There are over 3,000 health conditions that can affect your skin, hair, and nails. A dermatologist can help treat all of them.
But if you don’t have any of these conditions, should you visit a dermatologist? If so, how often should you see a dermatologist?
And how many times a year should you visit the dermatologist if you have any of these 3,000 conditions?
You can find all the answers to these questions and more in the article below. Read on!
What Is a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in skin, hair, and nail care. They diagnose any health conditions that these may have. In some cases, they can diagnose health issues other organs may have from symptoms on the skin.
Dermatologists treat many skin, hair, and nail conditions as well. For example, they can minimize hair loss and reduce the appearance of scars. Some have the training to provide cosmetic procedures like Botox injections and chemical peels.
Many can also perform surgeries like skin biopsies and cyst removal.
Dermatologist Qualifications
Before you see a local dermatologist, make sure they have the right qualifications. Some spa and clinic workers call themselves dermatologists but don’t have the proper credentials. You also want to get the best dermatologist
To become a qualified dermatologist, one needs both education and training. Most dermatologists undergo a 4-year bachelor’s degree program and a 4-year medical program. They then train in a 1-year internship and a 3-year medical residency program.
Dermatologists should also have a medical license and become certified. They can receive a certification from the following groups:
- American Board of Dermatology
- American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Dermatologist vs. Esthetician
Don’t confuse an esthetician with a dermatologist. The former professionals are not medical doctors. They cannot prescribe medications or diagnose skin disorders.
Estheticians can only apply treatments that can improve the appearance of the skin. These include waxing, airbrush tanning, and exfoliating skin.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
People see dermatologists for several reasons. A lot of the time, they only see these doctors for cosmetic reasons. However, dermatologists can also help with more serious conditions.
Here are some of the reasons why people see dermatologists:
Stubborn Acne
Acne isn’t inherently a life-threatening issue. However, it can reduce one’s self-esteem. Sometimes, such as in the case of cystic acne, it can hurt.
For most people, over-the-counter remedies can help acne. But this isn’t always the case. When someone’s acne is too stubborn, they usually ask a dermatologist for help.
A dermatologist can identify different types of acne and help treat them. They can also reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Warts
Warts are small bumps on the skin. These are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus. They’re not harmful, but they can cause pain and worsen one’s appearance.
Dermatologists use many different procedures to remove warts. They can freeze them off, perform surgery, and/or apply topical ointments.
Rashes
Rashes can appear for a variety of reasons. Some people can get a rash after poison ivy exposure, for instance. Allergic reaction rashes usually go away.
However, many rashes are persistent and/or keep appearing. In situations like these, people seek dermatologists. These doctors can usually find the source of the rash and treat it.
Hair Loss
As dermatologists are also hair specialists, people often come to them to get help with hair loss. The dermatologist will determine the cause of the hair loss. Then they will recommend a certain treatment to their patient.
Mole Changes
A mole changing shape or getting larger is not a good sign. Such symptoms can indicate skin cancer. Many people notice their moles changing and seek a dermatologist to get an official diagnosis.
How Often Should You See a Dermatologist?
Overall, you should listen to the advice of your dermatologist. So if they say you should see them once a year or once every few months, do so. If not, here are some suggestions for how often you should see your dermatologist:
Immediately
Whenever you see a condition you’re concerned about, schedule a dermatologist appointment right away. In doing so, you’ll get any uncomfortable conditions treated. You may be unable to see your doctor as soon as you want, but knowing you have an appointment can ease some of your pain.
Annual Exams
Many experts suggest that you visit dermatologists once a year. During such appointments, these doctors can check your skin for any noticeable conditions. These can include skin cancer signs as well as rashes, wrinkles, etc.
If dermatologists notice any of these issues, they can start treating them immediately. This is better than letting a condition get worse.
More Than Once a Year
Does your family have a history of skin cancer? If so, your dermatologist may suggest that you see them more often. Since you’re genetically susceptible, the condition of your skin needs extra careful monitoring.
Dermatologists may also need to monitor the state of certain skin conditions such as acne or hair loss. They may ask you to come in for appointments every few months or so.
Self-Examinations
If you only see your dermatologist once a year, consider doing a self-examination on yourself. This won’t be as good as a professional examination. However, you can easily spot some signs of skin conditions yourself.
For example, you can keep an eye on any moles. If they change shape, become multicolored, or asymmetrical, you may have skin cancer. You should also keep an eye out for the following:
- Dark discolorations
- Chronic itch
- Infected nails
- Oozing lesion.
See One of Our Dermatologists
So how often should you see a dermatologist? It depends on the exact condition you have. However, the minimum amount should be once a year.
