2nd April 2019
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so naturally with such a large surface area and exposure to the elements it can show the signs of fatigue. You may not need a dermatologist for tired skin, though we do have treatments to benefit this, but when your body’s largest organ begins to show signs of complex skin conditions and irritation then a professional is who you need to seek. Here are the key reasons that indicate you need the advice of a dermatologist.
Sun-damaged skin and lesions at risk of skin cancers
If you are seeking anti-ageing treatments for your skin that starts to show signs of ageing, there may be lumps, changes or moles on the skin that are caused by sun damage, and therefore may be prone to skin cancers. A dermatologist will be able to help you identify at-risk skin lesions that need medical treatment before they become serious, as well as improving your skin overall to suit your anti-ageing needs.
Adult acne and problematic skin
Acne is wrongly associated with teenage years and puberty, because it is also prevalent in adults and some have adult-onset acne starting from mid-late 20s. A few small blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads now and again are normal, especially if you’re not practising regular skincare. Recurring acne spots, cystic acne, and painful or pigmented spots might indicate that you’re experiencing moderate-severe acne, which is what a dermatologist can help you with. Another common misconception about acne is that it occurs because your skin is dirty and you don’t wash your face enough, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Acne sufferers are usually the people who are most vigilant with their skincare and have tried plenty of high-street products. Your dermatologist will help assure you that acne doesn’t occur because of what is on top of your skin, but rather because of the inner workings of your skin. It’s how your skin functions and the oils it produces and your genetic predisposition at times, not because your skin is ‘dirty’.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis (so-ri-a-sis) is a very common skin condition that inflames the skin. It causes red, flaky, sometimes ‘scaly’ patches of skin that can flare up during periods of stress or anxiety. Skin cells are normally made and replaced every 3 to 4 weeks, but in psoriasis this process only takes about 3 to 7 days. The resulting build-up of skin cells is what creates the patches associated with psoriasis. Although the process isn’t fully understood, it’s thought to be related to a problem with the immune system. The immune system is your body’s defence against disease and infection, but for people with psoriasis, it attacks healthy skin cells by mistake. Its flareups can be controlled by medical creams and oral medications available through your dermatologist after an honest and in-depth consultation.
Eczema
Not to be confused with psoriasis, eczema is another incredibly common inflammatory skin condition which affects 1 in 5 children in the UK, though it can occur in later life too. It causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy, and cracked. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, though it can be hereditary and be linked to allergies like asthma and hay fever. Flareups can be controlled using medical creams and oral medications available through your dermatologist, who will help you maintain the results after the reaction has settled back into a more manageable and comfortable state.
Visit your dermatologist in Manchester
If you are experiencing a skin condition and want to bring it under more manageable control, then visit Dr Nicole at Lumiere Clinic. She will perform a detailed consultation to learn all about you and your skin before creating a personalised treatment plan. To book your initial consultation, get in touch on 0161 236 6500 today.