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Skin Problems

How often do you visit a dermatologist?

Most people only think about things to ask a dermatologist when they are already having skin problems.  Unfortunately, by that time, the issue may already be beyond your control. That’s not to say that skin problems cannot be fixed. However, when it comes to the maintenance of healthy skin, preserving it is better than trying to restore it. Because no matter how hard you try, there are low chances that it will go back to how it was before the damage occurred.

A lot of people aren’t aware that visiting a dermatologist for regular checkups should be a part of your health and wellness routine. At the very least, you should be visiting a dermatologist at least once a year, irrespective of whether you have any skin concerns or not. This will help them pick up on any underlying skin problems before they worsen, and they will also give you tips on how to maintain your healthy skin.  Your dermatologist will also let you know if you need to visit on a more regular basis.

Top Things to Discuss With Your Dermatologist

Whether you’re going for regular checkups or need to visit a dermatologist to get laser treatment, your dermatologist will appreciate it if you ask them some questions about maintaining healthy skin. The following are something you should ask your dermatologist to get the most bang for your buck.

1.     Skincare Routine

The most important thing you should discuss with your dermatologist is your skincare routine. It is easy to see the latest skincare trend on Instagram and jump on the bandwagon, thinking, “It worked for so many people, it should work for me as well.” But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a product that may work like a miracle for one person may end up being a nightmare to the other.

This is why it is necessary to discuss your skincare with a good dermatologist. They are trained to look beyond the surface of your skin and determine whether your skincare routine is effective or if you need to make some changes. If you have any specific skincare concerns, such as fighting acne, reducing signs of aging, or just maintaining good skin health, your dermatologist will help create the best routine to achieve these results.

2.     Risk of Skin Cancer

One of the most important but rarely discussed topics at a dermatologist’s clinic is the risk of skin cancer. People generally assume that they only need to discuss cosmetic procedures with their dermatologists, but that’s not true.

While skin cancer can affect anyone, some people are at a higher risk of it than others. For instance, people with fair skin, red hair, or blue eyes, are at a higher risk of skin cancer than others. If you regularly visit a dermatologist, they will likely let you know if you can possibly get skin cancer and whether you need to take any precautions. However, you should certainly bring up the topic if your dermatologist hasn’t yet – especially if it’s your first visit.

3.     Any Tasks That May Be Affecting Your Skin

It is true that your dermatologist can tell a lot about your skin that you may not know. However, there are also a lot of things that your dermatologist can never know unless you tell them. If your job or lifestyle causes you to be exposed to harmful elements like occupational chemicals, artificial sports turf, or campsite poison ivy, it is important you tell your dermatologist about it.

For instance, chlorine can affect your skin if you are a regular swimmer. Or you may experience latex allergy if you’re a food service worker who has to wear gloves at all times. Your dermatologist may spot the side effects these chemicals have on your skin, but they may not be able to target the root cause until you tell them everything they need to know.

4.     Discuss Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by itchy, scaly red patches on the skin. It commonly occurs on elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk but can extend to other parts of the body. While there isn’t a cure for this chronic skin condition so far, treatments are available to manage the symptoms.

Psoriasis occurs when something goes wrong in the immune system. This is why most people wouldn’t think about discussing it with a dermatologist. However, your dermatologist may have some treatments available that can help ease the itchy and uncomfortable feeling on your skin.

5.     Skin Aging and Cosmetic Procedures

As you age, your skin ages as well. This is something that everyone should embrace. However, if you do have any skin aging concerns, you can always bring them up with your dermatologist. Fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, spider veins, sagging skin, and uneven skin tone are only some of the issues your may experience as you grow older.

With the latest technology, a lot of these signs of skin aging can be addressed. Depending on your concerns, your dermatologist may recommend botox, face fillers, microdermabrasion, vascular laser, intense pulse light therapy (IPL), etc.

6.     Book an Appointment For Your Children as Well

Dermatologists aren’t just for adults. It is also important for children to take care of their skin, especially since they are far more likely to spend more time in the sun. If you have any children, it is a good idea to start on their skincare early on.

Start taking them to a pediatric dermatologist at a young age so they can build skincare habits that will help them maintain healthy and happy skin as they grow up and grow old. They will thank you once they are adults when they realize how much better their skin is because of this early intervention.

Remember, no question or concern is too small to ask your dermatologist about. So next time you visit a dermatologist for any reason, make sure to address all of the above topics while also asking them any additional questions about the health of your skin that you may have.

SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Pete / Pinellas County , Brandon, Lutz, Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, and Daytona Beach, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Seminole, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.