Visiting a dermatologist on a regular basis is something that everyone can benefit from. Our skin is one of the most sensitive organs that we have, and many people don’t consider the broad range of potential ailments that come with it.

With many skin conditions ranging from mild to more severe, only a skilled dermatologist has the expertise to discern the true health of your skin. Over a million Americans are suffering from melanoma, and there are roughly 9,500 people diagnosed with skin cancer on a daily basis. We’re here to discuss why it’s crucial to find a dermatologist you can rely on.

The Importance of Protecting Our Skin

As we go through our everyday lives, it isn’t always common to see significant changes in our skin. Over the course of years, maybe so, but in general, most people disregard minor changes to their skin. Some are more common than others, such as acne, blemishes, and minor discolorations. However, even the smallest changes in our skin could be a precursor to a bigger problem down the road.

You also have to take into consideration that we can’t see every inch of our body with our own eyes. It’s easy for various changes in our skin to slip past us and go unnoticed. In the same vein, a dermatologist has the training and expertise to identify changes in our skin that we may not think twice about.

You don’t need to visit a dermatologist on a monthly basis, but it’s a good idea to keep a consistent schedule with one or two visits per year. This is because some developments on the skin can be pretty rapid, and it’s best to stay ahead of the curve regarding your health. Although a dermatologist is more than equipped to evaluate the health of your skin, there are many common changes that you can identify yourself at home.

What to Look Out For

Throughout our entire lives, our skin will constantly be changing, and there are some changes in our skin that we all have to deal with at some point. It’s no secret that some people struggle with skin health more than others. There are also certain individuals who have excellent skin health due to a number of reasons, whether it’s diet, genetics, or a consistent skincare routine. Nevertheless, it’s important to review some of the most common changes that can happen to our skin.

Acne

Dreaded by many individuals in their teens, acne is something that can affect almost any age group. It’s actually quite common for those in their early teens all the way up into their 30s. This is due to several factors, but you don’t have to let it run rampant if it’s something you’re struggling with. Seeking a dermatologist for acne treatment is a good place to start if over-the-counter solutions don’t seem to help.

Your dermatologist will be able to provide numerous suggestions from a medical standpoint that can help you improve the quality of your skin in the long run. They might also make dietary or skincare suggestions, as each patient’s situation is unique. Many people search online for an “acne dermatologist near me,” and we’re here with open arms to anyone who needs a dermatologist they can rely on.

Alopecia

Alopecia is the scientific word for hair loss. Some people with alopecia lose patches of hair, some have thinning hair and some become completely bald. Men and women can experience this condition at any age.

Numerous types of alopecia can occur, including alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia (also known as female pattern hair loss or male pattern hair loss), traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and cicatricial alopecia. Sometimes the cause of the alopecia is discovered but oftentimes the cause is unknown.

The type of alopecia a person is experiencing will help us choose their ideal treatment. Treatment options include hair-regrowth medications like Rogaine and minoxidil, Propecia and finasteride, baricitinib (Olumiant®), ritlecitinib (Litfulo®), corticosteroid injections, spironolactone, platelet-rich plasma injections (also known as PRP injections), and vitamins.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by rashes, itchiness, discoloration, dryness, and a scaly texture to the skin. Sufferers must avoid fabrics that might irritate the skin, along with hot baths and showers, since these can cause flare-ups. Atopic dermatitis may occur anywhere on the body but in children, it is often found on the inside of the arm crease and behind the knees. Although it is more common in children, adults may also develop atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis can profoundly affect the quality of one’s life as it may impact sleep patterns, make it difficult to concentrate in school or at work, and cause depression.

While atopic dermatitis can’t be cured, its symptoms can be addressed with the help of a number of options. Potential treatment options for atopic dermatitis include prescription pills and creams. In years past, the only topical treatments for atopic dermatitis were topical steroid (corticosteroid) creams, but now there are many other non-steroidal options such as: tacrolimus (Protopic®), pimecrolimus (Elidel®), crisaborole (Eucrisa®), ruxolitinib (Opzelura®), roflumilast (Zoryve®), tapinarof (Vtama®). In addition to topical medications, there are also injectable medications like dupilumab (Dupixent®) and tralokinumab (Adbry®) and pills such as upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) and abrocitinib (Cibinqo®). For all patients with atopic dermatitis, good skin care is important and should include quality moisturizers and use of gentle soaps.

