Dermatology 101: Why preventative skin care is so important
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, but it can be overlooked when scheduling routine health visits. Paying attention to the condition of your skin is an important part of managing overall health and preventing disease, especially highly prevalent skin cancers.
Read on to learn more about the importance of visiting a dermatology specialist, and what to expect during your visit.
What is dermatology?
Dermatology is a specialty practice focused on the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, including those that concern the hair or nails. Practitioners of dermatology receive extensive training in treating people of all ages and helping them improve confidence and quality of life through healthy skin.
When should I get my skin checked?
You can see a skin specialist for a wide range of medical or cosmetic skin concerns, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, mole removal and more. In general, it’s recommended that you consider making an appointment when you notice any notable changes in your skin. This could be a sign of an underlying health issue, and a thorough skin assessment by an experienced practitioner will help identify and plan next steps in treatment as early as possible.
How often should I see a specialist?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and scheduling annual dermatology appointments helps to detect early signs and risk factors for common skin cancers, such as melanoma or basal and squamous cell carcinomas. There are many factors that can increase your risk of cancer, including overexposure to UV sun rays, family history of skin cancer, or older age. If you are impacted by one or more of these factors, it’s a good idea to get checked on a regular basis to monitor the health of your skin.
What should I expect during my visit?
During your visit, you’ll receive a head-to-toe exam of your skin to check for abnormalities, where you can express any specific concerns or particular problem areas you may want examined. You’ll have opportunities to ask questions about how to care for your skin and build a treatment plan in coordination with other health concerns you may have. If your specialist finds a suspicious spot or abnormality, they may perform a biopsy to determine if the spot is cancerous and will work together with you to explore treatment options.
Evernorth Care Group offers experienced, thoughtful dermatology services at 5 center locations across the valley. To learn more about Evernorth Care Group’s dermatology services and to find a skin specialist near you, click here.
To schedule an appointment, click here or call 800.233.3264.
References: