There are many situations where someone might want some guidance about what visiting a dermatologist is like. Those who have never visited one but have an appointment may have questions, while those who are considering treatment might want to be more educated about the process. Dermatology isn’t quite the same as heading in to see a primary care physician, and being informed can make people feel more comfortable about the upcoming appointment.
Before visiting a dermatologist, a patient should be aware of what this professional can do for them and what ailments they treat. It’s also good to know what physical signs should point someone toward making an appointment. All of these points will be talked about in this article so individuals can know what to expect before walking through the doors to a dermatology clinic or in Sterling Heights.
What Dermatologists Do
A dermatologist is someone who studies and treats health conditions related to the skin, hair, mucus membranes, and nails. Since the skin is the largest organ of the body, it needs to be protected from injury and damage. The skin is what defends most of a person’s body and dermatologists can treat conditions related to it, whether that entails a minor rash or a more serious disease.
There are tons of reasons that people choose to visit a dermatologist, but some of the most common include:
- Acne or scars from acne
- Vitiligo
- Dermatitis and eczema
- Psoriasis
- Hair loss
- Rosacea
- Nail issues
- Shingles
- Warts
- Skin cancer
- Fungal infections
For people who are seeking help with dermatology in Grosse Pointe, it’s a good idea for them to know why they are making the appointment. Once they have the information, they can inquire about whether the dermatologist they’re calling has the expertise needed to help them.
Typical Procedures Done By Dermatologists
Dermatologists can handle both medical and cosmetic issues using a variety of noninvasive and invasive treatment options. While some treatments might be provided in a hospital, many services for dermatology are in private offices or clinics. Some of the procedures that are commonly done by dermatologists include:
- Biopsies – A skin biopsy is often performed if certain suspected conditions need to be diagnosed or ruled out.
- Chemical Peels – This involves using a chemical solution to cause the top layer of the skin to peel, which gives it a chance to come back in a fresh state.
- Cosmetic Injections – Cosmetic injections involve using dermal fillers or Botox to reduce the appearance of scarring, fine lines, or wrinkles.
- Cryotherapy – This treatment is used for benign issues and involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy a certain affected area.
- Laser Surgery – It uses a laser or light-based technology to treat scars, wrinkles, tumors, moles, or remove tattoos.
- Lesion Excision – Some lesions need to be removed or excised for many reasons, including prevention of infection, prevention of disease, or cosmetic reasons.
- Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion involves removing the top layer of skin on the body to create a more pleasing appearance.
- Mohs Surgery – This is a specialized surgery for cancer, often used on the face, that removes cancerous cells from the body.
- Skin Grafts – Works by replacing some of the missing skin on the body with skin from other areas of the body.
- Skin Resurfacing – Uses laser technology to create healthier skin with increased collagen production to reduce the signs of aging.
Reasons to Make a Dermatology Appointment
Not everyone is ready to make an appointment with a dermatologist, even in situations where it needs to be done. Sometimes it can be brushed off as not being serious which leads some individuals to wait it out and see if the problem goes away. However, there are often signs that seeing a dermatologist quickly is the right choice, such as:
- Stubborn Rashes – Many rashes can be treated with over-the-counter lotions and creams, but if that isn’t the case, it’s time to see a dermatologist. This professional can look at the rash and determine whether it’s serious and how it should be treated.
- Changing Nail Colors – If a person’s nails are changing colors, this is often caused by a fungal infection. It also can be caused by certain diseases, medications, nutritional deficiencies, and the process of aging. If this is happening to someone, a dermatologist can help.
- New or Changing Moles – New or changing moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Sometimes this can be a sign of cancer and determining early whether it’s serious can make it easier to defeat.
- Extremely Sensitive Skin – If a person has dry and sensitive skin, it may be the result of a weakening immune system and attributed to environmental issues like UV rays or pollen. Regular screening by a dermatologist will ensure that a person understands why their skin is sensitive so they can take actions to treat it.
How to Prepare for an Appointment
The first step most will want to take when visiting a dermatologist is checking with their insurance provider to find out what is covered. For instance, cosmetic treatments like Botox may not be. The patient should also come up with a list of questions before they email or call so they can be sure they get all the information they need before they show up to their dermatology appointment in Sterling Heights. Being able to provide extra information can make the job of the dermatologist much easier.
Remember that some treatments will take time and individuals may have to try different things before they get to the solution that works for them. Once they’re ready for their appointment, they should make sure they have access to their medical records to provide to the doctor. If they have photos of what they looked like when they had skin they liked, those can also be useful.
When choosing the right person for dermatology in Grosse Pointe, people should always make sure the dermatologist has the experience and know-how to handle the issues that are bothering them. Looking at reviews and ratings can help people be sure they are making the right decision.