5 Common Reasons to See a Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in evaluating and managing benign and malignant disorders of the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes (the lining within the mouth, nose, and eyelids). Dermatologists can have specialized training in various areas including:
- Surgical procedures to treat the skin
- Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers
- Diagnosis and treatment of common skin disorders
- Dermatopathology
- Pediatric concerns
- Cosmetic concerns
Within our practice there are 5 common reasons our patients seek the expertise of a board certified dermatologist:
- Acne: While many over-the-counter acne treatments exist, eliminating acne can be a challenge. A dermatologist can provide advanced forms of treatment to individuals with acne that is unresponsive to OTC methods. Dermatologists can diagnose your specific type of acne and formulate a treatment plan to minimize the visual appearance of acne scarring.
- Skin Cancer: The key to effectively treating skin cancer is early detection. Dermatologists are trained at spotting and diagnosing various cancers of the skin. If you notice any changes to moles on your skin (including size, shape, and color) you should see a dermatologist right away. Also, it’s a good idea to undergo an annual screen screening.
- Skin Conditions: Dermatologists effectively diagnose and treat over 3,000 different diseases of the skin including psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, warts, and nail infections. Dermatologists have a deeper understanding of these ailments compared to a general practitioner, and thus are in a better position to resolve them.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Beyond medical ailments, cosmetic dermatologists can perform a variety of non-surgical and surgical procedures to improve a person’s overall appearance. Cosmetic dermatologists have experience with treatments like liposuction, Botox, dermal fillers, laser skin treatments, vein removal, and laser hair removal.
- Expert Skin Advice: Your dermatologist can provide a variety of tips to help with all your skincare needs. Common advice our patients seek includes insight on proper sun safety, understanding of skin type, and advice on the best skincare products and makeup to use.
Many first-time patients are concerned about the cost of being seen by a dermatologist. However, many medical insurance policies cover dermatological treatments if they are pursued for a medical reason. Here is a list of the current insurance plans accepted by Westlake Dermatology.
Even in cases where treatment is not covered by insurance, seeking the expertise of a dermatologist may be less expensive over the long-run. Often we have first-time patients who compare the cost of over-the-counter products with a prescription provided by a dermatologist and they actually come out ahead.
Lela Lankerani D.O. received her undergraduate degree in Biology at Washington University where she graduated cum laude. Dr. Lankerani has published articles in several scientific journals and has presented at national scholarly meetings including the American Academy of Dermatology and American Osteopathic Academy of Dermatology.
I definitely agree, seeking out a dermatologist is a much better option than sticking with a regular doctor if you have a type of skin condition. As the article points out, dermatologists usually have a much deeper understanding of these kinds of ailments than the common doctor would. They’d be able to look at the condition and determine what the best course of treatment is and what your options are for overcoming it.
I am happy to learn that dermatologists can help with the treatment of acne. It would be helpful to be diagnosed with a specific kind of acne and get help based on your specific need. My friend also appreciates her dermatologist because she receives help with hair loss as well.
Dermatologists’ knowledge covers a very wide range of skin conditions– I’m impressed! I always loved going to see the dermatology because I felt like they truly listened to me and my problems. The help they gave me has cleared my skin up and made me a more confident, happier person!
Skin conditions are one of the biggest reasons to seek out a dermatologist and the reason why my sister does as well. It is just unfortunate that some people have to live with skin conditions that can cause them a great deal of pain or embarrassment. However, it is great that dermatologists are around to help alleviate some of that pain.
My sister’s acne is getting worse. It’s good to know that advanced forms of treatment can be provided by a dermatologist. I’ll make sure to share this with her, so she could call a professional and have it checked out. Thanks for sharing!
It’s good to know that a dermatologist can identify and diagnose specific types of acne along with the right treatments to use for it. My acne hasn’t been getting any better lately, and I’m not sure why. I wouldn’t mind seeing a dermatologist to figure out what I need to do for it to clear up.
It’s good to know when it’s smart to see a dermatologist. I’ve been wondering about a red area on my arm, so if they really understand those sorts of ailments, I think I’ll find one. It’s better safe than sorry, and I’d like to get rid of this redness.
Growing up I have always had this weird patch of red skin on my right leg. Since it never expanded to the rest of my leg my parents never worried about it. As Iw as reading your article, you state that a cosmetic dermatologist can perform a variety of non-surgical procedures. Maybe I should reach out to a dermatologist and see what they can do for my leg. Thank you for writing such a great article about why you should see a dermatologist.
Eczema runs in our family, and my daughter has it pretty bad right now. I’m glad that dermatologists can help with that because she’s so self-conscious about it. I’ll have to set up an appointment so that we can get it fixed.
We dermatologists are hard at work fighting over 3,000 skin ailments 🙂