Dermatology - When to See a Dermatologist, and When to Stay Home

All of us have minor problems with our skin from time to time, ranging from acne to irritated insect bites to itchy rashes that just won't seem to go away. While the majority of minor skin complaints don't warrant treatment, there are times when seeing a dermatologist is important, if not mandatory.This is melanoma, or black mole cancer.

If you have a lesion or mole that looks suspicious, see your dermatologist straightaway.But how do you know when to just wait it out - or when to make an appointment? A basic consideration to keep in mind is how long you have had the specific ailment. If you have a rash that doesn't seem to get better within a few days, you might choose to see your primary care provider.

If you still have no joy, this might signal the need to see a specialist. Similarly, a problem that keeps recurring may also make a visit to a specialist necessary.Keeping in mind your own genetic history is important as well (see below).

People with a history of skin cancer in their family, who are fair-skinned or prone to having a proliferation of moles on their face or body should also make regular appointments with their dermatologist to make sure they stay healthy.

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What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is someone who knows everything there is to know about skin care. He or she will not only be able to diagnose your problem, but can also prescribe creams, medicines and treatment to either cure it, or keep it under control.

There are many types of dermatologists who can treat conditions of the skin, hair and nails, and who have specific specialties in areas such as cosmetic dermatology, pediatric dermatology etc. Whether you need medical, surgical or cosmetic treatment, they should be able to help you.

According to the American Board of Dermatology, dermatologists can help with the following conditions:

* Diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other skin tumors.

* Management of specific inflammatory skin disorders such as contact dermatitis, when the skin reacts after being exposed to specific allergens.

* Recognition of the skin manifestations of certain infectious and systemic diseases.

* Dermatopathology, or diagnosis of skin diseases, such as infections, immunologic and infectious diseases.

* Surgical techniques used in dermatology, such as correction of acne scars, chemical peeling and laser surgery.

* Cosmetic disorders, including hair loss, skin, and aging-related disorders.

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Why See a Dermatologist?

Reasons to see a dermatologist include:

* You suspect you may have skin cancer. Everyone should perform regular self-examinations of their bodies and be aware of what their moles look like. If you have a lesion or mole that looks suspicious, see your dermatologist straightaway. Moles that look unusual, have irregular borders or appear asymmetrical, have grown or bleed but do not crust over should be seen to immediately. Remember, with early detection skin cancer is often cured.

* You have risk factors for skin cancer. Some people are at high risk for developing skin cancer, and along with regular self-examinations you should also see a dermatologist regularly to make sure their health is not at risk. Factors include personal history of skin cancer; close relative with a melanoma; fair skin that tends to burn or freckle; history of bad sunburns or tanning salon use; more than 50 moles on face or body; having moles that look irregular, large, or asymmetrical (see above); past use of x-ray treatments for acne, and taking medications to prevent arthritis or organ rejection.

* You have a skin problem that just won't go away. Many people choose to treat minor skin problems on their own. But if you have a rash that looks suspicious or does not respond to conventional treatment, it's probably time to see a dermatologist. And if you successfully treat a skin complaint with an over-the-counter cream but it keeps coming back, it's also a good idea to see a professional.

* Your chronic skin condition that doesn't respond to treatment. If you have eczema, for example, you may be able to keep it under control with moisturizers, emollients or over-the-counter steroid creams. But if you find your skin does not respond well, or if indeed the eczema gets worse of becomes infected, then seeing a dermatologist is your best bet.

* You have a cosmetic skin problem which requires specialist treatment. If you have a skin problem that you think would benefit from medical intervention, seek professional help. It's not advised to visit a med spa unless you are 100 percent positive that a dermatologist will be treating you. A licensed dermatologist is a physician certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and they have far more medical experience than cosmetologists and hair technicians!

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What is Dermatologic Surgery?

Sometimes surgery is the only way to treat specific problems or cosmetic complaints. The purpose of dermatologic surgery is to "repair and/or improve the function and cosmetic appearance of skin tissue," according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. It "deals with the diagnosis and treatment of medically necessary and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair, nails, veins, mucous membranes and adjacent tissues by various surgical, reconstructive, cosmetic and non-surgical methods."

Dermatologic surgery today is a lot less invasive than it used to be, according to the Society, with less downtime and often no need for general anesthesia. This, it says, is largely thanks to breakthroughs in medical science, clinical advances and instrumentation innovations.

Examples of dermatologic surgery today include:

* Dealing with aging-related issues, such as brown spots, lines and wrinkles

* Using injectable soft-tissue fillers

* Using implantable soft-tissue fillers

* Chemical peels

* Liposuction

* Laser surgery

* Treatment for skin caner

* Treatment for acne scars

* Treatment for moles, rashes etc

* Vein therapy (varicose veins and spider veins)

* Hair restoration techniques

* Reconstructive surgery

Our skin is the largest organ in your body, and taking care of it properly is important for our overall health, as well as our outward appearance. Our skin is our first line of defense when it comes to our immune systems, and regular care and maintenance helps us to ensure that we give ourselves the best chance we can of fighting off infection and staying healthy.

