4 Skin Issues That Should Send You To The Dermatologist

The dermatologist takes care of all things skin, so when you have an issue with your skin, you should seek help from the dermatologist. If you have a skin issue and you aren't sure if you should go in to have it checked out, read on for some information to use as a guide.

1. Oozing 

If you have a skin issue such as a rash or an injury that is oozing, the dermatologist can help with this. If it looks like normal pus, or appears to be healing, you may be all right, but it's best to get to the dermatologist for help. If the rash or injury is oozing with yellow or even green discharge, it could be something more severe, such as an infection, and it should be looked at right away. An infection can lead to something much worse if it isn't treated, and you could end up needing a skin graft over time, or could possibly lose a part of your body in order to remove the infected area.

2. Swelling With Heat and Pain

If you have swelling on your skin and it is painful or hot to the touch, it could be an infection beneath the skin. If you have any marks above the skin that are swollen, painful, and hot to the touch, it could also indicate an infection. Have this part of your skin inspected by a dermatologist and treated right away. It could be an infected cyst, or something else lying below the surface of the skin.

3. Any Moles That Appear to Change

If you have moles on your body that have changed in size, color, or shape, it's best to get to the dermatologist to have them looked at. Moles that change could possibly indicate skin cancer and should be looked into. Ignoring these moles could further progress the melanoma and may cause irreversible damage to the skin, or worse. Pay attention to the moles on your body and watch for changes. Be sure you are wearing SPF of at least 50 when you go outside and try your best to avoid too much time in the sun. Wear sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to help protect the delicate skin on your face.

4. Discoloring of the Skin

If your skin is losing pigment or the pigment is darkening, it could indicate hyper-pigmentation or melasma. If you notice any of these skin changes, make an appointment with the dermatologist to be treated. Be sure you are covering up in the sunlight when outside and wearing sunscreen with SPF of at least 50 or more. Hyper-pigmentation could be a hereditary issue, or it could be related to other disorders or even caused by hormonal changes. Melasma can also be caused by hormonal changes.

If you notice any of the skin concerns listed above, make an appointment with the dermatologist for a checkup and for treatment options. Visit websites like https://eastcarolinadermatology.com for more information.