There’s no denying the need and demand for cosmetic dermatologists. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology has said the number of patients seeking dermatology services is outpacing the number of providers and they predict there will soon be a shortage of providers.
Skin Cancer
Despite the risks, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that one in three white women use tanning beds regularly. Additionally, they say people don’t use sunscreen when they are out in the sun or they don’t use it correctly. Many assume a high SPF means they only have to apply it once and they will be protected all day. Even if a product is labeled “SPF 10,000,” it will still need to be reapplied. People also think that a tan offers some sort of protection but it doesn’t. It’s just a different version of skin damage than a sun burn.
One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lives. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer but is highly curable if caught early, making visits to a cosmetic dermatologist critical. Once it has spread to the lymph nodes or beyond, it can be very hard to treat. Other skin cancers impact two million people each year.
Acne
Few people escape their teenage years without experiencing acne, it is the most common skin disorder in the U.S.. It is so common in teens and adults that it is hard to turn on the TV and not see a commercial for some kind of acne treatment. Nearly 85 precent of people have had acne — that’s 40 to 50 million Americans. Nearly 40 percent of people over 15 have acne scars, which can be very detrimental to a person’s self esteem. A cosmetic dermatologist will have a lot more tools at their disposal to treat moderate to severe acne and early intervention can prevent scarring.
Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Like acne, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can be embarrassing for their sufferers. They cause red, itchy, scaly patches of skin. There is no cure for either but a cosmetic dermatologist can offer treatments to lessen the outbreaks and alleviate the uncomfortable itching. There are a host of treatments for these conditions including ointments, creams, shampoos — even injections and oral medications. For the nearly 7.5 million psoriasis sufferers, there are new treatments than can prevent it from becoming arthritic in nature.
Today’s society is a vain one. We are obsessed with how we look and when skin conditions arise they can be unpleasant or worse. Tanning bed companies like to downplay the severity of skin cancer but it is very deadly and serious. Regular visits to a dermatologist are vital. Dermatologists are the only ones who can diagnose and treat all of these conditions. Early intervention can be critical in preventing scars or complications from skin cancer or psoriasis.