Eczema

With this specific condition, the skin can become dry, scaly, red, and irritated. Likely to be the most troublesome aspect of the condition is how itchy the skin can become. It can put people in a vicious cycle of constantly scratching to satisfy the itch while furthering their skin complications.

Eczema can be hard to manage as it can pop up on nearly any part of the skin. Some people find solace in over-the-counter treatments, but most need the professional help of a dermatologist. This can require special medications that have to be used until the condition alleviates. It’s also known to be a rather stubborn skin condition that can persist through your whole life.

Hives

Hives (also known as urticaria) are an allergic reaction that presents in the form of swollen welts or splotches. Hives can be very small or quite large and can cause a stinging, itchy, or burning sensation. In certain cases, they may be short-lived, while in others, they can be chronic and recurring.

The vast majority of people with hives never uncover what is causing their hives however common causes include: medications, viruses and other infections and allergens. Allergens that can potentially cause hives include: certain medications or foods, various types of insect stings or bites, and certain chemicals. Stress, colds, and sustained skin pressure may also cause hives.

To treat hives, you may need topical steroid creams or pills, antihistamine pills, or other types of inflammation-reducing medications. Omalizumab (Xolair®) is one of the newer medications to treat a type of hives known as chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Keratosis Pilaris

This skin condition is also called chicken skin and appears as tiny red bumps around hair follicles. These bumps occur due to excess keratin protein in the skin. They can form on the upper arms, legs, rear end, or any other area with hair follicles.

The itching and dryness caused by keratosis pilaris can be addressed using certain moisturizing creams. Some active ingredients that may help keratosis pilaris include: glycolic acid, salicyclic acid, and urea. Avoid waxing or shaving in the affected region, along with hot showers.

Melasma

People with blue-gray, light brown, or dark brown spots or patches on their skin may have a condition called melasma. Also called chloasma, melasma darkens during summer and lightens during winter. It typically appears on areas like the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and above the upper lip. It can also affect the forearms, back, and neck.

Melasma is an overproduction of pigment cells that is believed to be due to increased progesterone and estrogen hormones. It often affects pregnant women but can be seen in non-pregnant women and rarely in men. Women on any type of hormone (such as birth control pills) may be more likely to develop melasma.

Melasma can be addressed with the help of chemical peels (glycolic peels, Jessner’s peels or Vi chemical peels), or medications like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, or tretinoin. While many lasers may worsen melasma, some lasers such as the PicoWay laser may help melasma. 

Moles

Moles are small round or oval-shaped growths that form on the skin. Also called nevi (“nevus” if singular), moles can be brown, black, or tan in color, or they may sometimes be red, blue, or pink. Some moles are flat, whereas others are raised.

These growths are very common and can form on any part of the skin. They are composed of clusters of melanocyte cells. In some cases, they’re congenital (meaning present at birth), while in others, they form during childhood.

Moles that may be cancerous must be evaluated using a biopsy, where tissue is removed and checked for cancer cells. We also offer a number of mole-removal methods for cosmetic purposes.

Pearly Penile Papules

“Papules” is the dermatologic word that describes tiny bumps on the skin that may be pinkish, whitish, or yellowish growths. Pearly penile papules and many small pinhead sized bumps that form in rows around the head of the penis and most commonly affect uncircumcised men. They are not an STI (sexually transmitted infection) and cannot be transmitted. They are not dangerous but many men are bothered by their appearance.

