Improving My Skin
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Improving My Skin

After I started working full time, I realized that the stress wasn't doing nice things to my skin. Instead of my typical glowing appearance, I was left with splotchy, uncomfortable, pimple-ridden skin. I didn't like how it looked or felt, which is why I decided to see about visiting a dermatologist. It was amazing to see how well he cared for me after I went. He felt my skin, gave me some advice on daily cleaning, and talked with me about which medications might help. I was absolutely blown away with how much of an improvement he helped me to achieve. This blog is all about the wonders of modern day dermatology.

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Improving My Skin

Reasons Why You Need Annual Dermatology Exam

Phillip Lucas

You should visit a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam. Skin is among the essential organs in your body. Although most skin conditions are not life-threatening, others, such as skin cancer, can even cause death. Thus, a regular dermatology check-up is vital as it helps detect and treat common skin conditions on time, preventing complications.

What Is a Dermatology Check-up?

During a skin check-up, the dermatologist examines your skin from head to toe using a dermatoscope, a hand-held device used to examine and diagnose common skin diseases and lesions.

A dermatoscope uses magnification and light, enabling the dermatologist to see how your skin looks. The device shows all the details in the outer skin, even those that cannot be visible to the naked eye. Remember that some skin conditions, such as melanoma, cannot be diagnosed through a simple visual examination.

A dermatoscope is simply a magnifying glass that makes it easier for dermatologists to look at skin moles and spots. Even when nothing seems out of the ordinary, the dermatologist needs to examine your skin closely for any changes that may signal pre-cancerous developments.

On some occasions, the dermatologist may look at your fingernails or comb through your hair to examine body parts that are not exposed to the sun. The goal is to pay close attention to even hard-to-see spots like between toes, behind the ears, and on the scalp.

In case the dermatologist detects a suspicious spot or moles, they may biopsy them. During a skin biopsy, the skin specialist will remove some skin samples for further laboratory examination. An advanced test is used to diagnose and treat various skin conditions, including skin cancer, inflammation, and common fungal infections.

Why Annual Dermatology Check-ups Are Vital

Regular skin examination is a type of preventive care. The dermatologist's primary goal is to detect and remove pre-cancerous lesions. If you have skin cancer, the exam helps detect and treat it before it spreads to other body organs.

So, the annual dermatology check-up mainly focuses on early diagnosis. Common skin diseases that are diagnosed and treated on time include:

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Dry and itchy skin
  • Hair loss
  • Skin discoloration

As you schedule your next general health check-up, remember that your skin needs one too. A regular dermatology examination helps in the early detection of common skin conditions, giving you the best chance of getting timely treatment.

To learn more, contact a clinic like Desert Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists.


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