When you hear the term “dermatologist” you probably think back to awkward days in high school when you were struggling with acne. While this is a common issue for people of all ages, a dermatologist does so much more than pop pimples.

If you’ve ever wondered about the function of a dermatologist, look no further: here are some of the top conditions treated under the larger umbrella of dermatology.

Discoloration

Also known as melasma, this condition is common in people going through hormonal changes such as pregnancy. However, just about anyone going through a hormonal change can experience skin discoloration. People taking birth control pills, aging folks going through menopause, and people experiencing hormonal diseases can also experience dark patches on the skin.

These dark spots are known to get even worse when they’re exposed to the sun. While dark spots on the skin of pregnant people typically diminish a few years after giving birth, some spots stick around and make you feel uncomfortable. Luckily, dermatology specializes in all sorts of skin conditions.

One of the most common procedures performed by dermatologists to cope with discoloration is exfoliation. This might take the form of a chemical peel, dermaplaning, or microabrasion. Some dermatology practices will also use laser resurfacing to give the skin a more even appearance.

While dark spots aren’t usually a cause for concern medically, they can certainly hinder your self-confidence. If you’re suffering from the ill effects of dark spots, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dermatology center near you, like Care Station Medical.

Rosacea

However, some forms of skin discoloration do not occur because of hormonal issues. In the event someone has rosacea, these red patches can become frustrating.

Rosacea is a type of chronic skin condition that results in red skin on the face. The condition is characterized by sudden flare-ups following hot conditions. Some people may even suffer from rosacea while eating spicy food or simply going out in the sun. While there’s no known culprit for the condition, dermatologists can help subdue redness and prevent the condition from returning with creams, antibiotics, and gels.

Moles

Most people think of moles as a minor skin issue, but dermatologists know their potential severity. Many moles are simple clusters of skin cells that can be easily removed by an experienced dermatologist. However, some moles can be a foreboding sign of skin cancer.

A melanoma can be spotted by dermatologists with ease. These moles often have an irregular shape, dark complexion, or have grown considerably in a short amount of time. If you have a strange mole that fits these characteristics, getting it checked out by a dermatologist for testing is essential. Many branches of dermatology will also be equipped to handle cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Rashes and scabies

Your general practitioner might be able to tell when something is wrong with your skin, but they may not be able to give you an accurate diagnosis. In this case, you’ll need to be referred to a specialist. That’s when dermatologists come in.

The field of dermatology focuses on skin issues. When you come in with a strange rash, an experienced dermatologist will be able to test you for a variety of ailments. In some cases, it might just be contact dermatitis, a skin rash that develops from an allergen or another irritant. In other cases, it might be scabies.

Scabies is actually a parasitic rash that occurs when scabies mites burrow into your skin. This results in small raised bumps that look like any other common rash to the naked eye. When you enter a dermatology office, however, the specialists there will be able to get you the treatment you need quickly.

These are just some of the common issues that bring people into a dermatology office. Keep in mind that these specialists have experience with a number of common — and uncommon — skin issues. When you visit Care Station Medical, you can rest assured that you’ll be seen in 30 minutes or less, the average wait time for most urgent care facilities. The next time you have a skin issue, don’t hesitate to stop by for the help you deserve.