How to Know if You Need a Dermatologist
Dermatology
Some skin conditions are best treated with an expert alone. We all have minor skin issues from time to time, whether they involve dry, rough skin or hormonal breakouts. These simple problems can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications and topical applications. However, there are skin problems that can persist and have a negative impact on someone’s self-confidence, self-esteem, and mental health. Many a time, acne has been linked to low self-confidence and psoriasis has been linked with depression. Consulting a general practitioner is a commendable first step but when addressing persisting skin conditions and chronic problems, a professional Manhattan dermatology treatment is needed.
Dermatologists
No other doctors have the same level of training when it comes to everything related to skin, nails or hair, as do dermatologists. Dermatologists can treat over 300 different conditions in all kinds of patients from newborns to the elderly. Some of these conditions include acne, psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer. Among other things, dermatologists help to reduce the severity of scars left by skin cancer surgery or acne, improve the appearance of the patient’s skin, nails, and hair, address skin pigmentation issues and help eliminate signs of aging, for instance, age spots and wrinkles. They employ a wide range of sophisticated techniques to address these conditions, some of which include cryotherapy, prescription medication to be taken orally or applied to the skin, light therapy, laser, and surgical treatments.
Dermatologists who focus on cosmetic procedures are known as cosmetic dermatologists. They undergo further training in order to enable them to improve the appearance of skin with techniques such as removing moles, facial redness, acne scarring and treating sun spots and pigmentation. Cosmetic dermatologists also offer anti-aging procedures and treatment.
Choosing a Cosmetic Dermatologist
If you need any form of cosmetic procedure, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon. They can safely administer the numerous cosmetic procedures available, for instance, wrinkle treatments, chemical peels, and skin fillers. Cosmetic treatments require expert understanding of the skin’s structure, and its underlying tissues, which is part of the training that cosmetic dermatologists go through.
When looking for a cosmetic dermatologist, you must do the homework and background checks on the credentials of the doctor. Many people are incorrectly called dermatologists or skin doctors, and it’s up to you to do the research and double-check what you find. The simplest way to find a good dermatologist is to get a referral of a specialist from your general practitioner. After identifying them, call or make an initial appointment so you can assess them face to face.
Meeting the Dermatologist
Schedule the consultation on a busy day like Monday or Tuesday, so you can take advantage of the full waiting room to ask your questions from the patients. You can also talk to the receptionist about the doctor, and try to assess the facility. Once you meet the doctor, let them do all the talking. Specify what areas of the body you need work done and then let them talk. The dermatologist’s approach to your concerns and needs will inform you how aggressive they are as a doctor. If he or she recommends drastic changes such as an injection for a simple issue, they should explain their rationale. Additionally, assess how they answer your questions, as this will give you a sense of how well they listen to your needs as a patient.