The Dermatologist and What He Can Do For You

A dermatologist is a specialist educated and experienced in treating skin disorders and anomalies of all kinds. While most people will start with the general physician when it comes to any health issues they have (often at the insistence of their insurance company, if for no other reason), they may be referred to a specialist should they need further examination. Of course, in some cases, it's preferable to just skip the middleman and just go straight to the doctor who knows what you're dealing with. Here are a few things this doctor of the skin can do for you. Birthmarks When it comes to small, hidden birthmarks, most people aren't in any hurry to get rid of them. When they are visible or larger in nature, though, it can create self-consciousness. You may think this is the kind of thing you should talk to a plastic surgeon about, but this usually falls within the domain of the dermatologist. Using one of a few different methods, they can target the birthmark and remove it, depending on its size and location. This will involve surgery at some level, so risk will be introduced. A good doctor will discuss frankly any potential complications. Rashes Psoriasis, eczema, and seborrhoeic dermatitis are skin conditions that manifest as itchy, red rashes that tend to break out in cycles. Once you have contracted these conditions, it can be monstrously difficult to get rid of them. At best, most patients can hope for is to find ways in which to control them. Your dermatologist can first diagnose what you're dealing with and then move on to giving you the best advice and products you can use to get your outbreaks under control. If you're tired of dealing with unsightly rashes, you might wonder why you waited so long to make an appointment. Hair Loss Seeing a dermatologist may not be your first thought when you're dealing with hair loss, but sometimes they can help. If you're dealing with male pattern baldness, you're more likely to experience success with your general physician or an endocrinolologist (or a transplant doctor), but hair loss isn't always down to DHT in the scalp. Sometimes skin disorders can lead to hair loss and this is where a skin doctor can be effective. They will evaluate your scalp condition and determine if there is an underlying problem causing your hair to fall out. They can then move on to treatment, if possible.