A dermatologist is a doctor who is certified to treat conditions of the skin. While your primary care physician or pediatrician can certainly make a diagnosis and recommend treatment, a dermatologist carries the experience and specialized training to deliver the most accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan.
When it comes to the skin, it may be hard to know when you need to make a visit to a dermatologist, as many skin conditions don’t produce unbearable pain or cause you to miss work. Nonetheless, leaving a skin condition untreated can lead to detrimental consequences within your comfort, your overall health and your self-esteem in some cases.
At Olansky Dermatology, we suggest patients schedule a yearly visit with us for a full body skin check. During this appointment, our dermatologists will look for suspicious markings on the skin, such as new or changing moles. But we will also hear your concerns about other skin conditions as well, such as a persistent rash you’ve been getting or worsening acne breakouts.
In between your annual visits, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms that may require you to come back to see us again. If you experience any of the following symptoms, go ahead and call our Atlanta-based office for an evaluation.
- A rash that does not clear on its own. Skin rashes can be an indication of an allergic reaction, eczema or even a virus in the body. All skin rashes need to be diagnosed, especially when it is not going away on its own.
- Nails that appear yellow or brittle. A fungal infection in the toenail or fingernail needs antibiotics. Therefore, if you notice that your nails appear weak and yellowed, visit a skin care expert sooner rather than later.
- Severe or worsening acne. While teen acne is common and seldom unnoticed, it can be severe enough to warrant medical treatment. If you suffer from severe acne, or cystic acne, let our professionals recommend an more effective treatment. We have treatment methods far beyond your local drugstore, including prescription ointments, oral medication and laser/light therapy.
- Systemic disorder or medical disease affecting your skin. There are many overall health conditions or diseases that can affect the skin. For example, diabetic patients typically suffer from dry skin. If the dry skin is not properly managed by a dermatologist, it can lead to skin cracking and infection, which aggravates their diabetic condition.
- A mole that has changed. Knowing the early warning signs of skin cancer is imperative. If you notice that a mole or freckle has changed in size, shape, color, or texture, book a visit with a dermatologist for a professional skin check. Early intervention could save your life.
While this list is certainly not all-inclusive, it serves as a general guideline on when to call a dermatologist. At Olansky Dermatology, we serve the entire family, including your baby, teen and aging parent! When it comes to your skin, if you are in doubt or concerned about its health, we urge you to take a proactive approach and schedule an appointment with one of our skilled dermatologists. Remember that your skin is an organ of your body; in fact, it’s the largest one!
