What exactly is a dermatologist?
You may be surprised to hear that we are medical doctors who, after medical school, specialise in dermatology before taking advanced consultant exams. So a consultant dermatologist is an expert in everything related to the skin, hair and nails and their medical health. No other doctors have the same level of expertise or training.
What can a dermatologist treat?
We are trained to diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different conditions in patients of all ages from birth to old age. These include, amongst many others, acne, eczema, skin cancer and psoriasis.
Skin, scars and age spots
Dermatologists also improve the appearance of their patients’ skin, hair, and nails, including reducing the severity of scars left by acne or skin cancer surgery, addressing skin pigmentation issues and eliminating signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and age spots.
Dermatologists use a wide range of sophisticated techniques to address these conditions, including surgery, laser and light therapy, cryotherapy, and the prescription of medicines to be applied to the skin or taken orally.
Tips For Choosing a Dermatologist
The skin is a significant part of your body, and controls and protects the body from both internal and external factors. When you have an issue with your skin, you should get the best dermatologist available to diagnose your condition. You should not entrust the health of one of the most vital organs in your body to just anybody. You should evaluate your options based on your locality and the dermatologist available in your area. However, if you assess them and find that they remain wanting, skip town if you still need to find the right person. Your health matters more than anything; if you lose it, you lose the quality of your life too, and possibly your life overall.
Check Qualifications
The necessary credentials include having a medical degree that provides essential knowledge and training in dermatology. However, you should seek someone with more than just a medical degree. Your person of interest should also have certification and training in courses that provide more knowledge and skill in the field of dermatology. The person should also have board certification to practice dermatology. These ensure that you have someone with experience in the area and thus a deeper understanding of ailments relating to the skin.
Location
Time is a commodity that never stops running; if you lose today, you lose it forever. If you live in a well-developed area that has many experts in the field, you are in luck. You have a host of a specialist to choose from who have the proper qualifications to attend to your problem. Choose the one closest to where you live or work. Note that if you have no specialist in the area, it is better to compromise on time than on the quality of care.
Operating Hours
If you are a busy individual based on the schedules you have, you can choose to go early in the morning or late in the evening. Your plans will determine which dermatologist matches your working hours without wasting otherwise productive time. You can schedule an appointment that fits your timeline without compromising your work.
Expertise
Try to gather information concerning your skin condition and have an idea of what you may expect. Look for a dermatologist with a specialization in that area and who has the necessary equipment and technology to deal with the condition. You may have a rare condition that may require a large dermatology center with the resources to research and develop new ways of dealing with the disease. Allow yourself to get the best medical services possible.
Appointment Time Available
Many people either suffer from a skin condition or require enhancement surgery to be done. Therefore, you may find a long waiting list of patients and end up getting an appointment later than you expected. You have the option of comparing various qualified dermatologists for availability. You can weigh how long you must wait, given your condition may worsen over time and how urgent the symptoms are.
Accept Health Insurance
Depending on the medical services you wish to receive, your health insurance may settle the cost. You should find out whether the dermatologist accepts health insurance to pay the charge. You can also find out whether your health insurance company qualifies the dermatologist as a network in their insurance scheme.
Past Patient History and Personal Reviews
The most respected dermatologists are able to provide you with testimonials from previous patients as well as examples of their prior work. They should have no problem illustrating such examples, as these instances will provide you with a peace of mind in knowing that you are making the correct choice. Also, be certain to search for any online reviews involving the doctor or firm in question. If you encounter a good deal of negative feedback, it is best to choose another dermatologist.
Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist at Your Next Appointment
Are you making a resolution to see your dermatologist for regular visits this year? Do a little prep work for your next appointment by jotting down a few key questions you want to be sure to ask your dermatologist to get the most out of your visit. Use this list to help get you started.
Am I Performing Self Skin Exams the Right Way?
In between scheduled visits with your dermatologist, you should be performing self-exams regularly, checking for any early signs of skin cancer. Make sure you know what to look for and that you understand the “ABCDEs” of melanoma. If not, ask your dermatologist to explain this at your next appointment. You should also use this time to point out any irregularities that you’ve noticed during these self-exams at home so that your doctor can take a closer look. Ask if you are at a higher risk for skin cancer for any number of reasons – such as a family history of skin cancer, a history of sun damage, or very fair skin and red hair. If so, it is a good idea to schedule more than one annual check-up.
What Is Causing My Acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting 50 million Americans annually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In order to get rid of acne, you need to first understand what is causing your breakouts. Acne can be caused by hormones, such as during puberty or pregnancy. Diet, stress, and improper skincare regimens can also affect breakouts. Acne has an eight-week cycle, so it is important that you work closely with your dermatologist to get it under control. Topical treatments such as retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and alpha hydroxy acids can help. However, the right acne treatment regimen for you will depend on your skin type.
What Is Causing My Acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting 50 million Americans annually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In order to get rid of acne, you need to first understand what is causing your breakouts. Acne can be caused by hormones, such as during puberty or pregnancy. Diet, stress, and improper skincare regimens can also affect breakouts. Acne has an eight-week cycle, so it is important that you work closely with your dermatologist to get it under control. Topical treatments such as retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and alpha hydroxy acids can help. However, the right acne treatment regimen for you will depend on your skin type.