It has been said that beauty is only skin deep–and the same can be said for some health issues.
From acne to irregularly shaped moles to melanoma and cosmetic concerns, Americans have more reasons than ever to seek out dermatology services.
In fact, according to the American Skin Association, it is estimated that 100 million Americans suffer from skin cancers, diseases and other disorders.
And our providers are able to help remedy every day concerns that affect patients’ skin.
If you or someone you care about has concerns about their skin–cosmetic or otherwise–it might be time to seek dermatology services. Here’s a look at several of the ways that your primary care physician can help treat children and adults with certain skin disorders.
Acne Treatment
Acne affects an estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 and is the most common skin disease in the United States, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. In fact, at any given time there are 50 million Americans living with acne.
While some let acne run its course, the American Academy of Dermatology says that’s not always the best decision.
Without treatment, acne can leave permanent scars on the skin–and treatments are available for those who seek dermatology services.
Disease Treatment
Did you know that more than 3,000 different diseases of the skin are diagnosed each year including acne (which is considered a disease), eczema, psoriasis and even nail infections?
While many of these diseases are not life-threatening, most do create cosmetic concerns for the people who have them. Bumps and growths that appear on the surface or just below the skin can have a significant effect on the way people look, feel about themselves and are perceived by others.
Your primary care physician can help diagnose the disease and recommend treatments that reduce or eliminate the cosmetic concerns. Alternatively, they can refer you to a dermatologist if the problem is beyond their scope of focus.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, more than 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are treated in the country–more than new cases of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
Basal cell carcinoma–the least dangerous of skin cancers–is the most common form of skin cancer, with more than 4 million new cases diagnosed each year. It is followed by squamous cell carcinoma, which can metastasize and be deadly and is diagnosed more than 1 million times a year.
Many types of skin cancer are initially diagnosed through dermatology services before the patients are referred to oncologists for further treatment.
Rashes
Rashes seem like a rite of passage. From diaper rash to those caused by allergic reactions, dermatologists treat them all.
It’s important to note that all rashes may look alike to the untrained eye, but some are more serious than others. Your dermatologist will be able to help identify the cause of the rash–and prescribe treatments that stop the pain and make them go away.
Cosmetic Concerns
As people age, their skin starts to show the years. Wrinkles appear. Acne scars become more pronounced. Surgical scars serve as reminders of painful pasts and prolonged health concerns.
Primary care providers are highly skilled at helping people find solutions to their cosmetic concerns.
Dermatology Services for Newborns to 100 and Older
If you are among the millions of American concerned about your skin, hair or nails, connect with your primary care physician today.
Your primary care physician can help address the problem–whether it’s cosmetic, medical or simply something that will get you back to looking and feeling like yourself again. If you don’t have a primary care provider at the moment, make sure to book an appointment with us!
