4 Common Conditions Your Dermatologist Is Better Suited To Treat

Your general practitioner is not always the best person to make an appointment with.When it comes to any problems with your skin, hair, and nails, you'll want to have a dermatologist take a look. This is true for the top four most common conditions listed below. 

Acne

Although there are a great deal of over-the-counter products designed to relieve acne symptoms, they don't always work. Making a dermatology appointment is the best way to have an expert take a look at your skin and recommend the best course of treatment, which isn't the same for everyone. You may benefit from a prescription cream, an oral medication that can eliminate the bacteria that may be causing the acne, or a series of laser treatments. The dermatologist is also going to be able to put you on the path that will result in the least amount of scarring. 

Psoriasis

Another common ailment worth visiting a dermatology office for is psoriasis. This skin condition is most often seen on hands and feet, the scalp, and knees and elbows. Patients will experience red patches of skin that can develop silver scales. This occurs because the skin cells are reproducing at a faster pace than they are suppose to. The patches can be both painful and itchy. The dermatologist will know whether you would benefit best from a cream, medication, or UV light therapy.

Skin Cancer

The American Cancer Society lists skin cancer as the most common type of cancer. Skin cancer does not discriminate, so it is important to have any moles or sun spots checked out regularly. Having sunburns in the past makes a person more susceptible to skin cancer. A dermatologist knows exactly what to look for, as well as which of the five different types of skin cancer you may have. He or she can remove the cancerous skin and make any recommendations if further treatments are needed.  

Nail Fungus

Since fungus loves a moist environment, it is common for someone to pick up this type of infection when visiting public swimming pools and gym locker rooms. There are several different treatments available if you find yourself suffering from nail fungus. The dermatologist will prescribe anti-fungal medications or suggest you go the laser treatment route. If the infection is severe, the toenail may need to be completely removed, as the only way to get rid of the fungus is to grow a new healthy nail in its place.