10 Reasons to See a Dermatologist and Why it is Important

One day, you walk up to the mirror and notice brown spots on your face. Or, you brush your hair and your comb collects way more strands than it should. Perhaps, you’ve grown tired of waiting for your acne to clear up. 

Hey, we all have skin concerns, right? While sometimes, a breakout or two on your face or a few more strands out of your head is completely normal, it’s important to keep an eye out for any skin abnormalities.

While the internet is ever-present to provide you with plenty of skin solutions, it’s not always reliable to self-diagnose. Visiting a dermatologist is your best bet at achieving healthy skin that’s free from trouble.

Who is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in skin, hair, and nail problems, and, they've also been taught to deal with cosmetic concerns such as skin, hair, and nail aesthetics.

Being a dermatologist necessitates a broad range of clinical skills, including an understanding of the different underlying health issues that might manifest as skin complaints. They've been educated to handle more than 3000 distinct skin disorders that affect people at different periods.

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes.

When should you see a dermatologist?

While regular checkups are always a good idea, it’s also essential to visit a dermatologist when you suspect certain skin conditions or are dealing with persistent skin issues:

• Your acne is persistent -  Acne is one of the most common skin problems, arising from a variety of reasons that can result in various forms of pimples, and whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts are all part of it. These are caused by an excess of oil in the skin, which produces sebum, which in turn clogs the pores and causes acne. Acne normally appears throughout adolescence and disappears after a person enters maturity, but more and more people are developing acne far into their adult years, known as hormonal acne. Scarring, poor self-esteem, and other issues can occur in certain persons as a result of persistent acne.

• You’ve developed skin conditions - Dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin disorders cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications, and to stop them, you should see a dermatologist. Dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that causes swelling and an itchy rash, with atopic dermatitis being the most common type of eczema (a dry skin condition that often cracks the skin open and bleeding on certain spots). Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune illness in which the proliferation of skin cells is accelerated, resulting in thick, purplish, reddish, or eveb silvery and scaly areas of skin.

• You’re experiencing unnatural hair fall - It is common for most people to lose up to 100 hairs every day, but bald spots or thinning hair, on the other hand, might indicate a problem. Hair loss can be caused by pregnancy, stress, and a variety of other health concerns, and it can also be a genetic illness. A dermatologist may be able to determine the reason of hair loss and give you proper treatment guidance.

• You suspect skin cancer - The most prevalent kind of cancer is skin cancer, which is also the simplest to treat if caught early. Melanoma, on the other hand, is the most aggressive kind of skin cancer and can often prove to be fatal. Several warning signals, such as crusting skin growths, changes in their size, shape, texture, or colour, should all prompt a visit to the dermatologist.

• You have rosacea flare-ups - Rosacea is a chronic skin ailment (that can also affect the eyes), and it causes people to seem flushed. The cheeks, chin, and nose are the most common areas of redness, although it can also affect the ears and chest. Despite the fact that there is no cure for rosacea, a dermatologist can prescribe medication, laser treatment, or products to help you manage your symptoms.

• You notice a skin infection - Fungus, viruses, yeast, or bacteria can all cause skin and nail infections, which, if left untreated, might lead to itchy, irritated skin that persists. Skin bacterial infections may be fatal if not treated with antibiotics, and a dermatologist can establish the cause of the illness and the provide you with the best treatment options.

• Your skin is getting pigmented - Pigmentation, which appears as age spots, brown patches, or discoloured spots on aged or UVA-exposed skin, is quite common. When regular skincare isn't working, many individuals seek out a dermatologist to assist them in getting rid of these undesirable patches.

• You develop a rash - Rashes on the skin can be painful, itchy, irritating or even warm to the touch. While many sorts of rashes can be caused by anything from sensitivity to a skin care product to a skin problem, certain rashes require further attention, which can only be determined by visiting a dermatologist's office.

• You notice skin discolouration - Hormone changes, as well as accidents, UV damage, skin malignancies, and excess melanin, can cause skin discoloration. If you've seen blotches or new spots on your skin, it's time to consult a doctor.

• You need skincare advice - The enormous variety of goods and information available might often leave you feeling confused about which products are best suited for your skin, especially if you're new to skincare. While a dermatologist would almost certainly prescribe medicated goods, understanding what components your skin requires can help you make informed selections about which OTC products to purchase.