The skin is the largest organ of the body. If you are having skin issues, there is a chance your general practitioner will refer you to a Long Beach Dermatologist, or skin specialist. There are qualified dermatologists available throughout the Long Beach and surrounding areas including Belmont Shore, Los Alamitos, Signal Hill and Lakewood.
Informercial
There are many types of skin conditions that a good Long Beach Dermatologist has experience treating. Before visiting your Long Beach Dermatologist for the first time, you might want to research commonly known skin conditions and their symptoms to compare with what you are experiencing.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is the generic term for any type of general irritation of the skin. When you visit your Long Beach Dermatologist for the first time, he or she may diagnose you with one of the many common types of dermatitis including atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema), contact dermatitis (which is normally caused by the body coming in contact with an allergen) or seborrheic dermatitis (better known as dandruff). A Long Beach Dermatologist may prescribe topical creams and ointments to help relieve and treat the symptoms but could also prescribe oral pills. You dermatologist may also recommend lifestyle changes like a change in diet, exercise and limiting the types of soaps and other irritants that come in contact with the skin on a regular basis that could be worsening or causing the problem.
Skin Cancer
Cancer of the skin is scary, but a good Long Beach Dermatologist will not only take care of regular screenings but will also share information about skin cancer prevention. If you do get a diagnosis, whether you are diagnosed with one of the three common types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma) or a more rare type of non-melanoma skin cancer, your dermatologist will have a variety of treatment methods to discuss with you and help you make an informed decision about how to handle your health. The best Long Beach Dermatologist will have a network of trusted and experienced specialists to refer you to when your particular situation is out of their scope of expertise. Listen carefully to your health professional and ask questions if you don’t understand something.
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Pigment disorders are abnormalities with the coloration of the skin and how pigment is distributed throughout the skin. Two of the most commonly discussed pigment disorders are melasma, when dark spots appear on the skin because of too much pigment and vitiligo, when the skin loses pigment (or melanin) and appears lighter. Pigment disorders can affect not only the skin, but also the skin’s appendages like the hair and eyes. If you think you have a pigment disorder, visit a Long Beach Dermatologist who has experience diagnosing and treating pigment disorders.
Signal Hill Dermatologist – Trust an Expert
When you entrust the health of your largest organ to a doctor, you want to ensure that doctor is well trained and is an expert in their field. Is your Signal Hill Dermatologist a part of the American Academy of Dermatology? If so, you can at least know they are receiving mandatory continuing education and peer reviews. Ask your Signal Hill Dermatologist what kind of special training they have received, and inquire about whether or not they stay on the cutting edge of new technological advances in the field of dermatology. If you do not feel the Signal Hill Dermatologist you first visit is an expert in the area you need treatment, find one who is.
Belmont Shore Dermatologist – Get Information About Sun Safety
If your Belmont Shore Dermatologist is a part of the American Academy of Dermatology, they have access to a variety of materials and programs designed to increase public awareness about sun safety. Ask your Belmont Shore Dermatologist if there is a free skin cancer screening program you can participate in, and ask for tips to avoid skin damage in the sun. New parents should take special care when dealing with their infant’s skin and the sun for the first time. Your Belmont Shore Dermatologist will be able to give you guidelines about how long your infant is safe to be in the sun, and what kinds of sunscreens and shading devices are effective in protecting infant skin.
Los Alamitos Dermatologist – Ask About Insurance
Not all dermatologists are covered by insurance plans. Depending on the procedure, you may not get any help from your insurance company to cover the cost of your Los Alamitos Dermatologist. When you schedule your first appointment with the Los Alamitos Dermatologist, be sure to provide them with insurance information and ask if there are going to be out of pocket fees for the first office visit. If you are aware of a required or recommended procedure, call your insurance provider and ask if the procedure will be fully or partially covered. Avoid assumptions and false expectations about insurance coverage by doing your research before you ever enter the office of your Los Alamitos Dermatologist.
Lakewood Dermatologist – Weigh the Benefits and Risks of Cosmetic Surgery
A Lakewood Dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology is the best choice if you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure. Whether you are interested in removing keloid scarring from your body or want to tighten the skin on your face be aware of the risks involved with whatever cosmetic surgery procedure you consider. Ask your Lakewood Dermatologist to furnish you with information sheets and pamphlets that discuss side effects of medications you might have to take during recover as well as common problems. You doctor should be forthright with you about the risks when discussing how beneficial the procedure could be. Be wary of healthcare providers who do not disclose all information about decisions that could affect your health.
