All skin types and the conditions that affect them are not the same. In fact, your natural skin color can influence many types of dermatologic conditions. So, when you need to see a dermatologist, it’s important to start off on the foot. Depending on your concerns, albeit medical or aesthetic, there are few things you can do to streamline the process.
Know Your Problem
Prior to starting your search, you need to categorize your problem. Start by determining whether your needs fall into a medical, aesthetic or surgical need. Although most dermatologists can perform the same type of treatment, others are more specialized in specific niches. For example, if you are worried about an abnormal-looking mole, a dermatologist can perform a biopsy.
However, if it needs to be surgically removed, or if you already have the diagnosis of skin cancer, you’re better off finding a dermatologist who specializes in Mohs surgery. On the other hand, if you’re looking to improve the tone and texture of your skin, you want to find a dermatologist who specializes in skin rejuvenation. If this is the case, you might need a dermatologist for both medical and aesthetic reasons.
Looking Around
Finding the right dermatologist takes time. In addition to asking family and friends for referrals, it could be helpful to look at online reviews for doctors. There is a slew of online resources you can use to find a dermatologist. Real Self, for example, offers reviews from patients and is updated in real-time. You can also use dermatology accreditation sites to perform a zip code in your area. Then, you can narrow down your search by criteria; i.e. medical, surgical or aesthetic.
Check Credentials
Even if you think you’ve found a match, it’s still a good idea to check the doctor’s credentials. Make sure that their license is current without previous suspension. Most dermatologists will post their credentials on their website. If not, it’s easy to check with either the American Board of Dermatology or the American Academy of Dermatology. If located in Canada, you can check credentials on the Canadian Dermatology Association. The most important thing is that the doctor you choose holds the appropriate licensing to practice medicine without prior infractions.
When it comes to your skin, you can never be too careful. And since it’s the largest organ you have, the dermatologist you choose needs to be the right fit. After all, loving the skin you’re in sometimes needs a helping hand. Make sure you’re placing your dermatologic care in the hands of someone you trust.Heal
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That’s a good idea to look for a dermatologist that specializes in your problem. I could see how if you need a specific surgery or something, it would be good to choose a dermatologist that would have experience doing that specific procedure. I’ll have to keep that in mind if I ever need a dermatologist.