The top 5 reasons to see a dermatologist

This post was written in collaboration with The British Skin Foundation 

Two in three of us will suffer from some form of skin disease in our lifetime, so it’s important to visit a dermatologist if you’re struggling with symptoms. They can help you monitor your skin health and offer the best treatment for your condition. Consultant Dermatologist Professor John Lear at The Alexandra Hospital shares the five top reasons why you should see a dermatologist.

1: Get relief from unpleasant symptoms

Living with a skin condition can come with a great deal of physical discomfort. Many skin conditions cause symptoms such as persistent itching, rashes that burn, and cracked skin that bleeds. You might even suffer with painful sores or lesions that appear as bumps or large spots that bleed regularly.

We understand that these symptoms can be extremely disruptive to your everyday routine and emotional wellbeing. Constant itching and inflammation can lead to restlessness, sleeplessness, and chronic physical pain. Some of the most common skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, and acne), cause these symptoms. Visiting a dermatologist and seeking their expert advice will offer you the treatment plan and relief you deserve.

2: Get personalised, expert care

Everyone is affected by skin conditions differently, making symptoms vary from person to person. Your treatment needs to be as unique as you. While over-the-counter medication can sometimes help soothe your symptoms, it’s important to work with a consultant dermatologist who understands the impact your condition has on your life, and how to make it better along the way.

They will use their skills and expertise to build a treatment plan that fits your needs and provides relief as quickly as possible. Whether that be topical cream, oral medication, or a combination of both, they will find the right one for you.

3: Get peace of mind

You might find an unusual mole or notice changes in your symptoms that make you feel worried. Your dermatologist can thoroughly examine your skin and provide specialist advice and fast reassurance when you need it most. If you need further testing or a different type of treatment than your current one, they will offer this as soon as possible.

4: Feel like you again

Having a skin condition can alter your physical appearance. You might feel self-conscious about your skin and avoid social situations as a result. It is not uncommon to experience feelings of shame, isolation, and embarrassment as an extension of this, which can have a dramatic impact on your mental health.

Although living with these feelings can be very hard, there are many treatment options available to help reduce and even eliminate the appearance of a skin condition. Your dermatologist will make sure you find the right one for you. With the right treatment, you can get back to feeling like you again.

5: Put your skin first

There are countless benefits to having healthy skin. It helps regulate your body temperature, prevents dehydration, and allows your body to fight off infections. Seeing a dermatologist empowers you to prioritise your skin health and experience the benefits of putting your skin first. Not only does having healthy skin improve your overall health, but being skin conscious helps you recognise changes to your skin (such as new moles), that can be treated by a dermatologist.

Don’t wait to see a dermatologist

We understand that waiting lists for dermatology consultations are at an all-time high, with some people waiting over a year to see a specialist.

Waiting for an appointment can be an extremely worrying and uncertain time, especially if you are seeking advice about an unusual lesion or changes to a current one.

If you go private for treatment, you don’t have to wait long to see a specialist. You can also choose the specialist you want to see based on your needs. For example, you can choose a consultant dermatologist who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis if your symptoms match this condition.

Need help finding a private dermatology clinic close to you? The British Skin Foundation has created a simple-to-use map of private clinics across the UK, so you can get treatment as soon as possible.

Use the British Skin Foundation clinic map to find a consultant dermatologist today!