The answer seems obvious enough. But surprisingly, dermatologists are often sought out only when a skin disease has really turned for the worse and become a significant bother.
Not a few have the notion that dermatologists serve only the adult age group. Dermatologists see patients of all ages - from the newborn to the geriatric population.
Then there is the issue of location. For example: Seeking a specialist for that rash on your private parts? The gynecologist or urologist comes to mind because of the area involved. But I suggest checking out the dermatologist as well.
Remember, as long as skin is involved…asking the skin expert might really clear things up (Pun intended!).
Hair loss? Hair excess? Nail deformities, discolorations or both? These may be clues to medically significant diseases. Have it checked out by the dermatologist. No other specialist is better trained for these problems.
Hair and nails are known as skin appendages. They spring from and are elements of skin. Abnormalities in these structures require a dermatologist’s assessment.
As a rule of thumb, if you try something for your skin problem and it doesn’t go away in a week, go see your dermatologist. I say this only because people tend to try a remedy first before seeking help from the experts.
Self-medication, however, is never encouraged. Find out what the problem is first before choosing an intervention. It is never the other way round.
When a patient says, “ I’ve had this skin problem for years!,” a lot of the time it is simply because he has never bothered to ask a dermatologist.
The drugstore salesperson, salon attendant, herbolaryo, or well-meaning peer or relative (who is not a physician, of course) often proffer advice for skin diseases without medical basis.
So let me put it this way: You break a bone, speed off to the orthopedic surgeon. You have relentless headaches, head for the neurologist’s clinic. You have a skin problem, tap the skin doctor. For your health safety, don’t ask medical advice from unqualified persons. And seeking a specialist assures a better standard of care.
Treatment delay plus inappropriate interventions are a bad combination. Many patients are already in a bad way by the time they are seen by dermatologists. That means they already have extensive or severely inflamed skin conditions. Complications like superimposed infections are not uncommon.
Steroid-containing drugs are very common remedies for people who self-medicate. Improper and prolonged use of these medications can potentially cause significant problems - even when just applied on the skin.
There are all kinds – from the very mild to the super potent. Which to use, for what area of the body, for how long, how much to use - these are important considerations a dermatologist can guide you with.
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Dermatologists are always updated regarding topical treatments that are medically proven based on scientific fact and experience.
Which topical preparation to use, which to combine, at what strengths or potencies, when to stop or shift to another drug (a week, a month, several months?), when to add oral drugs or other non-topical interventions? – these are for the dermatologist to decide.
That persistent “rash”, bump, bald patch could be a clue to internal diseases.
We will discuss more of these sort of problems in future articles.
