Going to a dermatologist has many benefits. They address your concerns about your skin, hair, and nails, whether they’re for the prevention of certain conditions or for their treatment.
Before choosing a dermatologist for your treatment, it is important to check what kind of dermatologist fits your needs and how you can find a good one.
In this article, we share the benefits of seeing a dermatologist, how to find one who can effectively address your concerns, and what to expect on your first visit.
Table of Contents
What is a dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions in your skin, hair, and nails. While they treat severe medical conditions such as skin cancer and psoriasis, they also treat minor skin, hair, and nail problems such as acne, excessive sweating, and hair loss.
Cosmetic dermatologists are also experts in cosmetic procedures for anyone who wishes to improve their skin, hair, and nails, for non-health-related reasons.
Different Branches Of Dermatology
Dermatology can be divided into different branches of dermatology. These sub-specializations within dermatology focus on very different concerns of the skin. This is why it is important to understand what these different branches are if you want to consult a dermatologist for a very specific problem.
Dermatopathology
Dermatopathology is a branch of dermatology that combines dermatology and pathology, the branch of medicine that deals with testing samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes. In dermatopathology, the dermatologist examines samples of the hair, skin, or nails to make accurate diagnoses.
Pediatric Dermatology
If your child is experiencing skin, hair, or nail problems, it’s best to consult a pediatric dermatologist directly.
Pediatric Dermatology, as the name suggests, is the subspecialty of dermatology that deals with skin, hair, or nail conditions in newborns, infants, or children.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs Surgery is a procedure specifically performed to treat skin cancer. Not all dermatologists are licensed to conduct Mohs surgery. They will need to receive additional training after residency to qualify to be a Mohs surgeon.
Cosmetic Dermatology
Cosmetic Dermatology focuses on the appearance of the skin. It does not have to be for a medical condition. Cosmetic dermatologists perform procedures to enhance or repair the appearance of the skin such as dermal fillers, botox, laser hair removal, or laser therapy for scars and wrinkles.
Benefits of seeing a dermatologist
When you think of doctors, one would immediately think of internal medicine or doctors who treat common internal diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. However, your skin, which is the largest organ in the human body, requires the same amount of medical attention as well.
Here are eight reasons why seeing a dermatologist is good for you:
Early detection of skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. In fact, according to studies, one out of five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated that about 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
One of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is to go through annual skin cancer screenings with your dermatologist.
Treat acne early on
Acne is more manageable when it’s only starting out. However, not all acne is the same. In fact, they can be caused by multiple reasons. It may be because of bacteria, inflammation, or hormonal imbalance. Without understanding the causes of your acne, you can fall into the wrong treatment plans that can only make them worse.
Dermatologists speed up the treatment process by addressing your acne problem early on. They can accurately diagnose the cause of your acne and prescribe the right treatment or medications for it.
Skin rejuvenation treatment
Besides medical conditions, dermatologists can also help perform skin rejuvenating treatments such as botox, chemical peels, dermal fillers, micro-needling, or laser treatments to improve the appearance of your skin.
Clear skin
Seeing a dermatologist also helps you achieve clearer skin. Whether your blemishes are caused by medical conditions or external factors, dermatologists can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the right skin treatments for you.
Anti-aging treatments
If you’re not a fan of your fine lines or loose skin, going to a dermatologist can help you reverse signs of aging. After evaluating your skin, they can recommend a variety of treatments that can help make you look as young as you feel inside. The treatments may vary from topical, non-invasive, to invasive.
Protection against skin problems
Prevention is always better than cure. Dermatologists are the best references when it comes to understanding how to take care of your skin. Whether it’s a screening test for skin diseases or creams to protect your skin, hair, or nail issues from specific conditions, your dermatologist will be able to discuss the options that fit your skin best.
Recommendations and Advice
There are different skin types that have different needs. One product or treatment may be amazing on dry skin, while it may not work on oily skin. Instead of trying products and a variety of treatments on a trial-and-error basis, dermatologists will help you get the right advice immediately.
Visiting a dermatologist can help you look and feel your best.
Finally, seeing a dermatologist can help you improve your skin’s health and appearance which results in a boost in your confidence.
How to choose a good dermatologist
Choosing the right dermatologist is important because you want someone who can truly understand your concerns and someone who can meet your needs.
If you want to make sure you choose a good dermatologist, here is what you can do:
Do your research
Before committing to a dermatologist, do your research. You have to understand what you need the dermatologist for. Do you need skin cancer screening? Eczema treatment? Chemical peel?
Why you want to see a dermatologist matters because you want someone who specializes in your skin, hair, or nail concern.
Check their credentials.
Once you have a list of dermatologists to check out, do a background check on their credentials. One of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing a dermatologist is if they are board-certified.
