Dermatologists treat skin diseases, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. They also provide cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and laser treatments for wrinkles. If you have a skin condition that has been present for more than six months, consider seeing a dermatologist. These specialists specialize in Coral Gables dermatology, which involves treating the skin, nails, and hair.
Here are instances when you should see a dermatologist.
Severe acne
See a dermatologist if you have severe acne. Acne is usually caused by bacteria and inflammation of the skin. The most common type of acne caused by bacteria is called inflammatory acne.
In inflammatory acne, the oil gland in your skin becomes blocked and infected. This can lead to cysts and pimples on your face or back. It is essential to visit a dermatologist if you have these severe symptoms because they may indicate an infection that could spread throughout your body if left untreated.
Redness and pain around the eye
If you have redness or swelling around your eyes, it might signify an infection called seborrhea folliculitis. Seborrhea folliculitis occurs when tiny hair follicles clog with oil secretion that can cause red bumps on the upper neck or face. The condition is often misdiagnosed as rosacea because it looks similar but is not caused by rosacea. It is more common in men than women.
Dry skin patches
Dry skin patches are one of the most common problems that dermatologists see. They can be caused by several things, including eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
If you have dry skin patches on your legs or arms and they are itchy and uncomfortable to wear clothing, you should see a dermatologist. The dry skin patches may become infected if left untreated for too long or if they get worse.
Skin growths and moles
Skin growths are usually benign but can be very large or painful. Moles are more likely to be melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Most people have about 15 moles on their body, and about 1 in 10 will turn into melanoma by age 70. If your mole changes color or becomes painful or itchy, it is crucial to see a specialist as soon as possible.
Skin cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is usually caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, but it can also be caused by prolonged exposure to radiation from other sources like tanning beds and X-rays.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, itching, cracking, and blisters on the surface of your skin. Atopic dermatitis is an eczema variant affecting much more than your skin. It can also affect your eyes, nose, and throat. Both conditions are thought to be caused by an overactive immune system reacting to allergens in some people’s environment such as dust, which causes inflammation in the skin barrier layer called the epidermis.
In addition to their training in diagnosis and treatment, most dermatologists have a lot of experience with various skin conditions. As such, they quickly evaluate your skin problem and safely determine the best course of treatment for your situation. In the case of a particularly rare condition, you may want to go straight to a Martha Viera Dermatology specialist before attempting to treat it yourself, as she is better equipped to diagnose and treat your skin issue.