7 Signs It May Be Time to Visit a Dermatologist
When is a blemish just a blemish? How do you know your skin problem won’t go away on its own with time? Though we all want beautiful, smooth, glowing skin, we’re not all that lucky. Sometimes, the right treatment for skin blemishes starts with a visit to the dermatologist. Other times, a dermatologist visit might just save your life.
Here are signs that indicate it’s time to book that dermatologist appointment you’ve been putting off.
1. You’ve Tried Every Over-the-Counter Skin Product
From discount stores to high-end beauty stores, you can find over-the-counter skin products that promise to solve your issues just about anywhere you go. From moisturizers to acne products, you might have tried them all—or almost all of them.
If you’ve wasted time and money trying product after product and your skin blemishes still persist, it’s time to visit the professionals. Self-treating just isn’t the answer to your problem, and you’ll no doubt benefit from medical advice and treatment.
2. You Have Flushed Skin
Everyone blushes every now and then. When we’re embarrassed, cold, warm, or tired, our skin can redden from time to time. However, if your skin is persistently red and flushed, you may have rosacea, which is a skin condition causing broken blood vessels and inflammation. Fortunately, there are medical-grade products, prescription medications, light-based treatment options available to help even out your skin tone and minimize redness.
3. You’re Always Itchy
There’s perhaps nothing more uncomfortable than persistent itching. If you just can’t find relief, regardless of the ointments, creams, and moisturizers you use, it’s time for medical assistance. Itchy skin, or pruritus, can have a variety of causes. A dermatologist can run some tests to determine why you’re so itchy, so you can find the right treatment option. Causes range from eczema and contact dermatitis to infections and allergic reactions. It’s important to find the root cause of the problem to know which creams, medications, or injections are required for you to find relief.
4. You Have Persistent Acne
Acne is common in the teenage years, but if you’re well into your adult years and you still break out constantly, a dermatologist visit is in order. You should also consider this route if you’ve gone more than 12 weeks without any improvements with over-the-counter treatments, if your acne has gotten worse with treatment, if your skin becomes inflamed with nodules or cysts, or if your acne is affecting your quality of life or self-esteem.
You don’t need to live with the struggles of adult acne. Prescription medicine may be able to clear up your skin in a relatively short time period, so you can go back to living your life with confidence.
5. You Have Suspicious Moles or Dark Spots
Most of us have freckles, birthmarks, and moles. Though most of these blemishes are benign and harmless, there are times when they should cause you concern. If your dark spots or moles grow or change, you should see a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer. Moles that are larger than a pencil eraser, vary in colour, have an irregular border, or are asymmetrical should also be checked as soon as possible.
6. Your Skin Is Rough or Scaly
Having rough or scaly patches on your skin is a good reason to call your dermatologist as they could indicate the presence of a condition known as psoriasis. This autoimmune disorder causes skin cells to pile up on the skin rather than shed naturally. These patches can make you itchy and self-conscious. Though there are no cures for this condition, there are treatment options to control the symptoms.
7. It’s Been a Year Since Your Last Visit
Finally, visit your dermatologist if it’s been a year or more since your last visit. It’s important to keep up regular appointments with this medical specialist to ensure your skin health.
