Speak Dermatologist: Get the Most Out of Your Next Appointment.

Let’s face it, most of the reasons you visit the dermatologist are far from glamorous and sometimes outright embarrassing. No one wants to suffer adult acne or conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
However, it’s important you put aside the awkwardness to help your skin get better. So, what's the best way to get useful information from your next appointment? Speak their language. Below are several fully-explained dermatological terms to help you understand what your doctor is saying.

Commonly Known Skin Conditions

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Eczema, acne, and psoriasis are just a few of the most known skin conditions. As teenagers, we are familiar with acne and the products we use to keep it at bay. However, when these conditions become worse in adulthood, you’ll need to speak up and ask about your possible condition.

• Acne – A red or white, small protrusion on the top layer of skin is the result of pores becoming clogged by dirt and oil. Acne is commonly seen on the back, chest, neck, shoulders, and face.
• Eczema – Considered a lingering skin condition, skin infected with eczema becomes red, cracked, and itches due to dryness. Eczema sometimes begins at five years of age and sometimes carries over into adulthood.
• Psoriasis – Made up of excess skin, psoriasis lingers for a time and is genetically passed on. Skin will seem red and thick, silvery scales show upon the skin. Most commonly found on knees and elbows, psoriasis spreads to other parts of the body.

Additional Conditions of the Skin

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Certain skin conditions have added problems such as abscesses, cysts, scars, and skin lesions. While they’re sometimes unbearable to look at, they can also be painful. It's best to visit your dermatologist instead of trying to treat them on your own. Be familiar with the terms that doctors use for these types of problems.

• Abscess – Common to several skin conditions, abscesses result from cavities formed by tissue breaking down.
• Cysts – These little sacs grow beneath the subcutaneous layer of skin. They're hard and sometimes contain hardened material or liquid. If not treated properly, they protrude and break through the top layer of skin.
• Scars – Usually the result of an injury, scarred skin results from what the body has repaired naturally. Depending on the injury's severity, the scar will fade or stay slightly discolored.
• Skin Lesions – While they vary in texture and color, primary skin lesions may appear to be a birthmark or mole. Those associated with acne or psoriasis, known as secondary lesions, result from scratching or picking, and produce a large area of infected skin.

Good Hygiene and Skin Care is Important
 
If you suspect you have any of the conditions above, talking to your dermatologist is the best way to get help. However, good skin hygiene is important. Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a cleanser. Additionally, eating properly helps keep skin conditions at bay. For instance, to decrease acne, incorporate more vegetables and fruit in your diet to keep your body regular.

Drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily also improves skin’s fullness and maintains adequate moisture. Using essential oils, such as grape seed oil, keeps wrinkles at bay.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask your dermatologist questions. If something on your skin doesn’t seem right, speak up.

(Guest Post by Kerry Jones)