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When most people think of dermatologists they think of wrinkles or acne, and while you can get care for both at a dermatology office, you might be surprised to hear that the average practice treats much more. In fact, they are trained to treat everything on the skin including hair and nails as well. Therefore, if you are suffering from hair loss or dealing with brittle nails you actually might need to head to your local Southlake, TX dermatology office for help. The truth is that dermatologists do much more than pop pimples and administer Botox, your local dermatology expert can explain all the options they provide.
They are medically trained doctors who attend medical school for the same length of time as any other doctor and are tasked with knowing thousands of skin diseases. A lot of things can go wrong with your skin, as it is the largest organ in your body, and they have to know how to treat each and every one of them. The following is a quick list of some of the most surprising things that are treated at a dermatology office. Keep reading because you may be surprised to find that the answer to your health problems is actually on this list.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers and it is rising every year. The good news is that most skin cancers can be treated easily if they are caught before they spread. Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, but even it can be treated if caught in the early stages before it metastasizes. A simple visit to a dermatology office once a year for a full-body exam is all it takes to stay ahead of potential skin cancer issues. During the checkup, the dermatologist will inspect you from head to toe to look for lesions and warts or areas of skin that are changing in size, color, texture, or shape.
Hair Loss
Chances are if you are losing your hair you are not thinking about going to the dermatologist, but this is exactly who you should see if thinning hair is becoming a problem. It is completely normal for people to shed as many as 100 hairs each day, but when hair loss gets excessive it is usually a sign of an underlying problem. Stress, pregnancy, malnourishment, and many other health issues can lead to your falling out or even bald patches throughout your head.
The best way to get to the bottom of the issue is to schedule a visit at the local dermatologist’s office. The doctor will likely examine your scalp carefully under a high-powered microscope so that they can see if there are any skin conditions on your head that might be prompting the hair loss. They will then run some blood tests to look for markers that could explain your hair loss if necessary. There are many options for treating hair loss, so if you are dealing with thinning hair or a bald spot there is no need to suffer. From laser treatments to medications and surgical procedures there are solutions depending on the cause.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes people to look flushed or red in the face for no apparent reason. Many people describe it as looking embarrassed on a constant basis, but it can also be embarrassing for some people who experience skin bumps and swelling along with red skin along the chin, nose, and cheeks. Rosacea tends to be more common in people who have lighter skin and women, but anyone can develop it.
Doctors are not positive what causes rosacea to occur in some people but they theorize that it could be because blood vessels quickly expand as a result of stress, alcohol, sunlight, heat, cold, wind, and exercise. It also could be that it occurs on its own, but all of these actions make it worse. While there is no cure, a dermatologist can help treat rosacea by offering you laser therapy or medication along with suggestions to adjust your lifestyle to help prevent it from occurring as frequently.
Infections
As the largest organ on your body, there is a lot of room for infections to form, and just like any infection, if you suspect that your skin is infected you need to see a doctor. There is a wide range of things that can cause an infection to form including bacteria, fungus, yeast, and viruses. All of them are equally annoying and most cause some form of irritation such as itching and rashes. Some common skin infections include athlete’s foot, herpes, warts, cellulitis, and life. If you suspect that any area of your skin is inflamed and infected then the smart move is to schedule a visit with a dermatologist. Some skin infections like cellulitis can be deadly if left untreated for too long.
Varicose Veins
As we age, the veins in our body often become swollen, twisted, and even painful. This results in what many people call spider veins or varicose veins. They often look like they are rolling and raised above the skin level. Even if they are not painful, they can increase the risk of skin sores and blood clots as you age which is why it is important to have a dermatologist look at them in Southlake, TX. At the very least, they are generally not attractive and bother many people who have to deal with red and blue lines plastering their skin. Hormonal changes, blood backup, and excessive sun exposure can all lead to varicose veins.
Poison Ivy
If you have a bad case of poison ivy, then you are going to need help from a dermatologist. Poison ivy, sumac, and oak contain an allergen that can cause your skin to become inflamed, itchy, and covered in a tell-tale rash. It can take as much as 72 hours to appear after contact, but when it does some people will suffer from open blisters that can then become infected. A doctor is the best person to visit for relief from this painful acute skin condition.
If you suffer from any of the above conditions or have another skin issue that needs to be looked at, contact Compassion Dermatology of Southlake, TX. We can set up an appointment and help you find relief from whatever skin or hair issue is currently causing you stress and/or pain.