Board certification ensures that your doctor has the necessary credentials to evaluate, diagnose, and treat your skin, hair, or nail problems.
Look for a dermatologist with experience.
It is important to choose a dermatologist with experience. Ideally, you want someone who is specifically experienced in your condition. For example, a dermatologist who specializes in melanoma will always be preferred over a dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic procedures when you want your mole checked for skin cancer.
What is their approach to treatment?
Consider your needs when inquiring. Ask if your treatment requires surgery, medications, or something else. Ask a lot of questions and think about whether their approach to treatment is something you are comfortable with.
Read online reviews.
Don’t forget to check what other people are saying about the dermatologist and their clinic. Reading other people’s experience gives you an idea of how dermatologist treats their patient and whether or not their treatment is a good experience.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and co-workers
If you have friends, family, or colleagues who have experience with dermatologists, try asking for referrals or recommendations. Ask them about their experience and how satisfied they are with their treatments or visits.
Check insurance coverage
This does not have to do anything with the credibility of your dermatologist but understanding what your insurance covers helps in choosing the right dermatology clinic for you. You want to make sure your insurance covers the treatments you are about to get so you won’t have to deal with surprise fees.
Visiting a dermatologist can help you look and feel your best.
Finally, seeing a dermatologist can help you improve your skin’s health and appearance which results in a boost in your confidence.
Location
Location
Consider where your dermatologist is located. Pick out someone who is near to you or at least someone who is located in a convenient area so visits are not so stressful to you.
Cost and Pricing
Don’t be shy to ask how much treatments are going to cost and how much your insurance is going to cover. This prepares you for any out-of-pocket bills post-treatment.
Call to schedule an appointment and see how you’re treated.
If you’re still not convinced about the dermatologists you have short-listed, call to schedule an appointment and get a dose of the experience yourself. If you don’t feel like you and the dermatologist are a good fit after the first meeting, you can always look for another one.
When to visit a dermatologist
You don’t have to have a serious skin condition before you can visit a dermatologist. In fact, preventative visits or regular checkups are highly recommended.
Here are some of the common symptoms a dermatologist can help you out on:
- Irregular mole
- Skin cancer
- Moderate to severe acne
- Rash
- Hives
- Scars
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Hyperpigmentation
- Infections
- Warts
- Hair loss
- Nail infections
- Wrinkles or sagging skin
What should I expect from my first appointment?
Your dermatology experience will vary depending on your condition. However, on your first visit, expect your dermatologist to ask questions about your medical history, your current and previous medications, and any existing health concerns. They will also do a baseline check or a full body checkup that does not involve your skin.
For a better assessment, try to bring as much evidence of your skin, hair, or nail problems as possible. Note your symptoms and show pictures to your dermatologist so they can diagnose your condition more accurately.
What’s a typical follow-up appointment like?
Your second or follow-up appointment will vary depending on your condition. Your dermatologist may ask you to come back for another test. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about what you should expect on your next appointment.
What questions should I ask my dermatologist?
Just like when you visit your primary physician, do not be afraid to ask questions. When it comes to medical treatments, communication is very important.
Here are some questions you can ask your dermatologist during your visits:
- Is my skincare routine or products working?
- How can I monitor my moles for abnormalities?
- What is my skin type and what products can I use for it?
- Is my skin aging well?
- Can you explain this treatment more?
- If you have more questions, let your dermatologist know so you’ll get all the answers you need.
How much does it cost to see a dermatologist?
Are you visiting for a routine checkup? Special screenings? Acne prescriptions? Visits to the dermatologist vary depending on what you come in for.
Talk to your dermatology clinic to know how much it would cost for you to see a dermatologist for your condition or treatment. At Team Dermatology, our rates depend on the services you want to avail yourself of. Contact us to know more about our rates.
How much does it cost to see a dermatologist?
Are you visiting for a routine checkup? Special screenings? Acne prescriptions? Visits to the dermatologist vary depending on what you come in for.
Talk to your dermatology clinic to know how much it would cost for you to see a dermatologist for your condition or treatment. At Team Dermatology, our rates depend on the services you want to avail. Contact us to know more about our rates.
Choosing a good dermatologist in Texas
Seeing a dermatologist for the first time can be scary or overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Your skin, being the largest organ in your body, is susceptible to many diseases and infections so proper medical care is important.
Whether you want to explore cosmetic procedures, skincare products that fit your skin type, or medical treatments for more serious conditions, a good dermatologist can help you out. Team Dermatology’s board-certified dermatologists specialize in safe and effective medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology care in Texas.
We are conveniently located in Houston and Sugar Land. Call Team Dermatology to schedule an appointment or inquire about our services and rates.
