When to See a Dermatologist for a Skin Condition

General Skin Care

While our skin is the most accessible organ to observe, we tend to ignore the minuscule abnormalities. Many of us usually visit a doctor only when the signs of a problem become visible or when the problem matures.

It is easy to get influenced to try out every new skincare ingredient that is gaining publicity. But, it is essential to understand your general skin care needs and what suits you best. Sometimes, it can even be challenging to figure out your skin type. There is always a risk factor in using an ingredient without any background knowledge that can lead to more harm than good.

But you can find a longer-lasting solution and make informed choices if you seek professional advice early. After all, visiting a dermatologist for general skin care is as important as seeing a doctor for an illness. For instance, people with dry and irritated skin often find it hard to spend time in the pool, sun, or air-conditioned spaces. While applying sunscreen is essential, not every product is suitable for every skin type. Your dermatologist will suggest ingredients that can help relieve the problem permanently. Also, there is a lot more your skin might demand depending on its kind, which only an expert can help decode.

Skin problems vary significantly in severity and symptoms. They may be painless or painful, can be temporary or permanent. Some may be genetic, while others have situational causes. Some skin problems are minor, and others can be acute and cause discomfort. Often, a skin disorder can be a symptom of severe internal diseases. Here are a few conditions and associated reasons for which you are better off visiting a dermatologist instead of self-diagnosing:

Serious Skin Diseases

Several serious diseases or conditions can plague the skin – like vitiligo, rosacea, psoriasis, or skin cancer. However, many of these conditions are curable, or their advances slow down if diagnosed early. If you see any warning signs, such as spots, changes in color, thickness, abnormal skin growth, or texture of the skin, it should prompt a dermatologist visit. It will help if you make it your priority to consider letting a dermatologist examine your skin at least once a year for a routine check-up and signs of severe conditions. 

Skin conditions can appear in various forms. In some cases, there might not even be any pain or irritation. If you find a spot that arises out of the blue might have an underlying cause. In some types of skin cancer, the spot can change its appearance and even grow. You should let a dermatologist take a look at it.

1. Eczema

Eczema, also clinically known as atopic dermatitis is a broad term to describe several chronic skin conditions that manifest as skin inflammation. While you cannot rule out every case of skin inflammation cannot be as eczema, you can observe your situation to figure out if it is. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for if the skin inflammation s eczema and needs medical assistance –

1. Dry patches
2. Scaly skin
3. Persistent itching
4. Oozing sores with a crust forming around them
5. Rashes form in the skin folds, such as behind the knee or elbow crease.
6. Dark skin patches, often red or purple. It can also appear grey if you have a darker skin complexion.

While over-the-counter and other medicines can ease the condition, it takes a dermatologist to diagnose eczema clinically, assisted by detailed skin examination and specific tests. Proper and timely check-ups and skin care are imperative in this case. The condition is very uncomfortable and, in some cases, emotionally distressing.

2. Persistent Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition. It generally happens due to hormonal changes that usually occur during puberty or pregnancy. And it should go away after some time. But in any case, if the acne stays for a prolonged time, it might be due to a different cause. Though it is not life-threatening, it can be upsetting and often cause permanent scars and blemishes if not appropriately treated.

Generalizing the term acne might be wrong, as there are different forms of acne, each rooting from another factor. In comparison, cystic acne can form when pores get clogged due to bacteria or excess sebum production. At the same time, fungal acne develops when a hair follicle gets infected due to excess oil production in the skin.

People usually self-test products to find the one that might work for them. While it seems cost-efficient in the short-term, sometimes products don’t give expected results or can cause a problem that didn’t exist before. Acne is a complex phenomenon and can go well beyond teenage. It is wise to visit a professional for its treatment.

3. Signs of Premature Ageing

Aging is a normal process, and it can be evident in your skin. It should not be a concern to get stressed over something normal. But if you can see the signs of aging before a certain age, you should seek medical advice.

Wrinkles, discolorations, and skin changes that come with age can cause undesirable changes in the skin if not given timely attention and can even make one look old before time. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can speed up and worsen these signs of aging, as can dietary, drinking, or smoking habits. Reasons for premature aging can be many, and a dermatologist can help improve your skin’s health and suggest routine products, treatments, or lifestyle changes to stop premature aging.