Dermatology is a subspecialty of medicine that deals with diagnosing, preventing, and treating disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. It is also known as skin medicine. Dr. Peter Chien is a leading dermatologist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases that affect the skin. Dermatologists diagnose skin diseases such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. They treat skin diseases such as burns and wounds and provide preventative treatments for aging skin.

When to see a dermatologist?

You should see a dermatologist if you have the following conditions:

Severe acne

Severe acne is a medical condition that requires immediate attention. The patient’s skin may become raw, red, and sore. Acne can spread to the face, chest, and back. A dermatologist should see patients if they have:

  • Severe acne
  • Severe breakouts after using any medication or drug
  • Blisters or oozing on the face, chest, and back
  • Sunburn-like lesions on the face or neck that do not improve with treatment

Inflamed Blemishes

When a pimple or blemish is bothering you, visit a dermatologist. You can get prescription ointments, like hydrocortisone, which will help reduce inflammation and speed up healing. If you have an infection in the area and it has not been treated properly, antibiotics are the only way to treat the problem. If left untreated, skin diseases like bacterial infections can lead to serious health problems.

Dry skin patches

Dry skin patches are among the most common complaints of dermatological patients. These patches may be flaky, itchy, or scaly and are often accompanied by dryness. Although dry skin can occur at any age, it is more common in young people. The cause of dry skin patches is unclear, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of factors.

Inadequate moisturizer use

Dermatologists can diagnose dry skin, which may be caused by sensitivity to detergents, preservatives, or other ingredients in lotions and moisturizers. Dry skin may also occur due to excessive sun exposure, severe acne, or psoriasis.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This condition is an itchy red patch on the scalp that is common among people with oily skin. It is caused by excessive sebum production and inflammation of the hair follicles, which can result from stress and poor hygiene practices.

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes redness, itching, and swelling in the affected area of the skin. It can affect many areas of the body, including the scalp, face, arms, and legs. The condition is often seen in children but can persist into adulthood for some people.

Severe itching, burning or peeling

If you have severe itching, burning, or peeling, it is time to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. The sooner a dermatologist sees you, the better your chances of getting treatment and relief from your condition.

Skin that looks abnormal

See a dermatologist if your skin looks abnormal, and you have no idea why it has changed. This could be something as simple as acne, but it could also be something more severe, like a fungal infection or an allergic reaction to what you are using on your skin, such as cosmetics.

If you are suffering from an uncommon skin condition and wish to consult a dermatologist, you will want to know what benefits these practitioners can offer. They can help patients identify unusual symptoms, find the underlying cause of skin conditions such as allergies or infections, and prescribe different treatments. For more information about how to take good care of your skin, contact professionals at Lumos Dermatology.