A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skincare. Yet beyond that basic definition, many people are at a loss as to what they do and when they may ever need to see one. The more you know about what a dermatologist can do for your skin, the better prepared you will be when one of these common issues arises.
Dermatologists, by definition, are medical health professionals who specialize in treating such areas of the body as the skin, nails, and hair. Many people are aware that a dermatologist would be a great place to start if they find something that they suspect could be skin cancer, but there are many other things they can help with as well. When searching for a dermatologist in your area, create a list of options and ask if your friends or family have any experience with any of them.
Skin cancer is a great reason to visit the dermatologist. Whether you know it’s what you have or you just want to have a spot checked out, they are an expert in that area. Beyond skin cancer, here are 5 other ways that this type of doctor can help you with your skincare needs:
- Tattoo removal. While many people love the tattoos they get, and they are wildly popular today, there are still others who go on to regret them. A dermatologist can help you with tattoo removal, as well as any skin problems that may have started as a result of getting a tattoo. Tattoo removal costs a lot more than it did to get it put on, but sometimes there are tattoos that need to go and it’s worth the expense. It’s recommended that those who already have skin conditions, such as eczema, not get tattoos or it can cause additional irritation.
- Pregnancy-related skin conditions. There are some common skin conditions that people get during pregnancy. These include pigmentation issues, psoriasis, fungal infections, and stretch marks. A dermatologist can help bring relief to the conditions that are uncomfortable and can often offer procedures and treatments to help minimize their appearance. Whether you have a pigmentation problem that has created some darker or lighter spots on your body, or you find you have a rash that came out of nowhere, they can usually treat it.
- Diabetes-related skin conditions. Millions of people have diabetes, and some of them don’t even know it yet. Sometimes the first signs that they have it are skin conditions. The dermatologist can help identify and treat diabetes-related skin conditions, including discoloration patches, thickening of the skin or velvety-looking skin patches, skin infections, blisters, sores, wounds, and dry itchy patches of skin. Whether you know they are related to diabetes or not, if you have these skin conditions it’s best to get them evaluated.
- Ongoing acne problems. Millions of people use products for their acne and have favorable results. For those who find that it’s not helping, or they can’t find a home acne treatment that works, visiting a dermatologist is a great route to take or read about proactive reviews. They can help identify the source and get to the root of the problem, in order to help clear up the skin.
- Stretch marks. Many people are familiar with having stretch marks. They are common and most people find them unsightly. There are some good products that people try at home to minimize their appearance, such as Palmer’s, or Mederma, but if you are not getting the results you are looking for, it may be time to take it up a notch. A dermatologist can offer treatments that are more effective at minimizing the appearance of stretch marks, as well as scars.
You may not feel you need a dermatologist at this moment, and that’s fine. But it’s a good idea to know what type of conditions they can treat, so when and if the time arises you will know who to call. There are plenty of home remedies to start with, which can be purchased online and in drug stores, but sometimes we need something a little stronger or an option that you can’t buy without a doctor’s prescription. That’s when it’s nice to know some of the common conditions that a dermatologist may treat.
