While it’s easy to skip routine health exams that you should be getting – we recommend that your annual skin exam isn’t one of them! A yearly skin check is an important preventative health measure that applies to everyone. One simple visit each year could significantly impact your life!
As the first line of defense for identifying skin cancer, this appointment with your dermatologist should be prioritized. It’s also a great opportunity to proactively care for your body’s largest organ – and ensure healthy skin for life. If you still need to get your annual exam on the calendar and you’re looking for a dermatologist in Dexter, MO – we are here to help!
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
A dermatologist is a medical practitioner who specializes in conditions involving the hair, skin, and nails. These providers have extensive training and learn to diagnose and treat a variety of concerns – from cosmetic needs to a skin cancer diagnosis. Dermatologists care for people all throughout their lives – babies to seniors!
Here at The Dermatology Office, we can help you take care of your skin at any stage in life. Starting proactive skin care habits early on is the best way to stay healthy. Dr. Yeoman specializes in identifying and treating skin cancer and skin conditions for all ages. With over 30 years of experience – he is certified in General Surgery and Dermatology.
Our knowledgeable and skilled team consists of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates – here to help you and your entire family achieve and maintain healthy skin for years to come. If you’re looking for a dermatologist in Dexter, MO – Dr. Yeoman’s Dermatology Office is here and ready to serve you!
Why You Need to See Your Dermatologist for a Yearly Skin Check
Did you know skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer? It’s more prevalent than many people realize, affecting 1 in 5 people by the time they’re 70! The good news is that skin cancer is something you can see, and 99% of cases are curable if caught early enough and treated. Early detection puts you in control and helps assure the best possible outcomes for your health. Take ownership of your skin and overall health by getting these essential visits on the calendar!
Yearly skin checks are important for everyone – regardless of your age, race, or risk factors. However, there are certain people that are at an even higher risk of skin cancer, and should make every effort to see a dermatologist yearly, and perform their own monthly skin checks.
Higher risk populations include:
- red or blonde hair, fair skin, or light eye color
- skin that easily freckles or burns
- history of sunburns
- use of tanning beds
- more than 50 moles
- family history of skin cancer
- suspicious moles or lesions
What is a Professional Skin Exam Like?
A skin exam with a dermatologist is a fairly quick assessment done in our office. You’ll be asked to change into a medical exam gown, and the provider will explain the examination. The dermatologist will thoroughly check your skin from head to toe – paying close attention to the harder to see areas, such as your scalp and back. They may use a dermatoscope, which is a small handheld magnifying device. This helps them take a closer look at the outer layer of your skin – the epidermis – and the layers right underneath.
The dermatologist will let you know if they see any suspicious spots that they need to take a closer look at. They may want to take a biopsy, which means removing a small part of the lesion to send to a lab to analyze. This helps determine if the spot is cancerous.
A skin check is also a great time for you to ask questions, and to point out any concerns or changes you’ve noticed in your skin. You know yourself better than anyone, and you may be able to pick up on subtle changes that could be indicative of a greater problem.
When Should You Get in to See Your Dermatologist Between Appointments?
Staying consistent with your yearly skin checks is so important, but what constitutes needing to come in between appointments?
Here are some reasons you should get an appointment on the calendar to see if there is a cause for further investigation, or just some suggestions on how to address your skin concerns:
- A mole changing in appearance
A change in shape, size, color, or texture could indicate skin cancer. It’s also important to come in if your mole is bleeding, painful, itchy, or scabbing over.
- Acne that won’t go away
If your over-the-counter acne treatments aren’t doing the job, a dermatologist can provide a more effective, customized treatment for you.
- Rough scaly patches and rashes
You could be experiencing an autoimmune disease called psoriasis. This can develop at any age and affect multiple areas of the body. It’s easy to misdiagnose rashes and skin irritations, so seeing your derm is key for help with diagnosing and treating this skin condition.
- Dry, itchy, irritable skin
If it’s more than the transient dry skin that a little moisturizer resolves, you could be experiencing something more significant – like eczema. Your dermatologist will offer ideas to make you more comfortable and resolve the irritation.
- Appearance or change in light or dark patches
Changes in your skin coloring can be purely cosmetic, or they may be indicative of a bigger problem. Your dermatologist can assess if any action is needed.
- Persistent red, flushed skin and red bumps
If it’s more than the occasional redness associated with exercise or a warm day – flushed skin could mean rosacea. Your dermatologist can recommend treatments for this skin condition.
- Stubborn warts
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working on a wart, your dermatologist offers different treatments to help remove it.
- Cosmetic concerns
If you’re noticing more fine lines and wrinkles and would like to treat them – your derm can help with Botox or other injectable products. Also, if you have a mole that’s not causing problems, but you’d like it removed from a cosmetic standpoint, your dermatologist can assist with an excision of the lesion too!
Give us a call at one of our locations most convenient to you today! We look forward to serving as your derm team!
