When to see a skin health specialist? The signs you should not ignore

The skin is the largest organ of the body and reflects both diseases of the skin itself and internal problems of the organism.

Many skin lesions are completely benign and do not require urgent treatment. However, others may need an early medical assessment to avoid complications or to obtain a simpler and more effective treatment.

Knowing when to consult does not mean becoming alarmed, but acting responsibly.

The skin health specialist is the doctor specialised in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the diseases of the skin, the hair, the nails and the mucous membranes.

In addition, they participate in the prevention of skin cancer, the treatment of skin ageing and numerous medical and surgical procedures.

One of the most important reasons to request a medical assessment is to observe changes in a mole.

You should consult if you notice:

• Rapid growth.
• Change of colour.
• Irregular borders.
• Asymmetry.
• The appearance of several colours.
• Spontaneous bleeding.
• Persistent itching.
• The repeated formation of crusts.

Most moles are not dangerous, but some melanomas can begin in this way.

If a lesion remains open for several weeks or reappears continuously in the same place, it must be evaluated.

It may be a benign lesion, but it may also correspond to a non-melanoma skin cancer.

Early diagnosis facilitates less aggressive treatments with better results.

New spots or those that modify their appearance deserve a medical assessment, especially when they:

• Grow rapidly.
• Present several colours.
• Bleed.
• Ulcerate.
• Change shape.

Not all spots are dangerous, but they must not be diagnosed only through photographs or information obtained on the Internet.

Acne is not always an aesthetic problem.

When the following appear:

• Nodules.
• Cysts.
• Pain.
• Scars.
• Lack of response to the usual treatments.

it is advisable to consult as soon as possible.

Treating acne early reduces the risk of permanent scars.

The continuous redness of the face, the visible vessels or the repeated outbreaks of pimples may correspond to rosacea.

Early treatment helps to control the disease better and to prevent its progression.

It is advisable to consult when:

• The loss increases in a striking way.
• Areas without hair appear.
• The scalp presents inflammation or pain.
• There is a progressive loss of density.

There are multiple causes of alopecia and many of them can be treated if they are diagnosed in time.

It is advisable to consult if the following appear:

• Colour changes.
• Thickening.
• Persistent pain.
• Separation of the nail.
• New dark lines.
• Progressive deformities.

Although many alterations are benign, others require a specific study.

Intense or persistent itching for weeks may be due to:

• Dermatitis.
• Psoriasis.
• Scabies.
• Systemic diseases.
• Allergic reactions.

The treatment depends on correctly identifying the cause.

You should request medical attention when an extensive eruption appears, especially if it is accompanied by:

• Fever.
• Poor general condition.
• Intense pain.
• Blisters.
• Involvement of the mouth, the eyes or the genitals.

In these situations an urgent assessment may be necessary.

Boils, abscesses, cellulitis or infections that reappear frequently may indicate the existence of predisposing factors that should be studied.

If a lesion does not improve after several weeks of correctly carried out treatment, it is advisable to review the diagnosis.

Not all diseases respond in the same way and, on occasions, it is necessary to modify the treatment or to carry out complementary tests.

Even without presenting symptoms, some people should carry out periodic check-ups.

Especially:

• People with a personal history of skin cancer.
• A family history of melanoma.
• A large number of moles.
• Very fair skin.
• A history of intense sunburn.
• Immunosuppression.
• A significant accumulated sun exposure due to work or hobbies.

The frequency must be individualised.

Aesthetic medicine must also begin with a medical assessment.

Before indicating any treatment, it is necessary to study:

• The condition of the skin.
• The lifestyle habits.
• The sun exposure.
• The expectations of the patient.
• The medical history.

The objective is not to transform the face, but to preserve a natural and healthy appearance.

It depends on the problem.

Many skin diseases evolve slowly.

Others, especially some skin tumours or certain inflammatory diseases, clearly benefit from an early diagnosis.

Consulting earlier usually allows simpler treatments and better results.

While you wait for the medical assessment:

• Do not manipulate the lesions.
• Avoid self-medicating with corticosteroids without indication.
• Take photographs if you observe progressive changes.
• Note down when the problem began.
• Bring a list of the treatments used previously.

This information can facilitate the diagnosis.

• Myth: If a lesion does not hurt, it cannot be important. Fact: Many skin cancers do not produce pain in their initial phases.
• Myth: All moles must be removed. Fact: The vast majority are completely benign and only require observation.
• Myth: Searching for information on the Internet replaces the medical consultation. Fact: Information can guide, but it never replaces a clinical examination.
• Myth: Acne always disappears with age. Fact: It can persist for years and leave scars if it is not treated properly.
• Myth: I only have to attend when the problem is serious. Fact: Early detection usually facilitates treatment and improves the prognosis.

• Not all skin lesions are serious, but some require an early diagnosis.
• Changes in a mole, a wound that does not heal or a lesion that bleeds must be evaluated.
• Acne, rosacea and hair loss respond better when they are treated from the initial phases.
• People with a higher risk of skin cancer should carry out periodic check-ups.
• Prevention and early diagnosis are the most effective tools to maintain healthy skin.