What Conditions Can a Dermatologist Treat?
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in skin health. They perform preventative care services, such as skin cancer screenings, in addition to treating other skin conditions. If you notice an unusual growth or rash, or if you struggle with blemishes and other skin irregularities, a dermatologist can assist you. Here are four conditions that a dermatologist can treat:
1. Acne
Everyone gets pimples from time to time, but people with acne struggle with blemishes on a regular basis. Acne commonly occurs on the face, but it can also occur on a person's back, chest, and shoulders. A dermatologist can prescribe acne treatments. Retinoids can increase the rate at which your skin cells renew themselves, which can reduce acne. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe birth control pills and antibiotics to clear up acne as well.
2. Eczema
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. It's characterized by rashes and dry, flaky areas of skin. This condition can be itchy and uncomfortable, and the cause isn't always easy to determine. If you develop an unusual rash, you should see your dermatologist for a diagnosis. Your dermatologist may suggest that you make changes to your lifestyle, such as switching to fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergents. Dermatologists can also prescribe corticosteroid cream, which can treat eczema and reduce itching.
3. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins typically occur on a person's lower legs. When a person is affected by this condition, their veins bulge out from their skin, which can be painful or uncomfortable. Some varicose veins can be treated with rest and leg elevation. If your varicose veins do not resolve on their own, your dermatologist can help. Sclerotherapy is commonly used to treat varicose veins. During this treatment, your dermatologist will inject sclerosant fluid into your varicose veins. This fluid will cause the walls of the veins to stick together, closing the vein over time. Patients who undergo sclerotherapy usually see results in a few weeks.
4. Warts
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, the same virus that causes certain sexually transmitted infections. Warts can be small or large, and they're usually painless. However, warts can be contagious, so many people prefer to have them removed as a precaution. Your dermatologist will usually remove warts by freezing them. During this process, liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart. The extremely cold temperature will cause the tissue to necrotize, and the wart will fall off within a couple of days.