Most of us turn to the internet for answers when we notice anything unusual on our skin. A visit to the doctor comes as our last resort when OTC products and natural remedies prove ineffective. Some skin problems may disappear even without any medication or remedy. We have learned to wait for a rash to disappear after several days and sometimes it does. When should you see a dermatologist? Should you wait for a skin problem to appear or schedule yearly or regular visits? Here are some signs that you need to see a dermatologist immediately.
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1. Persistent or Cystic Acne
Many people struggle with acne from their teen ages, the twenties, and sometimes thirties. In most cases, the skin disease responds to treatment. You may not require any treatment but if the acne persists even after treatment, your doctor will prescribe an effective remedy. The worst scenario is to suffer from cystic acne, which does not respond to natural remedies at home. You may worsen the condition if you try to solve cystic acne at home. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist immediately to get treatment and prevent a recurrence.
2. Scalp and Hair Issues That Won’t Go Away
Whenever you notice unusual hair loss or an itchy scalp, your first reaction may be changing all your products. Changing your shampoo may reduce the itchiness or hair breakage. However, any excessive hair loss or persistent itchy scalp needs the attention of a dermatologist. The common causes of an itchy scalp include poor feeding habits, stress, and thyroid complications. Hair loss or baldness may result from your genes. You cannot determine if any of these conditions have led to your scalp and hair issues at home.
3. Brittle or Yellowish Nails
It is important to check your nails and feet regularly. Check your nails for a yellow, white, or green color. If the nails are clear, you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, any color on your nails is among the top reasons why you need to hire a New York dermatologist. In most cases, fungal infections cause yellow and brittle nails. Bacterial infections cause a green color on nails. A blood collection resulting from trauma may cause red or black nails. A dermatologist can diagnose such conditions and treat the underlying cause of the brittle or colored nails.
4. Unfading Scars
Sometimes skin conditions like acne leave ugly marks on your skin. Deep wounds, cuts, surgery, and burns leave ugly scars as well. You can use home remedies to reduce the appearance of scars. OTC creams can also reduce the scars. However, if the scars do not respond to such remedies, you can get treatments that are more effective from your doctor. The most common methods that dermatologists recommend include surgery and laser treatment.
Any persisting skin condition is a good sign that you need to consult a dermatologist. Do not wait in the hope that the condition will heal without treatment. It may be difficult for the doctor to diagnose the underlying cause if you wait too long. Sometimes you may not need any medication but a change of diet or lifestyle. You are safer with help from a dermatologist than relying on homemade remedies.