What is medical dermatology?
Medical dermatology may sound intimidating, but it is actually a simple and important part of caring for your overall health. Medical dermatology encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, ailments, and disorders related to the skin, hair, and nails.
Medical dermatology is practiced by licensed and certified dermatologists. In addition to medical dermatology, many dermatologist practices also offer surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Medical dermatology can also encompass preventative care, such as annual skin cancer screenings.
What ailments can medical dermatology treat?
The types of issues treated by a medical dermatologist can run the gamut from the mundane to the exotic. Most of the time, patients see a medical dermatologist because they have an issue such as:
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Ezcema
- Redness, rash, or irritation
- Bumps, growths, or warts
- Dry or sensitive skin
- Skin damage or scarring
Other, less common reasons to see the dermatologist include such events as hair loss, skin cancer diagnosis, conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), mouth sores, and more. Even if you are not experiencing a problematic skin condition, you should see your dermatologist regularly- at least yearly. This will allow for skin cancer screenings and any other issues that crop up to be addressed.
What should one expect at the dermatologist?
Seeing a dermatologist is a fairly straightforward process. Much like seeing a primary care physician, you may have to provide some medical history and a description of your symptoms. If you are having an annual visit, the doctor will examine your skin carefully- including things like your scalp and the bottoms of your feet- to look for abnormalities or signs of skin cancer.
If you’ve come to the dermatologist about a specific ailment, he or she will examine the area in question in more detail. Lab work may be requested, such as blood tests or biopsies. Once your dermatologist has been able to make a diagnosis, he or she will recommend a course of treatment.
Finding your Charlotte NC area medical dermatologist
If you are suffering from skin issues, even if you think that they might be minor, it can be a good idea to see a medical dermatologist. In addition to diagnosing and treating your issues, a dermatologist can provide regular skin cancer screenings, which is an important part of maintaining the health of your skin.
In the greater Charlotte NC area, consider scheduling an appointment with the experienced team at Metrolina Dermatology.The dermatologists at Metrolina Dermatology can help you with any aspect of your skin’s health, including medical dermatology. South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle and her team are known as experts in all fields of dermatology, including medical, cosmetic, and surgical skin care.Call them today to schedule your appointmentat Metrolina Dermatology.
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