7 Reasons to See a Dermatologist ASAP

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Not every skin problem necessitates a (perhaps costly) visit to the dermatologist. If you have an odd pimple or a pesky cold sore, "Dr. Google" can provide some useful answers. However, in a few cases, scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist (preferably a board-certified one) is necessary. Here are seven situations that necessitate an in-office visit:

1. New or Changing Mole

Melanomas (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) resemble atypical moles or dark spots. Keep a look out for variations in size, shape, and color. A new mole that appears out of nowhere should also be examined by a doctor. Catching it early might mean the difference between life and death.

2. Lesion That Won't Heal

The most frequent kind of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. It usually appears as a skin-colored, red, or occasionally dark-colored bump with a rolling border. If you find one of these that won't go away or looks to be changing, see a dermatologist. Basal cell carcinoma, unlike melanoma, is unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can expand into surrounding tissues (and even into the bone).

3. Hair Shedding More Than Usual

It is typical to lose between 50 and 100 hair strands per day. (Most people don't even notice.) If you notice hair loss, thinning, or a bald area, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist right once. There are various reasons why you may be losing hair, and your dermatologist will have a variety of medications and in-office options to help.

But time is of the essence: if you wait too long to seek therapy, your hair follicles may get damaged, and the hairs in these regions may not regrow.

4. Deep and Painful Pimples

Breakouts happen to everyone, and there are plenty of effective over-the-counter treatments available. However, if your acne is cystic (meaning the blemishes are red, painful, and under your skin), contact a dermatologist right once, as this type of acne can cause ugly scarring.

Acne scarring can often be avoided if treated early and appropriately. We can get to the bottom of the problem and prescribe cream treatments, injections, or pills to help quiet the cysts and avoid further scarring. We can also treat acne scars with microneedling, chemical peels, and lasers.

5. Random Rash Appears

If you have a little or big patch of skin that has suddenly acquired a weird rash, burning, itching, or irritation, consult a dermatologist right once. An over-the-counter remedy may provide some comfort, but there may be an underlying issue that cannot be resolved without the assistance of your dermatologist.

Eczema, contact dermatitis, infections, fungus, and allergic reactions are all potential causes of rashes. Another red indicator is irritation combined with increased temperature, discomfort, redness, swelling, or pus. These are all symptoms of infection that must be treated as soon as possible to avoid worsening.

6. Red Skin All the Time

A little ruddiness after an intense spin class or an awkward social meeting is natural, but if your redness persists, there is something more going on. This could be an indication of rosacea, especially if your perm-aflush is centered on the nose and cheeks. While there is no cure for the illness, dermatologists can help manage it with medications and in-office treatments such as lasers.

7. Annual Skin Check

An annual skin check, like a yearly dental cleaning or gynecological examination, is essential for the early diagnosis of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Melanoma is almost always curable when discovered and treated early. If it isn't, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause death. Scheduling your yearly skin check at the same time each year, around a special occasion like your birthday, might serve as a good reminder.