When to see a dermatologist?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DERMATOLOGIST?

Skin is the largest organ. It protects the body from the elements, fights bacteria, and helps regulate body temperature. Since it is an organ, skin is susceptible to illnesses like cancer in the same way other body organs are. In fact, it is estimated that on an annual basis there are more than 12,000 fatal cases of skin cancer. Skin cancer is divided into two types. There is melanoma skin cancer, which always comes up as a result of sun exposure. Then there is non-melanoma skin cancer, which usually appears in areas that are not exposed to the sun. In the vast majority of cases, skin cancer can be cured if it is caught early by a trained dermatologist.
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What does a dermatologist do?

Dermatologist are doctors who specialize in treating conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails. Most dermatologist will see patients for a wide range of skin concerns. Some specialize in areas such as pediatrics, cosmetics, and surgery.

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How often should a person visit the dermatologist?

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It is recommended that a person visit a dermatologist on an annual basis to have a full body exam. This should be done even if an individual is completely healthy and has had no history of skin cancer. Depending on the results of an annual skin exam, the dermatologist may recommend that an individual visit for an exam more than once a year.

Individuals who have had skin cancer in the past, individuals with close relatives who have had skin cancer, individuals who have a mole or a growth that is suspicious in appearance, individuals who had x-ray acne treatment when they were younger, and those who have very fair skin may be encouraged to visit the dermatologist more frequently.

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Conditions Dermatologist Treat

In addition to helping a patient identify early signs of skin cancer, dermatologists help patients treat other skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, hives, hair loss, as well as cosmetic procedures such as scar removal and wart removal.

For most people, the first visit to a dermatologist is related to something cosmetic. After the initial appointment, the dermatologist will recommend a time frame for follow-up appointments. In order to maintain good health, an individual should follow the orders they received from the dermatologist in the same way that they would received from a general practitioner.

Unless we have a major injury, we often take our skin for granted. However, healthy skin is essential for overall health. Frequent visits to the dermatologist help us keep our skin as healthy as it can possibly be.