When was the last time you had a full skin check? Many people don’t think about their skin until there’s pain or a bump. Yet, routine care is essential for preventing health complications and quickly treating skin conditions. Your skin is a protective layer and a functioning organ. It is not just about looking good. Just like your heart, brain, and other organs, you need to put in a bit of care in remaining healthy.
What’s Happening with Your Skin?
Many types of skin conditions warrant being seen by a dermatologist. That includes these:
Acne: Acne isn’t just an annoyance. It can quickly become an infection and cause scarring to the skin if not taken care of properly. Acne also increases the inflammation in your body, which means your immune system is working harder than it should.
Birthmarks: If you’ve always had a birthmark, chances are good it is not any condition to worry about, but if it changes at all in color, shape, size, or overall look, that means it could be something more.
Eczema: This condition is relatively common, but it can become painful, especially without proper treatment. Many people can get their eczema under control with the help of medications from their dermatologist.
Dry skin: If your skin is dry, which is very common in the winter months, that can put you at a higher risk for damage to it, including open wounds.
Psoriasis: People with psoriasis often struggle with pain and discomfort, but many don’t realize there are treatment options that can help eliminate the dry, patchy skin and scales they have. Treating this condition helps to reduce the impact on your immune system, too.
Moles: Moles are common areas of discoloration and, sometimes, a raised area. Some moles, especially those that change frequently, can be tumors and skin cancer growths that require immediate medical attention.
Warts: Warts may not always need treatment, but it is possible to safely get rid of them with the help of your dermatologist. More so, you want to be sure that what you’re experiencing is a wart and not something more problematic.
Fungus: If you have nail fungus or other skin conditions resulting from fungal growth, your dermatologist can help you get it under control before it causes skin infections that could lead to blood infections.
Don’t Play Games with Your Skin
Any of these or other skin conditions puts your body’s initial line of defense at risk. The long-term effects of neglecting skin treatments may include:
Development of inflammation that can travel from your skin to other organs
Increased risk of infections
Pain and discomfort that doesn’t improve
Development of aggressive forms of cancer because you didn’t get treatment soon enough
Complications to your immune system’s function, putting you at risk for complications from other illnesses
Like many, you may have put off your appointment with your dermatology professional. Now is the time to take action. Being proactive may help you avoid complications, improve the way your skin looks, and help you take care of problems sooner, long before they become life-threatening conditions like cancer.
Call us today to schedule an appointment for a skin check or skin cancer follow-up and treatments. Your skin health is too important to neglect. Our dermatology professionals are here to help you get back on track.