Category: Health

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.

What are the most common dental problems?

Dental and oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, and has also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment. The earlier you learn proper oral hygiene habits — such as brushing, flossing, and limiting your sugar intake — the easier it’ll be to avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health issues.

Facts about dental and oral health

Dental cavities and gum disease are very common. According to the World Health OrganizationTrusted Source:

• between 60 and 90 percent of school children have at least one dental cavity
• nearly 100 percent of adults have at least one dental cavity
• between 15 and 20 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have severe gum disease
• about 30 percent of people around the world ages 65 to 74 don’t have any natural teeth left
• in most countries, out of every 100,000 people, there are between 1 and 10 cases of oral cancer
• the burden of oral disease is much higher in poor or disadvantaged population groups

Common dental problems

Dental issues are never any fun, but the good news is that most of them can easily be prevented. From tooth sensitivity to chipped teeth to bad breath, we share some of the most common dental problems along with possible causes, treatments and prevention tips.

Gum disease

Also referred to as gingivitis in the early stages and periodontal disease in later stages, gum disease in an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. Smoking, dry mouth and diabetes can increase your risk of developing gum disease, and tooth loss can occur if left untreated. Gum disease treatment options may include scaling and root planing.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay, which leads to cavities, happens when the plaque on your teeth combines with sticky, starchy foods you consume. This combination creates acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to take care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing daily and getting twice yearly dental checkups. Tooth decay treatment can involve fillings, crowns or a root canal.

Bad breath

Also known as halitosis, bad breath is a common (and embarrassing) oral condition. It can be caused by gum disease, cavities, dry mouth and bacteria in your mouth. While using mouthwash and drinking plenty of water offer a temporary fix, treating the underlying issue may be the best remedy.

Tooth sensitivity

This common dental condition causes pain or discomfort when teeth are exposed to hot or cold food and beverages. Even brushing and flossing can cause discomfort. Causes include a tooth abscess or a cracked tooth. Tooth sensitivity treatment may include bonding, a root canal or desensitizing toothpaste.

Canker sores

Canker sores can occur inside your mouth and make it uncomfortable to eat and drink. Often caused by bacteria in your mouth or by a virus, canker sores generally go away on their own within two weeks. Over-the-counter creams may provide relief.

Toothache

You’ve made a dentist appointment, and it can’t come soon enough. Meanwhile, it can help to rinse your mouth with warm water, floss to remove food caught between teeth, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you notice swelling or pus around the tooth, or if you have a fever, that could be a sign that you have an abscess, a more serious problem. See your dentist as soon as possible. You may need antibiotics as well as other treatments.

Stained Teeth

Your teeth are like your laundry: The right approach will remove many stains. Foods, medications, tobacco, and trauma are some of the things that can discolor your teeth.  You have three options for whitening them. Your dentist can use a whitening agent and a special light. Or you can bleach them at home with a plastic tray and gel from your dentist or a store. The simplest choice, whitening toothpaste and whitening rinses, only remove surface stains.

Cavities

These little holes in your teeth are bad news. You get them when a sticky bacteria, called plaque, builds up on your teeth, slowly destroying the hard outer shell, called enamel. Adults can also have problems with tooth decay at the gum line and around the edges of earlier fillings. To prevent it, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, limit snacks, floss daily, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash, and keep up with your dental appointments. Ask your dentist if you could benefit from a sealant.

Chipped Tooth

It’s the No. 1 type of dental injury. An accident can cause a chip. So can something much less dramatic, like chomping popcorn. Your dentist may recommend a crown if the chip is large or bonding with a strong resin material to replace the area that chipped. If the pulp is at risk, you may need a root canal followed by a veneer or crown.

Impacted Teeth

An adult tooth that doesn’t come in properly is “impacted.” It usually happens when a tooth is stuck against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue. If it  isn’t bothering you, a dentist may recommend leaving it alone.  But if it hurts or may cause problems later on, an oral surgeon can remove it.

How do you prevent cavities?

• Avoid food with high sugar or starch content – food and drinks like soda, ice cream, cakes, candy cookies, etc. are very high in both starch and sugar.
• Make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly – if you do consume these foods, brush your teeth after eating to prevent plaque buildup.
• Rinse your mouth – if you can’t brush right then and there, rinse your mouth with clean water.
• Drink more water – if you can stay away from other beverages that isn’t water, do so. Manufactured drinks have chemicals and loads of sugar that causes plaque.
• Visit your dentist regularly – ask for tooth sealant options or fluoride gels

Here are the other symptoms of gum disease:

• Bleeding gums – do your gums bleed when you floss or brush? That’s not supposed to always happen. This is an early sign of your gums weakening.
• Bad breath – if you notice the bad breath despite maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine, consider gingivitis.
• Swollen, red or tender gums – healthy gums are supposed to possess a pink color and tight around the base of your teeth. If you see swelling, redness or tenderness around the base where your teeth meets your gums, see a dentist right away.
• Loose Teeth – loose teeth might be signs of severe periodontal disease already. Don’t take it lightly. Get it treated as soon as possible to lessen the risk of needing replacement.
• Pus development – if you start noticing pus around the base of your teeth, this is a sign of a more serious infection that could easily spread to other parts of your mouth. Have it treated right away and your dentist might prescribe antibiotics.