Booking an appointment with your dermatologist is a non-negotiable in a handful of cases.
You might have to disrobe and put on a medical exam gown, but this is one visit where flagging suspicious moles and other issues is a must.
It’s also about preventative care and education. Here are some significant benefits of visiting your dermatologist regularly:
Skin Care Advice
Dermatologists not only treat rashes, discolorations, and abnormal moles, but they also help people prevent skin cancer. They teach patients about healthy skin care routines and practices, such as wearing sunscreen, washing gently, hydrating soaps, not smoking, and refraining from popping pimples.
Dermatologist websites often list FAAD or board certifications, which indicate that they have passed board exams that test their knowledge, skills, and experience. They can suggest the best skin care items for your particular skin type.
Before your first appointment, prepare by writing down any questions you have and removing makeup, nail polish, or any other skin treatment. This allows the best dermatologist Memphis to see your bare skin and nails more clearly. It can also be helpful to bring a list of any medications you are taking. This will save time because your dermatologist can repeatedly refer to your list rather than ask you for the same information.
Skin Cancer Screenings
Many types of skin cancer are preventable by examining a suspicious lesion regularly or catching one early on with routine screenings. A simple self-exam can help people identify changes in the appearance of a mole, freckle, or other pigmented spot on their skin and alert them to any new or changing signs. While some studies have found that melanoma rates are lower in those who self-examine or report lesions to their physician than in those who do not, these findings are generally indirect. Small sample sizes and weak research designs limit them.
Moreover, most of the costs in this category involve additional tests and follow-up care rather than a screening program per se. Similarly, the committee’s cost estimates are limited by uncertainty over whether beneficiaries would take advantage of a screening benefit and pursue recommended follow-up care. This is a familiar issue with previous efforts to use Medicare coverage of prevention.
Personalized Treatments
A dermatologist has an extensive knowledge of the skin, the body’s largest organ. They can help with various medical and aesthetic skin concerns, such as treating scars and providing anti-aging treatments.
A regular skin check with a dermatologist will allow them to identify the slightest abnormalities, such as a mole that has changed shape or color. Moreover, the doctor can recommend specific preventative measures to lower your risk of developing these problems.
Dermatologists can also treat chronic conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. These conditions can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing for their sufferers, but a dermatologist will have the knowledge and experience to provide effective treatment plans. These treatments may include medication, topical creams, or laser therapy. A good dermatologist will consider your skincare routine and other health concerns when designing a treatment plan. This ensures the treatment will be as successful as possible for your needs.
Prevention
The skin is one of the largest organs in the body. It serves essential functions like regulating body temperature, protecting tissue, assisting with vitamin production, and facilitating sensation. Nevertheless, the skin is also vulnerable to numerous problems. Some are cosmetic, while others cause itching or pain. Dermatologists are trained to identify and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
Many dermatological issues can be difficult to self-diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other conditions. A routine total-body skin exam allows the doctor to get a more comprehensive picture of your skin and spot any potential problems early on.
Regular visits to the dermatologist can also prevent skin cancer and other severe conditions. A study found that the number of melanomas diagnosed was significantly lower among people with regular, head-to-toe professional skin exams than those without. The reason is simple: early detection. A dermatologist can spot potential signs of melanoma or other life-threatening diseases when they’re still relatively small and easily treated.