When was the last time you went to the dermatologist? If you’re like many people, you probably only go when you have prominent skin issues such as acne. However, it’s worth scheduling a checkup even without immediate issues. After all, the skin is the body’s largest organ — caring for it is essential to your health.
Don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist with questions or concerns about your skin. Schedule a consultation at Berman Skin Institute for personalized care and advanced medical technology. Our dedicated dermatologists will ensure you receive the proper treatment for your skin concerns.
The Benefits of Seeing a Dermatologist Regularly
Board-certified dermatologists have extensive training in identifying skin conditions and providing safe treatment. They know the difference between acne and eczema, the proper treatment for hair loss and how to diagnose different skin conditions. They perform the proper physical examination and tests to confirm skin issues and clarify symptoms, conditions and scenarios that require professional care.
Besides treating existing conditions, dermatologists provide early intervention if you develop any skin problems. They offer valuable insight into environmental factors or lifestyle habits that may impact your skin’s health. As such, routine dermatologist appointments maximize preventive care with professional skin health evaluations.
Here’s more about why you should see your dermatologist regularly.
Preventive Care for Skin Cancer
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, people should visit their dermatologist at least once a year for a full-body skin cancer screening. While performing self-exams helps, seeing a trained professional can confirm if a growing spot or mole is in the early stages of cancer.
Early detection and treatment also improve survival rates. Dermatologists can perform a skin biopsy and imaging test to diagnose and determine the cancer’s stage. Here’s how early detection improves the prognosis for skin cancers:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It appears as lumps, pimples or lesions and may grow over time. People with this type of skin cancer usually have high survival rates. Small BCC lesions treated with curettage and electrosurgery have cure rates close to 95%.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): SCC is the second most common skin cancer and may appear as lumps that feel dry and itchy with a different color from your skin. Others may have lesions or spots on their lower lip and inside the mouth. It can be removed using Mohs surgery, with a 99% cure rate. Because SCC can recur after removal, regular skin cancer screening is recommended.
- Melanoma: Melanoma accounts for only 1% of all skin cancers and may appear as a changing mole, sore or discolored skin. While less common, melanoma spreads quickly and affects other body organs. In its early stages, melanoma can be removed with surgery with a high chance of survival. It may also recur after removal, which is why routine cancer screening is encouraged.
Prominent Skin Health Concerns
Besides skin cancer screening, a dermatologist can help with noticeable skin concerns that also affect your self-esteem. They can put you at ease by providing in-depth explanations for your skin condition. More importantly, they offer support and guidance with the right treatments and proper skin care techniques.
Here’s how visiting a dermatologist can help with different skin conditions.
Acne
Acne is a common skin issue that affects people of different ages. It typically appears as pimples, blackheads or whiteheads on the face. It occurs when the skin’s pores or hair follicles are clogged due to bacteria, excess oil production, dead skin cells and inflammation.
Factors like pollution, high humidity and skin products that clog pores may cause acne. For teenagers, hormonal changes associated with puberty can cause acne. For adults, acne may be triggered by hormone fluctuations, high stress, certain skin products or medications.
While mild acne improves with in-home products, more persistent and extensive acne may require professional skin treatments, such as:
- Acne extraction: This procedure carefully removes blackheads and whiteheads using a comedone extractor. Light pressure is applied to the skin to unclog pores and reduce breakouts. It suits all skin types and is usually offered during acne facials.
- Acne laser treatment: Using advanced technology, acne laser treatment targets skin bacteria and helps reduce acne lesions and inflammation. This painless procedure requires no downtime and is used for treating acne and rosacea.
- Microdermabrasion: This noninvasive treatment improves acne and reduces scars by exfoliating the skin and stimulating collagen production for a smoother, more even skin tone. It’s painless and can also treat wrinkles, eczema and skin pigmentation.
Rosacea
A chronic skin condition, rosacea causes redness, pimples and skin thickening. It’s typically seen on the face with other symptoms such as spider veins and bumps on the nose, forehead and cheeks. Rosacea is caused by different factors, such as genetics, hyperactive blood vessels and skin mites. It can be triggered by heat, stress, spicy food and drinking alcohol.
If you have rosacea, the benefits of seeing a dermatologist include a personalized treatment plan that can effectively manage redness and discomfort. Below are available treatments for rosacea:
- PhotoFacial-Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL PhotoFacial targets and reduces redness from rosacea by stimulating collagen growth. This procedure uses a cooling tip and light pulses, which improves skin tone, minimizes fine lines and reduces the sight of broken capillaries.
- V Beam Pulsed-Dye Laser: This treatment diminishes redness and visible blood vessels caused by rosacea. The laser uses light to reduce veins and dilated capillaries in the face, neck and chest. It can also minimize acne, warts, wrinkles and prominent leg veins.
Eczema
Eczema usually appears as itchy and dry patches resembling rashes and bumps. It’s a common skin condition that affects over 31 million people in the United States. Allergens or irritants in the environment trigger eczema, which occurs when the immune system overreacts to those triggers. Genetic factors and a family history of allergies or asthma also increase the likelihood of eczema.
If you suspect eczema, you should see your dermatologist for effective topical medication and guidance on identifying triggers. The following are specialized skin treatments for eczema:
- Excimer Laser: This procedure uses a focused beam of ultraviolet B (UVB) light to penetrate eczema patches, targeting active lesions while protecting the surrounding healthy skin. It reduces inflammation and slows down the immune response that causes eczema breakouts.
- Narrow band UVB light: Ideal for extensive eczema cases, narrow band UVB light therapy reduces large eczema patches and minimizes inflammation. It helps improve the skin’s barrier function and provides long-term relief from eczema symptoms without relying on typical medication.
Book an Appointment With a Board-Certified Dermatologist
Prioritize your health by caring for your skin — see your dermatologist for expert advice on any skin concern or skin cancer screening for you or your family.
At Berman Skin Institute, we provide dedicated patient-centric care and comprehensive treatments using the latest medical technology. From common skin conditions such as acne to more serious issues like melanoma, our board-certified dermatologists are ready to help you. With our strong technology and innovation platform, we offer a wide range of treatment options to address your needs. Berman Skin Institute has multiple dermatology practices across Northern California, so visit us soon.
Your skin deserves the best care. Book an appointment with a dermatologist today.
