Five Reasons to Consult a Dermatologist

Here are five reasons why you may want to consult a certified medical or cosmetic dermatologist to address your skin concerns:

1. A persistent rash which lasts for more than two weeks can signal a serious health problem. A dermatologist can examine rashes and often pinpoint the cause. If a rash or skin condition responds to over the counter medication, but recurs, it should be seen by a dermatologist.

2. A chronic skin condition like acne, eczema or rosacea which doesn’t respond to over the counter medications should be seen by a dermatologist. Medical doctors can prescribe medications that alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions.

3. Cosmetic issues such as birth marks, age spots, acne scars and wrinkles can be treated by a dermatologist. Procedures like dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing can reduce or eliminate the appearance of imperfections in the skin.

4. Anyone with a family history of skin cancers should be examined by a dermatologist at least once a year. With early treatment virtually all skin cancers are curable. Early and regular exposure to UV light is another risk factor for skin cancer. People who work outdoors or who have had excessive exposure to UV light before the age of 30 are at greatest risk for skin cancers.

5. Any change in the appearance of a mole should be examined by a dermatologist immediately. Melanoma is an extremely serious skin cancer which can be fatal if not treated in its early stages. The earliest symptom of melanoma is a change in the color, size or shape of a mole. Individuals that have a large number of moles or moles in areas that they can’t easily examine should see a dermatologist for regular examinations.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and the first line of defense against disease. Don’t hesitate to bring any skin issues to your Manhattan dermatologist; they can help to improve your quality of life, and possibly even save it.