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Just like any other organ in our bodies, our skin can be an indicator of our overall health.
It’s important to pay attention to changes in our skin, as they can be warning signs for serious health conditions.
Here are five times you should consider making an appointment with a Victoria BC dermatologist.
1. You Have A Sudden Rash That Doesn’t Go Away.
You wake up one day and, much to your horror, you have a giant rash on your stomach.
Perhaps it’s red, itchy, and inflamed, or maybe it’s just a weird patch of dry skin that won’t go away no matter how much lotion you apply.
Whatever the case may be, it’s definitely not something you want to ignore.
If you have a rash that appeared out of nowhere and doesn’t seem to be going away, it’s worth getting it checked out by a dermatologist.
It could be something as harmless as an allergic reaction, but it could also be a sign of something more serious, like lupus or skin cancer. Better safe than sorry.
2. You Notice Strange Moles On Your Body.
Moles are common, but if you notice any moles that are different from the ones you already have, it’s worth getting them checked out.
Look for moles that are larger than a pencil eraser, have irregular edges, are multiple colors, or are growing rapidly. These can be warning signs for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
3. You Have Persistent Scalp Itchiness.
If you’re constantly scratching your head because of itchiness, it could be a sign of scalp Psoriasis—a condition that causes your scalp cells to grow too quickly and build up into flakes.
Dermatologists can prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms and prevent the condition from spreading to other parts of your body.
4. Your Skin Is Dry, Flaky, Or Scaly—Even After Using Moisturizer.
Have you been using a moisturizer religiously, but your skin is still flaky, dry, and itchy? You’re not alone.
Many people suffer from a condition called Eczema, which causes inflammation and irritation of the skin.
There is no cure for Eczema, but dermatologists can help manage the symptoms and provide relief. If you think you may have Eczema, it’s important to see a dermatologist so they can diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
In the meantime, there are some over-the-counter products that can help provide relief from the symptoms of Eczema.
So, if you’re suffering from dry, irritated skin, don’t despair—there are ways to get relief.
5. You Experience Excessive Hair Loss.
Hair loss is totally normal—we lose between 50-100 strands every day—but if you feel like you’re losing more hair than usual, it could be a sign of Alopecia Areata—an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp or elsewhere on the body.
While there is no cure for this condition, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further hair loss and promote regrowth.