I have very few problems with my skin but occasionally even I suffer with dry skin or unexpected breakouts. It can be down to stress, environmental factors, illness or diet.
Many people (me included) choose to handle skin issues on their own. While over-the-counter medications and home remedies do work sometimes, other times all they do is worsen the skin condition you’re suffering from. My husband has learned this the hard way!
No article on the web and no pharmacist can suggest a better treatment for skin conditions than a dermatologist. Here are the main signs you should see a skin doctor right now.
1. You Have a Rash
We’re used to getting rashes from time to
time, whether because of detergents, allergies, and so on. Most people assume
they just go away. However, the longer you wait and don’t see a doctor, the
harder they are to diagnose. Contact dermatitis, for example, needs to be
diagnosed immediately otherwise it may look like any other rash. This will
obviously delay finding a proper treatment.
2. Hair Starts to Fall
There’s nothing abnormal about having hair
falling out occasionally, especially during a stressful period in our lives.
Sometimes, switching shampoos can do the trick. However, excessive hair loss
should prompt a skin doctor visit. It could signal a skin disease you can’t
possibly diagnose yourself.
3. Growing Freckles or Moles
If you notice any changes in the size,
shape, colour or texture of a freckle or
mole on your body, you should see a dermatologist right away. This also applies
to moles or freckles that have become itchy. Dermatologists report that so long
as these issues are caught early on, they are easy to treat and you can prevent
serious skin diseases such as skin cancer.
4. Excessive Sweating
Through perspiration and sweating, the
human body removes toxins, which is a perfectly healthy process. However, if
you notice excessive sweating and it is not because you have spent too much
time in the sun, you need to see a doctor. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive
sweating, can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.
5. Dry Skin
We usually treat dry skin with lotions,
creams, and other similar products. It’s normal to have drier skin in cold
weather, but you can usually fix this by drinking plenty of fluids and applying
rich creams. However, if you’re having problems treating your dry itchy skin,
it could mean you are suffering from a larger issue, such as a hereditary
condition, a side effect of a medication, or an underlying condition that only
a dermatologist can diagnose.
6. Abnormal-looking Nails
If your nails are yellow, green or white,
it may be a sign you need to see a skin doctor since you could be dealing with
a fungal infection. If the nails have a green hue, it could also be the result
of bacteria called pseudomonas. Red or black nails suggest a collection of
blood due to trauma. Brittle nails could mean you lack moisture and protein.
For a correct diagnosis and an effective treatment, it’s always best to check
with a dermatologist.
The skin is a delicate and complex organ
that requires care just as any other part of our body. Whether you’re suffering from common acne, breakouts or any of
the skin issues described above, visiting your
dermatologist can finally put an end to your worries.