How Often Should You Make an Appointment with a Dermatologist?

Dermatologists play an important role in helping you maintain good overall health. While a San Francisco certified dermatology clinic can perform cosmetic procedures that boost your self-confidence, they also deal with issues like skin cancer. The skin is the body's largest organ, and a dermatologist ensures it's healthy.

But how often do you need to see a dermatologist?

The Importance of Annual Screenings

Ideally, it's best to treat dermatology visits the same way you do your primary care doctor and dentist. Dermatologists recommend once-a-year visits.

Annual visits are about preventative care. The skin is complex and can experience various issues throughout your life. Beyond aesthetic issues like acne and clogged pores, your skin can develop moles and lesions that point to serious underlying health problems like skin cancer.

Yearly screenings aim to detect cancer and other substantial health problems early. Catching those issues as soon as possible can significantly affect the treatment process.

During a screening, dermatologists will check your body from head to toe. They may track changes with moles or other marks. They may also perform a biopsy to check for cancer if they notice anything unusual.

These appointments are simple, but they can save your life.

When to Visit a Dermatologist More Than Once a Year

Most people will do fine visiting a San Francisco certified dermatology expert once a year. But some may need to do screenings more often.

People at a high risk of skin cancer should see a dermatologist multiple times a year. The high-risk category includes individuals with:

• A family history of melanoma (skin cancer)
• Previous cases of cancer
• Large moles or lesions
• Light natural skin color
• Freckles
• Skin that's susceptible to burning instead of tanning
• Jobs that require frequent sun exposure

In these cases, more frequent visits are paramount. The skin can change fast, and multiple screenings per year can help you keep track of your skin and health.

Of course, you can also visit a dermatologist at any point. If you notice a new mole or mark on your skin, having a professional look at it for safe measure never hurts.

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