Skincare is an important concern for anyone, regardless of their age. Due to the skin’s constant exposure to changing weather conditions and the fluctuations of a person’s health, skincare suffers from a variety of ailments. Dry skin, acne, and premature aging are only a few of the most common types of skin conditions that a person may face. Additionally, a person’s skin can often provide a clue as to other critical health conditions that may need to be addressed. When facing a potential skin care problem, many people may also need to decide if it is serious enough to see a dermatologist or if they should make do with an over-the-counter cream. To help a person decide the best course of treatment for their skin condition, the following guide is offered to describe when it is best to seek help from a professional dermatologist.
Types of Over-the-Counter Skin Care
The majority of over-the-counter treatments consist of lotions and creams that are designed to provide prompt relief for a temporary condition. Generally, a person may use lotion to relieve dry skin. Anti-itch medicines can also be used to relieve the itching associated with an allergic rash or insect bite. For minor sunburn, many people find that aloe vera gel can be helpful for stopping the stinging symptoms of damaged skin. Over-the-counter creams also tout anti-aging benefits that are similar to prescription medications; however, these are often either ineffective or overly harsh to the skin. Acne treatments are also available over-the-counter. While these may be effective for the occasional blemish, they cannot treat a serious case of acne. For over-the-counter care, the rule of thumb should be to use these products only when a skin problem has already been diagnosed and is expected to be temporary.
Signs of a Serious Skin Problem
A serious skin problem may be hard to detect in its initial stages. For example, an issue such as eczema may begin as small patches of dry skin. Often, a person will attempt to treat these dry patches with over-the-counter lotion before realizing that this is ineffective. Some serious skin problems may actually worsen when treated with over-the-counter medication. For example, an infection that is treated with an over-the-counter cream may spread rapidly and cause further skin damage. Generally, any skin condition that does not respond to at-home treatment within a few days should be referred to a dermatologist.
Benefits of a Dermatologist
A dermatologist can provide many important benefits for a person suffering from a skin condition. They have the education and training to diagnose and treat even the most serious skin problems. During a consultation, a dermatologist will observe a person’s skin to determine the best course of treatment. Additionally, dermatologists can write prescriptions for medications that are not available over-the-counter. These medications are generally more effective for treating conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. A dermatologist can also help a person to reduce the damage done to their skin by the sun and other potential risk factors. With their help, a person can often reduce the signs of premature aging.
Although many over-the-counter creams claim to be just as effective as prescription medications, they are not always able to live up to the promises made in their advertisements. Additionally, many chronic skin conditions are best treated under the guidance of a licensed dermatologist. When in doubt, or if a skin problem fails to respond to home treatments, it is always best to seek the advice of a dermatologist who can recommend the best course of treatment for any skin condition.
This article is a contribution from the skincare enthusiasts at Mountain View Dermatology who share skincare tips and information online.
