The skin is our largest organ, protecting us from heat, cold, germs, and dangerous substances. It also reveals what is happening inside the body. Dermatologists treat conditions ranging from warts, moles, and scars to fungal infections, herpes, and shingles. They often work in specialized healthcare facilities and hospitals.
Diagnosis
Dermatologists diagnose and treat health conditions affecting skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. The skin is a strong first line of defense against infection and injury and a good indicator of overall health.
A dermatologist will look at your symptoms and might take tests to reach a diagnosis. They will also consider how the condition is affecting your quality of life. They are trained to offer treatment options that range from topical medications and creams to surgery or procedures like laser and light therapy. That is why it is good to find a dermatologist Memphis, TN, for professional guidance for your skin’s health.
Treatment
Dermatologists treat medical conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. They also perform cosmetic procedures like removing growths and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. They begin each appointment with a full skin examination. During the exam, dermatologists gather a patient’s medical history and listen to their concerns with sensitivity. They photograph moles, growths, and other areas of concern so that they can compare them at future visits. Once they have diagnosed the condition, they can perform several types of surgery, including electrosurgery, which involves the use of high-frequency electric current to cut or destroy tissue; cryosurgery (using extreme cold to freeze and destroy tissue), or Mohs surgery, a procedure that removes skin cancer layer by layer. They may recommend blood work, allergy testing, skin scrapings, or a biopsy to determine whether the area is healthy or cancerous. They also offer medication to treat the disease and can provide counseling on early detection and prevention.
Preventive Care
Dermatologists work in many care settings, including hospitals, clinics, medical schools, and laboratories. Each setting brings different daily responsibilities and opportunities.
For example, a dermatologist may consult with a patient in a hospital to evaluate a rash or a medical student to help him understand how a certain skin condition works. They may also conduct research, both basic and clinical.
A dermatologist may recommend treatments such as a topical cream or an over-the-counter drug. More serious growths might be removed with a simple procedure called electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C). The dermatologist will use an electric unit to burn the growth, then scrape it away.
A dermatologist might recommend a change in diet or lifestyle to prevent future outbreaks of a particular skin condition. They also can teach patients about proper sun protection to avoid getting too much sunlight. They can also educate patients about the effects of other diseases that strongly connect to the skin, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Referrals
Dermatologists recognize that the skin is your largest and heaviest organ, protecting you from heat, cold, germs, and dangerous substances. They have a unique ability to connect seemingly unrelated symptoms and signs of disease to their root causes, and they help patients navigate their condition’s emotional and physical dimensions. They also know that a skin condition doesn’t have to be life-threatening to reduce a patient’s quality of life. For example, eczema and hair loss can cause sleepless nights, poor self-image, and depression. They have many medical and cosmetic procedures to treat these conditions, including surgical excision of growths like moles, skin tags, and lesions, cryotherapy (controlled exposure to freezing temperatures), and sclerotherapy (injections that destroy damaged veins). Bringing a list of current medications and supplements to your appointment is a good idea. It will provide your dermatologist with a complete picture of your health history.
