalized or severe, or if the child has a high grade fever or is experiencing a headache or nausea, seek medical care right away.
The incubation period (from exposure to first appearance of symptoms) is 14 to 16 days. When the blisters crust over, they are no longer contagious and the child can return to normal activity.
Relief for Chicken Pox
It is important not to scratch the blisters as it can slow down the healing process and result in scarring. Scratching may also increase the risk of a bacterial infection. To help relieve the itching, soak in a cool or lukewarm oatmeal bath. A physician may recommend anti-itch ointments or medications, such as over-the-counter antihistamines, to control this troublesome itch.
Although about four million children get chicken pox each year, it may be preventable via a vaccine. Usually one episode of chicken pox in childhood provides lifelong immunity to the virus.
Fortunately, chicken pox is more of a nuisance than a concern. With time and extra rest, the rash will pass and the child will be good as new! Contact your dermatologist whenever you have questions or concerns about chicken pox.