Dermatologists Can Help You Identify These 7 Non-Skin Issues
People understandably tend to view dermatology as largely being the science of skincare. However, many issues appear initially at the skin even though they're not what you might fundamentally think of as skin problems. Read on to learn how dermatologists may spot these 7 non-skin concerns.
Arthritis
Yes, patients tend to first notice arthritic issues in their joints. However, some conditions like psoriatic arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome may appear as skin problems. Psoriatic arthritis can manifest as dry or itchy skin. Sjogren's syndrome can cause similar dryness around the eyes.
Lupus
Cutaneous lupus is a common problem among folks who develop some form of lupus. It often appears as reddening around the cheeks. You might not know you have the disorder if you're feeling okay, and a trip to a dermatology clinic may be your first chance to learn about it.
Cancer
Skin cancer is an incredibly common form of the disease. Melanoma, though, often doesn't look threatening to the untrained eye. Dermatologists, however, are always on the lookout for signs of melanoma. Even if you're 99% sure something isn't cancerous, you should ask a dermatologist to check it out due to an abundance of caution.
Dermatologists can spot other cancers by examining patients' skin. Carcinoma of the skin is such a case. Also, there are nonmelanoma skin cancers. Lymphoma is also sometimes evident to a doctor looking at the skin.
Burning Mouth
Some autoimmune issues don't seem like inherently skin-related problems. Dry mouth is often tied to autoimmune disorders that manifest in skin problems. If you're experiencing a dry or burning mouth, you may want to have a dermatologist check for related problems so you can narrow in on the trouble.
Allergies
Patch tests are the common way to check for allergies. A doctor will test a patient's skin to see if there's a reaction. Notably, a dermatologist can also identify more unusual allergies, such as sun allergies.
Hair Loss
While people tend to focus on genetic sources of hair loss, it can also happen due to skin issues. If the skin around your scalp is struggling to stay healthy, you may see hair falling out. Also, some skin disorders can cause people to scratch their scalps and accidentally encourage hair loss.
Infections
Some infections cause skin issues. These can range from problems like cellulitis to athlete's foot. Herpes can also appear in the form of skin problems. Similarly, many parasitic infections cause skin outbreaks.
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