Skin conditions can vary greatly in terms of severity and symptoms. They can be permanent or temporary and may be painful or not at all. Some conditions are minor while others can be life-threatening.
Regardless, skin diseases are unsightly and may affect your appearance. Fortunately, most skin conditions can be treated. But with numerous treatment options available to you, how do you choose the right one?
Finding the right skincare treatment starts with you. Chances are, this is not your first time dealing with a skin condition. So, the very first thing you need to consider is to take a look at all the past treatments that you have tried, if any, and determine what didn't work along.
Also, you need to understand what causes your skin conditions.
Anything that clogs irritates, or inflames your skin can cause skin problems. Numerous health conditions and lifestyle factors can also result in the development of certain skin disorders. Knowing which causes your skin conditions can help you determine which changes you need and how to counter these problems.
As mentioned before, most skin conditions respond well to treatment. And depending on the condition, you have a wide variety of options to choose from.
Laser or light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses light energy in order to regenerate and repair damaged skin. Regularly scheduled light therapy sessions can help heal various skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne, and even types of skin cancers. Learn about light therapy for skin and more tips here .
Oral treatments are often prescribed to treat numerous skin conditions.
Antibiotics are the commonly prescribed medication to treat numerous skin conditions, particularly the ones caused by bacteria such as eczema or an inflamed cyst.
Antihistamines, on the other hand, are often prescribed to those with skin allergies.
Topical medications are often prescribed to treat common skin issues such as . These can be in form of lotions, creams, gels, ointments, and powders. They contain specific medical formulations to treat various skin conditions.
In some skin conditions, a surgical procedure is an option. These conditions include cysts, lipomas, skin cancer, or any large, suspicious or bothersome growth.
Some treatments for skin conditions might have side effects. As such, you need to research carefully and consider if the treatment will be safe for you and won't aggravate your symptoms or cause other health problems.
For instance, antibiotics may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or upset stomach. Some topical medications can actually worsen your symptoms. Antihistamines can make you sleepy. Light therapy, on the other hand, may cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
By understanding the side effects of your chosen treatment, you can better plan which one would be best for you to try with minimal implications.
- Understand How Long And How Much It Will Take
While most skin treatments can be effective immediately or in a few days, others can take weeks and even months for you to notice improvements. Also, treatments like light therapy require regular appointments and sessions to ensure the effectiveness of treatment.
Other than that, you also need to consider how much you're willing to spend. Most oral treatments are affordable ways to instantly relieve certain skin symptoms. Meanwhile, aggressive treatments such as light therapy can be a hefty investment. With more permanent conditions, you also have to think about the cost of treatment maintenance.
Dermatologists are the experts in conditions involving the skin as well as the nails and hair. They can identify, diagnose and treat numerous skin conditions. So, consulting with a reliable dermatologist can help you find the right treatment for your skin condition.
You can ask your close friends and family as well as your primary care physician for recommendations on reputable dermatologists near you. The internet is also a great source for finding a dermatologist to consult.
Look out for reviews and testimonials on the internet on specific dermatologists and clinics. Check if they have board certification and license to practice skincare. Also, you might want to consider their experience and specialization, which are extremely valuable for treating certain conditions.
Once you find the right dermatologist, they should help create a skin treatment plan for your specific condition.
Conclusion
Being the largest organ of the body and our first line of defense, the skin can sometimes seem to be impossible to manage. Whether you wake up to a huge zit on your forehead or suffering from temporary, genetic skin disease, following the tips above should help you find the right treatment for your skin problem.