Dr. Graber has a great deal of experience with treating these papules and can effectively remove them at our office.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

These plants contain urushiol oil, which causes allergic reactions in the form of painful and itchy rashes. Direct, indirect, and even airborne contact with the urushiol oil on these plants can result in itching, swelling, hives, red streaks, and blisters. These symptoms are not contagious but are very uncomfortable and typically affect a person for up to three weeks.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash treatments include prescription steroid pills or ointments, antibiotics, and OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream. Cool compresses and lukewarm baths can also help. Many people falsely believe that you can spread poison ivy or poison oak/sumac by scratching, but this is not true. Most often, this rash spreads by contact with a clothing or a pet that is carrying the urushiol oil.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that presents as rashes and scaly patches in areas like the elbows, knees, scalp, and abdomen. These dry patches can be itchy and painful, and they may bleed. In some patients, psoriasis not only affects the skin, but can also damage the joints, causing psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis cannot be cured, and flare-ups can be triggered by certain medications, infections, burns, and cuts.

A number of psoriasis treatment options are available. Injections and pills may be necessary, or topical treatments like lotions and creams. Corticosteroids, retinoids, coal tar, and salicylic acid are all common treatment options.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin problem that manifests in the form of facial redness, small bumps, and enlarged and broken blood vessels most often on the nose and cheeks. A burning sensation is common, as are sensitive skin, dry eyes and swollen eyelids. The skin of the nose can also become thicker, resulting in an enlarged appearance.

This issue cannot be cured, and flare-ups can last weeks or months. Flare-ups may occur when triggered by alcohol, extreme temperatures, spicy foods, sunlight or exercise.

At our office, we offer pulsed-dye laser treatment for rosacea. Topical ivermectin cream, azelaic acid, sulfacetamide sulfur, and metronidazole are also options, as are oxymetazoline, brimonidine, prescription benzoyl peroxide and oral antibiotics like doxycycline (Oracea®) and minocycline (Emrosi®). Rarely, severe cases of rosacea are treated with an oral medication called isotretinoin.

Shingles

This skin infection appears as a single line or cluster of painful blisters or bumps that bends around one side of a person. It may be on one side of the torso, on one arm, one leg, or it can also appear around the left or right eye or on one side of the face or the neck.

Shingles blisters can be itchy and can cause a burning or tingling sensation. People with shingles may also experience fatigue, light sensitivity, fever, and headaches. Shingles on the face may be very dangerous in that the infection may get into the eyes.

The cause of shingles is a reactivation of a virus called the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

To treat shingles, we may recommend antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir and pain-control medications. Rapid treatment is best, since the issue can result in complications over time.

Skin Cancer

This may be less common than many other skin conditions, but it’s important to cover the different types of skin cancer. Considering that our skin is constantly exposed to outside elements, such as sunlight, pollution, viruses, and bacteria, it’s susceptible to many different types of illnesses, diseases, and conditions.

There are three well-known types of skin cancer your dermatologist will look for. These include basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. If left unchecked, these types of cancers can develop into more serious health issues. From another angle, if you’re proactive about your dermatologist appointments, they can identify and take care of it before it becomes a serious health complication.

Most skin cancers develop from exposure to UV rays, but family medical history, immune dysfunctions, and chemical exposures can also cause them. It’s something that can be managed at an early stage, but it requires the help of a dermatologist to be able to identify it.

If you can’t remember the last appointment you had with a dermatologist, it’d serve you well to schedule an appointment for a standard skin cancer screening. In many cases, your skin will be entirely fine, but on the off chance your dermatologist discovers an abnormality, you can take action right away and protect your health.

Warts

Another common development on our skin, warts can pop up in many different areas. Some people may never experience a wart in their life, while others struggle with them on and off. For the most part, warts develop on the hands and fingers. They feel rough to the touch and may also include small black dots, which are clotted blood vessels.

In most cases, they’re relatively painless and pretty simple to remove as well. You can visit a dermatologist for wart removal services. This usually entails cryotherapy, which focuses on using liquid nitrogen to destroy the wart virus directly. Depending on the wart’s size and location, this can take one or multiple sessions to be successful.

General Dermatology Consultation

The Dermatology Institute of Boston is recognized as one of the best dermatology providers in Boston. Our team of board-certified specialists are capable of treating a wide range of general dermatology issues.

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