Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments

Do I need a referral for a Dermatology appointment?

No, you do not need a referral to see our dermatologist. Call (225) 763-4500 to schedule an appointment.

Why should I see a dermatologist?

You should see a dermatologist for any issues or conditions affecting the skin, hair, or nails. A dermatologist can also perform skin checks to identify skin cancer.

How often should I get a skin check?

You should see a dermatologist to determine the frequency of your skin checks, as it varies for every individual. More commonly, yearly visits are needed for those without risks factors or more often if you are more at risk for skin cancer.

When should I have a mole or spot examined?

Moles should be examined by a dermatologist if they change in size, shape, color or appearance or if they bleed, itch or become painful. New spots should be examined, even more so if they bleed, do not heal, scale, or have any symptoms. Skin cancers can range in color from pink to brown to black.

What does a skin exam involve?

During a skin exam, our dermatologist will do a full-body check of your skin to identify any suspicious spots or moles.

What happens if a suspicious spot is found on my skin?

If a suspicious spot is found on your skin, our dermatologist may remove the spot for further testing to determine if the spot is cancerous.

Skin Care

Should I use sunscreen daily?

Yes. Even if you spend most of your time inside, you should still wear sunscreen daily.

What kind of sunscreen should I use?

choose a mineral sunscreen that uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as its active ingredient.

How should I treat sunburn?

You can use these steps to relieve sunburn discomfort:

You can apply cool water or compresses to the skin to help with discomfort.
Use sensitive skin care products while bathing.
Use a gentle moisturizer to help soothe sunburned skin. Some individuals find comfort with aloe vera products.
Take aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness and discomfort.
Stay hydrated with water to prevent dehydration.
If your skin blisters, allow the blisters to heal and do not pop them. Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn.
Take extra care to protect sunburned skin while it heals and cover your skin while outdoors.

Is showering daily bad for my skin?

Showering frequency and preferences can vary from individual to individual. Daily showering can aggravate dry skin in some individuals, especially when using harsh soaps with fragrances and additives.

Does diet and drinking water affect your skin health?

A healthy diet can help provide proper nutrients for skin health. Skin hydration is complex and not always linked to oral hydration, but drinking water is good for your body and in turn helps promote overall health.

Skin Cancer

What are the signs of skin cancer?

The American Cancer Society recommend using the “ABCDE" rule to look for common signs of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer:

Asymmetry - One part of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other.
Border - The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color - The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
Diameter - The spot is larger than ¼ inch across – about the size of a pencil eraser – although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
Evolving - The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Are all skin cancers the same?

There are 3 main types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma - The most common type of skin cancer that looks like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or pinkish patch of skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma - The second most common type of skin cancer that looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch or a sore that heals and then re-opens.
Melanoma - The deadliest form of skin cancer that frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot on the skin.

How is skin cancer treated?

Most skin cancer is treated in a dermatologist's office or with outpatient surgery. More serious skin cancers can form tumors and require more extensive surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Acne

What is the cause of acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

What is the best way to treat acne?

Acne can be treated with topical or oral medications or with other therapies such as light therapy or chemical peels. Our dermatologist can determine what treatment or combination of treatments is right for you.