When to See a Dermatologist: 10 Signs It's Time to Schedule an Appointment
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and changes to your skin, hair or nails can sometimes be more than a cosmetic concern. While some skin issues are temporary and can be managed at home, others may require evaluation and treatment from a dermatologist.
Dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. They can help with everything from acne and eczema treatment to persistent rashes and suspicious moles, as well as provide important preventive care such as skin cancer screenings.
So, how do you know when it’s time to see a dermatologist for skin concerns? Here are 10 possible signs you need a dermatologist.
What Does a Dermatologist Treat?
Some of the most common reasons patients see a dermatologist include:
- Acne and acne scarring
- Eczema and other forms of dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Persistent or unexplained rashes
- Skin infections
- Hair loss and scalp conditions
- Nail disorders
- Warts and other skin growths
- Cysts and other benign growths
- Skin cancer and precancerous lesions
A dermatologist can also help you understand changes in your skin and recommend preventive strategies to protect your skin over time.
10 Signs You Should See a Dermatologist
- A Mole or Skin Spot Has Changed
Changes in a mole or other spot on your skin should be evaluated, particularly if the spot changes in size, shape or color. Other warning signs include a spot that bleeds, crusts, itches or doesn’t heal.
When checking your skin, remember the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- A — Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn't match the other.
- B — Border: The edges are irregular, uneven or poorly defined.
- C — Color: The spot has multiple colors or an uneven distribution of color.
- D — Diameter: The spot is larger than about 6 millimeters, although melanomas can be smaller.
- E — Evolving: The spot is changing in appearance, size or symptoms.
Not every unusual-looking mole is cancerous, but a dermatologist can perform a simple mole check to determine whether a spot needs further evaluation.
- Your Acne Isn't Improving
Acne is common, but that doesn't mean you have to simply live with it. If over-the-counter products aren't helping, your acne is painful or severe, or you're developing scars, a dermatologist can recommend acne treatment based on your skin and the type and severity of your acne.
Prescription medications and other dermatologic treatments may help clear acne, prevent future breakouts and reduce the risk of permanent scarring.
- You Have a Rash That Won't Go Away
A rash that persists, repeatedly returns or worsens may be a sign of an underlying skin condition. Rashes can have many causes, including allergies, infections, medications, eczema and other inflammatory conditions.
If you aren't sure what's causing a rash, or if it isn't responding to any rash treatments you've tried, a dermatologist can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Your Eczema or Psoriasis Keeps Flaring
Occasional flare-ups can be part of living with eczema or psoriasis, but frequent or severe symptoms may indicate that your treatment plan needs to be adjusted.
A dermatologist can help identify triggers, manage symptoms and recommend eczema or psoriasis treatments to reduce inflammation and improve your skin’s health. Getting the right treatment can also help prevent ongoing discomfort and complications associated with uncontrolled skin conditions.
- You're Experiencing Hair Loss
Some hair shedding is normal, but sudden, excessive or unexplained hair loss may warrant an evaluation. Hair loss can have many potential causes, including hereditary factors, hormonal changes, certain medications and underlying medical conditions.
A dermatologist can evaluate your scalp and hair and determine what may be contributing to the problem. Depending on the cause, treatment may help slow hair loss, encourage regrowth or manage symptoms.
- You Have a Painful or Persistent Cyst or Growth
Not every lump or growth on the skin is cause for concern, but a dermatologist can determine what it is and whether treatment is needed. This may include cysts, warts, skin tags or other benign growths.
If a growth becomes painful, changes in appearance, repeatedly becomes irritated or interferes with your daily activities, it's worth having it evaluated.
- You Notice Changes in Your Nails
Your nails can provide clues about your overall health. Changes in nail color, texture, thickness or shape can result from infections, injuries, inflammatory skin conditions and other health concerns.
A dermatologist can determine whether a nail change is related to a dermatologic condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Your Skin is Constantly Itchy
Occasional itching is usually nothing to worry about, but persistent or severe itching can interfere with sleep and daily life. It may be related to dry skin, eczema, an allergic reaction, an infection or another underlying condition.
If you can't identify the cause of ongoing itching or it isn't improving with basic skin care, a dermatologist can help determine what's behind it.
- You Spend a Lot of Time in the Sun
Sun exposure is one of the most important risk factors for skin cancer. People who spend significant time outdoors, have a history of sunburns or have other risk factors may benefit from talking with a dermatologist about their individual skin cancer risk.
A dermatologist can examine your skin for suspicious changes and recommend appropriate screening and sun-protection strategies.
Remember that protecting your skin isn't just something to think about during the summer. Wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds are important year-round habits.
- You're Concerned About a Spot or Change on Your Skin
Sometimes you simply know that something on your skin doesn't look or feel right. You don't have to wait until a spot becomes painful or dramatically changes before having it evaluated.
If you're concerned about a new or changing spot, persistent skin problem or other unexplained change, scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist can provide answers and peace of mind. When it comes to your skin, it's better to have a concerning change evaluated than to ignore it.
Don't Wait Until a Skin Problem Gets Worse
You don't need to have a serious skin condition to benefit from seeing a dermatologist. Early evaluation can help identify conditions before they become more difficult to manage and can provide an opportunity to address concerns before they begin affecting your comfort, confidence or quality of life.
Regular skin checks can also play an important role in detecting skin cancer early, when treatment is often more effective. If you notice a new or changing mole, a persistent rash, unexplained hair loss or another skin concern, talk with a healthcare provider about whether a dermatology appointment is right for you.
Find Dermatology Care at UNT Health
Whether you're looking for treatment for an ongoing skin condition, have a new concern or simply want to take better care of your skin, a dermatologist can help you understand your options.
UNT Health Clinical Practice Group is pleased to welcome new faculty member Dr. Marshall Hall, a dermatologist who has completed his residency with UNT Health’s dermatology practice. Our team of Fort Worth dermatologists, including Drs. Carletti, Weis and Hall, provides care for a range of skin, hair and nail conditions and can help patients develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Don't ignore changes in your skin. If you have a concern, we're here to help. Schedule an appointment with UNT Health Dermatology by calling 817-735-7625 or request an appointment online here.