Knowing if you should make an appointment with your Loveland dermatologist is not always as obvious as knowing when to go to the dentist or when to see your doctor. A terrible toothache is an obvious indication that you need to visit your dentist, just as you know to make an appointment with your doctor if you have a high fever. But when it comes to dry skin, a bad breakout, brittle nails or losing a little more hair than normal, concerns are often just brushed aside or addressed with over-the-counter products.
While some skin conditions can easily be addressed with a different lotion or a shampoo change, there are times when problems or changes in your skin should not be ignored. But how do you know when to seek out professional help? When in doubt, remember that a board-certified dermatologist specializes in the health of skin, hair, and nails and can address any skin concern you may have. Here are a few key signs that it may be time to make an appointment.
A New Spot or Mole on Your Skin
Do not hesitate to make an appointment if you notice an abnormal spot on your skin, a new mole (particularly if it looks different than other moles), or a mole that has changed in size, color or shape. These changes are often harmless and benign, but they can also be the first signs of skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend performing skin examinations both on your own and during routine office visits to treat suspicious changes quickly. Look for changes in ABCDE: asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, and evolving changes.
Early detection of skin cancer and removal of abnormal marks provides patients with a better opportunity for successful treatment.
Severe or Worsening Acne
Addressing acne can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent part of your life. Acne is not just an annoying aesthetic issue. It can be a serious condition that will only worsen if not treated properly. While mild forms of acne will often see improvement with over-the-counter products, some recurrent or more severe forms will not. A dermatologist can provide the most effective advice and treatment for acne, regardless of severity.
Hair Loss
Sudden bald patches, excessive hair loss, or abnormal hair loss is another important reason to visit your dermatologist. Hair loss can be caused by hereditary and non-hereditary medical conditions, stress, medication side effects, hormone imbalance, or poor hair care. Before you attempt to treat hair loss with store-bought products, visit your dermatologist to find the root cause of the problem and the most effective treatment options.
Chronic Itching, Rash, Inflammation, Redness, Dryness or Flaky Skin
If you constantly feel uncomfortable because of the condition of your skin or have a skin issue that never seems to clear up on its own, you may have eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. In many cases, these skin conditions require oral or topical prescription medications in order to notice an improvement.
Eczema symptoms include itchiness, sensitivity, flaky patches of skin, irritation, redness, and scaling or cracking of the skin. Read more about eczema here. Symptoms of psoriasis include inflammation, patches of skin that are red and bumpy, itchiness, dryness, and scaling. Learn more about psoriasis here. Rosacea presents itself as redness in the face that is often sensitive or painful and can even be accompanied by red pus-filled bumps. Read more about telltale signs of rosacea by clicking here.
Feeling Unhappy with The Appearance or Condition of Your Skin
If you have found that a mild or severe skin condition or signs of aging are affecting your self-image and confidence, dermatologists provide an extensive range of treatments, procedures, and suggestions that can help improve the appearance of your skin, hair, or nails. At Front Range Dermatology Associates, our team of board-certified dermatologists offer expert skin care for medical and cosmetic concerns to help ensure that your skin is healthy and glowing. Call us today at (970) 673-1155 to schedule an appointment!