It’s never too early to visit a dermatologist. Many people visit the dermatologist when they have a problem, such as acne, a rash, or other skin conditions such as eczema. However, even when a problem isn’t present, it is medically advisable for children–even as young as one year of age–to visit the dermatologist to establish a baseline skin exam, and keep a watchful eye on moles, freckles, birthmarks, or other skin conditions.
An annual physical, an annual OB-GYN appointment, and a bi-annual dental cleaning are routine to most of society, yet annual skin checks are not something that is sought out until there is a problem.
A dermatologist is a medical specialist who is trained to diagnose skin conditions via a physical exam. A skin check is an exam that can be done by a Grosse Pointe dermatologist to detect any skin conditions that could be cancerous, or could have the potential to develop into cancer. Getting routine checks at least once per year is very important because skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer. Luckily, it is also one of the easiest cancers to treat, and catching it early is key.
Prior to an exam with the dermatologist, a person should examine their skin themselves so that any mole, bump, or abnormality can be brought to the attention of the doctor at the yearly appointment.
If a person has noticed a mole or growth that is new, or one that has changed, one that is itching, or one that is bleeding between yearly exams, it should not be ignored because it could signal skin cancer. Dermatologists in Grosse Pointe recommend that if any spots on the skin change, an immediate visit to their office for a skin check is in order. Ignoring skin changes could result in risks to one’s health.
Visiting the dermatologist yearly to help rule out skin cancer is an important step in a health care routine. Ideally a pediatrician sees children, and an internal medicine or family practice doctors see adults each year for their physical exams, but to place the responsibility on those doctors to spot suspicious moles, spots, or other changes in the skin is not realistic. A dermatologist has been trained in skin conditions, and is an expert at doing skin exams. Some brown spots or moles are normal and not at all suspicious, yet some are suspect and may need to be biopsied.
Can a Dermatologist Help With Cosmetic Enhancements?
A Cosmetic Dermatologist is a doctor who has also completed further training in skin conditions to diagnose and treat the skin for cosmetic reasons. Procedures range from dermal filler injections, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, photorejuvenation, collagen induction therapy, or neurotoxin injections.
If unsightly moles, warts, or other skin conditions are bothering someone, scheduling a consultation with a Sterling Heights dermatologist can familiarize them with procedures to remove or bleach the unwanted lesions. Even signs of aging such as crepe-like skin, wrinkles, fine lines, or sagging skin can be treated to help minimize—and sometimes erase—them altogether.
Seborrheic Keratoses are common and often considered unsightly skin growths that plague many people. They are not cancerous, but their appearance can be less than desirable–especially when on the face or forehead. What many people don’t realize is that these scaly, brown growths can be easily removed by a Sterling Heights dermatologist. The primary method used by Grosse Pointe dermatologists is cryosurgery, which is the freezing of the growth with liquid nitrogen, removing it permanently. The process is virtually pain free; just a bit of stinging upon treatment, which lasts only seconds. If people are prone to these growths, they will keep appearing, and become more prevalent with age, so dermatologists say it’s important to keep up with having them removed during a yearly appointment to ensure there aren’t so many that the treatment would become painful, or almost impossible.
Moles, freckles, or birthmarks that are bothersome can also be easily treated by a dermatologist in Sterling Heights. The treatments used by dermatologists vary for these types of skin conditions, and the doctor can assess each individual’s skin and offer the best methods for either removing or bleaching to achieve positive results.
Dermatologists Can Diagnose & Treat Skin Conditions Specific to Seniors
Toenail fungus is also a condition that plagues a number of people, especially after the age of 50. As people age, they have decreased blood flow, and slower growing nails, which can result in developing this unwanted and unsightly condition. Many people even refrain from wearing sandals because of embarrassing toenail fungus, however treatment is available through a Sterling Heights dermatologist, and it is simple and effective. The most common way to treat this fungus is with prescription medications. Both oral and topical medications are used, and sometimes a dermatologist will recommend a combination of both. In severe cases that don’t respond to this treatment, the dermatologist may recommend removing the nail and treating the fungus underneath. It is advisable to treat toenail fungus as soon as it appears so the condition doesn’t worsen over time, which can result in nail removal as the only means to get rid of it.
Visit a Dermatologist at Least Once a Year
There are lots of cosmetic and anti-aging treatments available in Sterling Heights, and choosing a reputable and trusted dermatologist is the first step in combating unwanted skin conditions. A dermatology clinic that partners with its patients to formulate the best treatments based on each individual’s skin type can result in very positive results. Not every patient is prescribed the same treatment options. A dermatologist can tailor these to each patient’s specific issues after carefully examining and talking with the individual.
Treating unwanted or unsightly skin conditions and erasing signs of aging are easily attainable at a Grosse Pointe dermatology clinic. Setting up an appointment is quick and easy, and is the first step towards making positive changes in skin health, not to mention looking and feeling beautiful.