Your skin is your largest organ and a good indicator of overall health. It protects you from heat, cold, germs and dangerous substances. It also can be an early warning system, showing signs of other ailments like heart disease or diabetes. If your skin is itchy or flaky and over-the-counter creams and lotions fail to help, you may need a dermatologist’s care. This specialized medical doctor is trained to diagnose and treat more than 3,000 conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails.삼성동피부과
You probably are aware that a dermatologist treats a wide range of issues, from psoriasis and eczema to warts and moles. But you may not know that they can also address issues with your hair, nails and lining of the nose and eyelids. Dermatology is a medical specialty that focuses on conditions that involve these areas of the body, and dermatologists use various medicines, procedures and treatments to address them.
For example, they can prescribe medications that can prevent or treat an infection, including antibiotics and retinoids. They can also perform biopsies to check for cancer or other diseases, using a scalpel to scrape cells from the affected area and sending them to a lab for testing. They can also give you practical advice about diet, skincare routines and other ways to keep your skin healthy.
Dermatologists also are bona fide lifesavers, identifying skin cancers early on and helping patients avoid serious complications. “It’s very satisfying to save someone from something that might have turned out much worse,” says Dr. Beynet, who was inspired to pursue a career in dermatology by a class he took during his fourth year of medical school. He also was impressed with the variety of procedures his fellow dermatologists performed, something that’s rare in other specialties like cardiology.
Another reason to see a dermatologist can be cosmetic, especially for older adults. Fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin can affect your confidence, and these doctors can recommend and perform many techniques to improve the appearance of your skin.
A good dermatologist can help you feel and look your best, no matter your age. But it’s important to make an appointment with the right one for you. Start with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a specialist.삼성역피부과
Before your appointment, you should prepare by bringing copies of any recent tests and images. Also bring a list of all the current products you use, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, as well as soaps and lotions. Also, be sure to mention any allergies you’ve had in the past and tell your dermatologist about any previous treatments that didn’t work or caused side effects. It’s also a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you to take notes and be an extra set of eyes and ears. This person can also remind you about scheduled follow-up visits and test results. Then, after the dermatologist discusses your diagnosis and makes a treatment plan, you can discuss any questions or concerns you might have.