A dermatologist is a medical specialist trained to identify and treat problems with the hair, skin, and nails. Conditions affecting the mucous membranes (the liner of the mouth, nose, and eyelids) are also treated. At austin pure dermatology, you can get help.
The annual number of visits to dermatologists is estimated at 44 million by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common medical conditions addressed during these consultations are:
- Discoloration,
- pigmentation, and
- other skin lesions
A dermatologist’s expertise extends beyond the realm of aesthetic medicine to include the detection of more significant medical conditions.
Skincare, What is that?
Dermatology is the medical subspecialty concerned with the skin and its disorders. Dermatology is the study of diseases that affect the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
A human’s skin is the body’s biggest organ. Numerous structures are found there, including nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, pores, and blood arteries. It is crucial to your health as a whole that you take care of it.
Why do we need dermatologists?
The duties of a dermatologist are often broken down into three categories. Among these are:
- Medical: A dermatologist is trained to identify and treat skin disorders. This category includes skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, and plaque psoriasis. A dermatologist is trained to recognize skin concerns that may indicate more serious health problems. Itchy, dry skin, for instance, may be a sign of kidney disease.
- Surgery: Minor surgical procedures, such as removing moles or warts and skin biopsies, are common procedures performed by dermatologists. Larger surgical procedures are best left to the specialists in the field of dermatology. Both malignant and noncancerous skin growths can be surgically excised.
- Cosmetic: Problems with your skin’s look can be addressed by a dermatologist. Possible symptoms include thinning hair, age spots, and wrinkling skin. Many dermatologists also have the education and experience to do aesthetic procedures. Laser hair removal, chemical peels, and fillers all fall within this category.
When to see a skin doctor?
A monthly checkup with a dermatologist is recommended for those with skin that is more likely to develop skin cancer. The dermatologist will look for early symptoms of skin cancer during this visit.
- inflammation of the skin or a rash
- skin that is itchy, flaky, or scaly; acne; skin discoloration or blemishes; moles, warts, or other growths
- symptoms of aging, such as wrinkles, sun damage, and sagging skin
- balding, thinning, or broken hair
- problems with dandruff and hangnails
Before seeing a dermatologist, you may need a referral from your primary care physician, depending on your health insurance.
