Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we see as a dermatologist.
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.
How is a Dermatologist Different From My Regular Doctor?
Your primary care doctor treats your overall health. When it comes to your skin, hair, and nails, a dermatologist has years of specialized training they use to catch things your general doctor might not.
When Should I See a Dermatologist?
If you have a rash, mole, or other skin concern that has not resolved on its own after a few weeks, make an appointment to get it checked. You shouldn’t wait until a concern feels urgent before scheduling a visit.
What Skin Conditions Do Dermatologists Treat?
Dermatologists can treat anything related to your skin, hair, and nails. This includes acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, melasma, skin cancer, cysts, keloids, rashes and more.
Do Dermatologists Also Do Cosmetic Treatments?
Yes. Many dermatologists provide cosmetic services like Botox or dermal fillers in addition to medical treatment. You can take care of both skin conditions and cosmetic issues at the same practice.
What is a Full-body Skin Exam?
During a full-body skin exam, a dermatologist will check your entire body for anything suspicious. They are looking for atypical moles or spots that could be early-stage skin cancer.
How Long Does a Skin Exam Take?
Most full-body skin exams take 15 to 30 minutes. During that time, your provider thoroughly checks your skin from head to toe. It doesn’t hurt at all and can provide huge benefits down the road.
How Often Should I Get a Skin Check?
If you are healthy and have few risk factors for skin cancer, once a year is a good standard. If you’ve had skin cancer in the past or have a lot of moles or sun damage, your doctor may suggest more frequent appointments.
What SPF Should My Sunscreen Have?
When you’re only outside for a few minutes at a time(incidental sun exposure) an SPF of 15 which filters out greater than 90% of UV radiation is probably sufficient. For prolonged intense exposure a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or better is recommended.
How Often Should I Reapply Sunscreen?
Most people don’t put on the proper amount of sunscreen. It should take about the size of a golf ball to cover your entire body. It is especially important to reapply every 2 hours if you’re outside or immediately after intense sweating or swimming.
How Often Should I Get a Skin Examination?
Once per year(at least). Even though skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world it is also one of the most treatable when detected early. Getting regular exams increases the likelihood of early detection.
Is It Ok to Tan?
No! There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Whether obtained at the beach, tanning bed, or incidental exposure a tan represents skin damage. Your body’s attempt to repair can lead not only to skin cancer but to wrinkling, leathery skin, and age spots.
How About the Tanning Bed?
Nooooooooo! Using a tanning bed just once before age 35 increases the chance of melanoma by 75%. A single session increases risk of basal cell cancer by nearly 30% and squamous cell cancer by 67%.
What is Acne?
Acne occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Many people deal with acne at some point; however, it is the most common skin condition in the U.S.
What Types Of Acne Are There?
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not limited to just pimples. It can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, or nodules. There are different treatments for each kind.
What Acne Treatments Are Available?
From topical creams to oral medications to chemical peels, there are many treatment options for acne. Your dermatologist will figure out what type of acne you have and the best way to treat it.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of skin cells. Most skin cancers are caused by sun damage and exposure. With early detection, skin cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
What Are The Different Types Of Skin Cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three most common. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common, but melanoma is more dangerous when it spreads.
How Do I Know If A Mole Is Something To Worry About?
Remember ABCDE: check for asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, large diameter, and anything that evolves over time. If your mole fits any of those descriptions, have a dermatologist evaluate it.
What Is A Skin Biopsy?
A skin biopsy is a procedure where your dermatologist will take a small sample of skin and test it. It is usually done in-office and is the only way to know for sure whether a growth is cancerous.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a way of removing certain skin cancers. The dermatologist will remove thin layers of tissue at a time. Each layer is checked under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains.
Is Mohs Surgery Only For Cancers On The Face?
No, it is commonly used there because there you have the least amount of excess skin. Doctors also use Mohs surgery on the ears, scalp, hands, and feet.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is what causes patches of skin to become inflamed, itchy, and dry. Eczema is not contagious and can often be managed with moisturizers and medications.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is when your immune system causes skin cells to grow at too rapid of a rate. As a result, patches of thick, scaly skin appear on the body. There is no cure, but psoriasis is treatable.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma appears as brown or grayish patches on your skin. Women are more likely to develop it than men, and it usually shows up on the face. Sun exposure and hormonal issues can trigger melasma.
What Is A Keloid?
A keloid is a growth of scar tissue that rises above the surrounding skin. It typically occurs after surgery or another skin injury but can form over something as small as a piercing.
What Is A Skin Cyst And Should It Be Removed?
Skin cysts are sacs that form beneath the skin. They can be filled with fluid, pus, hair, or other materials. Most skin cysts can be left alone, but if they are bothersome or infected, a dermatologist can remove them.
What Causes Rashes?
Skin rashes can be caused by allergies, infections, skin conditions, medications, or something you came into contact with. Since there are so many different causes, a dermatologist can help you identify yours.
Can Sun Damage Be Reversed?
Some effects of sun damage like fine lines and uneven skin tone can be reversed with skincare treatments. But if you notice deeper wrinkles or actinic keratoses, you will need medical intervention.
What Is An Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratoses are rough patches of skin caused by sun exposure. They are considered precancerous and can lead to squamous cell carcinoma if not treated by a dermatologist.
Do I Need A Referral To See A Dermatologist?
You will need to check with your insurance provider. Many practices will see patients with or without a referral.