While the type of skin we have is determined largely by genetics, it's up to you to make sure that you keep it in top form. Eating well, exercising regularly and enjoying a healthy lifestyle while using plenty of sunscreen is important, as are visits to the dermatologist when warranted. It's all up to you!

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Laser Dermatology - Focused Light to Treat the Skin

The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Without getting too technical- this basically means that light source is specially focused into a very intense beam and is usually coherent, meaning it is reduced to a very particular wavelength of the light spectrum and is controlled to "vibrate" in only one plane.

Some laser light is visible to the naked eye and some is in a part of the spectrum that can not be seen visually.

So, where and how does this focused light technology come into play in the field of dermatology and more specifically cosmetic dermatology? All lasers, regardless of type or wavelength, basically cause some form of localized heating to occur when applied to the skin.

The trained laser dermatologist makes use of this epidermal or dermal heating effect to achieve a desired outcome. Some procedures may literally be designed to burn away a small portion of the layer of skin, while other procedures may be designed to cause some heating and slight burning of the skin layers with the intent to cause healing to take place which in turn causes new skin growth and a tightening effect.

Lasers are also used to burn away undesirable growths such as tumors or moles and also to remove items such as tattoos or scars. Some of the most common dermatological lasers and their common applications are listed below.

Each laser has a particular wavelength of light, a variety of beam focus and pulsing options and a variety of intensities allowing minor heating to major burning capabilities. The skill of the laser dermatologist is the key to a good laser outcome as the highly trained physician will understand how to apply the right laser in the right intensity to gain the desired outcome.

1450 nm diode Laser: This is a deeply penetrating laser that is very effective for treating acne and wrinkles. Typically, no recovery time is needed after treatment.

The 1450 diode can even clear the most stubborn cystic acne on the face, back, and chest. This particular wavelength will also improve older and deeper acne scars.

CO2 High Intensity Super Pulse Laser: This is a very powerful laser generally used for skin tumors and skin cancer removal.

CO2 Silktouch Laser: A stronger resurfacing laser usually used for severe wrinkles.

Erbium 294 Yag Laser: This is a fast healing resurfacing instrument used for wrinkles, scars, and tumors. There is a new Erbium version called microerbium for fractional resurfacing with no down time recovery.

Fractionated CO2 Laser: This is a newer CO2 technology targeted for use in removing acne scars, wrinkles, surgical and trauma scars.

Long Pulse Alexandrite Laser: This version laser is most often used for hair removal on individuals with olive complexions.

Long Pulse Dye Laser W/ Cooling: This version laser is most often used for vascular lesions, stretch marks, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, and acne scars.

Long Pulse Ruby Laser: This instrument is most often used for hair removal on fair skinned individuals.

Long Pulse Yag Laser: This instrument is used for removal of unwanted hair on dark skinned individuals and also removal of leg veins, and general skin tightening. Also used for removal of fine hair.

Photo-Dynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT involves a chemical application that is applied to the skin prior to laser treatment for active acne and is also used to augment skin rejuvenation.

PhotoMedex XTRAC Excimer Laser: This instrument is most often used for treating psoriasis and vitiliago.

Q-Switch Ruby Laser: This is the most powerful laser for tattoo and birthmark removal and pigmented lesion treatment.

Q-Switch Yag Laser: This instrument is a common choice for tattoo removal, pigmented lesion treatments, acne scar removal, and general skin rejuvenation.

Q-Switch Yag 5 Laser: This laser is popular for skin rejuvenation, pigmented lesions, and removing tattoos that contain color.

Radio frequency Laser: This instrument is commonly used for non-surgical face lift and skin tightening. The procedure is an advanced way to tighten skin with the touch of a sophisticated computerized treatment tip to the skin.

It requires no incisions and no recovery time. Excellent results can often be seen with just one treatment.

Short and Long Pulse Flashlamp Dye Laser: This instrument is most often used for vascular lesions, stretch marks, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, and removal of acne scars.

These are some of the more common dermatological lasers and their common applications. Some laser dermatologists will own and operate several of these instruments while some clinics may only own one or two particular lasers.

It is really up the preference of the laser physician and what tools they feel they need to do the procedures that are the forte of their particular practice. Lasers have helped open up a whole new field of skin treatments and have also helped to make previously performed procedures faster and often less painful with much shorter recovery times and decreased chance of complications.

Always consult only a licensed physician or similarly licensed medical facility before undergoing any medical procedure.

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