Category: Health

Questions to Ask During Your Dermatology Appointment

Preparing a few key questions for your next dermatology appointment can maximize your time and provide you with some useful education and skin care tips.  Here are the top 5 questions to ask your dermatology provider:

What do you think of this changing mole?

Your dermatologist wants to know if you have noticed changes in a mole or if you have developed a new spot that has never been there before.  A change in size, shape, or color could signify that the mole is potentially concerning for cancer.  Also, if a spot becomes tender, itchy, scabs or bleeds, your dermatologist may recommend a biopsy.  After age 40, you should not be developing new moles.  If you notice a new spot that was never there before, show your dermatologist.

What changes should I look for in my moles?

It is easiest to follow the acronym “ABCDE” when considering what changes to look for in your moles.

• Asymmetry = one half of the mole is unlike the other.

• Borders = the edges of the mole are cloud-shaped or uneven.

• Color= if there are more than one color within the same mole.

• Diameter = the mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser.

• Evolving = when a mole begins to change in size, shape or color, or begins to itch or bleed.

Not all of these changes have to occur for the mole to be suspicious.  Even just one change in a mole may be concerning for skin cancer.  We suggest that you perform a monthly skin check on yourself and see a dermatology provider yearly for a full body skin exam.  Remember, regular skin exams can help find skin cancers early, when they are easier to treat.

What should I expect from my medication?

Have you ever been disappointed after using a medication, only to find that it did not solve your problem?  Depending on the diagnosis, some skin conditions may be cured with medications, while others are just controlled with regular medication use.  Also, some medications may improve symptoms within a few days, whereas others may take several months to improve the condition.  Ask your dermatologist what your expectations should be concerning your medication.  You may consider asking questions such as: How long will my medicine take to start working?  Should I stop it if it clears up my skin condition?  What side effects should I look out for?

What sunscreen should I use?

Living at high elevation can take a toll on our skin.  Ultraviolet(UV) light exposure increases about 5% per 1,000 feet of elevation, which means that we have 30% greater UV exposure in Colorado Springs than at sea level.  Even daily activities like driving to work or walking your dog can expose your skin to damaging UV rays.  Your dermatologist can recommend excellent sunscreens for daily use and sunscreens that work best at the pool or during your favorite sport.  If you have sensitive skin and have had reactions to sunscreens in the past, there are several great allergen-free options available.

What is the best moisturizer for dry skin?

Not all moisturizers are made the same.  Lotions are water-based and best for those who do not have dry skin.  Creams and ointments, especially those containing ceramides, are oil-based and work better to trap moisture in the skin and replenish natural skin oils. Your dermatologist can make specific cleanser and moisturizer recommendations based on location and your skin type.

Questions You Should Ask When Choosing a Dermatologist

Whether considering virtual dermatology care or services in a brick-and-mortar clinic, we encourage patients and providers to investigate their options so they can make an informed decision.

Here are 10 questions we suggest as a starting point.

• Will my care be provided by a board-certified dermatologist? Where did your dermatologists receive their training? Are they licensed to practice in my state?
• If I give my permission, will the dermatologist work with my primary care physician or other healthcare providers and share my medical information with him or her? Do you comply with HIPAA standards for sharing and confidentiality?
• Besides photos of my skin problem, do you also require my medical history and a description of my condition and symptoms?
• After the initial assessment, will I have access to the dermatologist so I can ask follow-up questions?
• What happens if I have something serious – like skin cancer? Or what if I need surgery or other intensive in-person follow-up? Can you refer me to a qualified expert in my area?
• How soon will I receive a diagnosis and treatment plan after I have submitted my information?
• Are your services covered by my insurance?
• What if my skin problem needs to be evaluated by a subspecialty expert, such as someone who specializes in skin cancer or pediatric skin problems?
• What if I need a prescription? How can I be sure it won’t interact with something I’m already taking?
• Where can I go to find an independent, objective overview of your physicians? For example, are your doctors profiled on HealthGrades?

What is the most common dental emergency?

You brush your teeth at least twice a day. You even floss and gargle with mouthwash every night. Doing so will save you from a myriad of dental problems. However, some instances call for emergency dental procedures. Studies show that people lose around 320 million work or school hours due to dental issues. In addition, around 92 million of those hours involved dental emergencies. Unfortunately, a lot of people still don’t know if their case is an emergency or not. Thus, they tend to delay their visit to the dentist.

This equates to more pain and more expenses. So what are the most common dental emergencies? Continue reading below and let’s zoom in on the conditions that require emergency treatments.

Cracked Tooth

There are many different causes for a cracked tooth. Sometimes, you bite something hard like ice, nuts, or bones. When you grind your teeth at night, you are also putting pressure on your teeth. This can also lead to your teeth cracking. When you hit the age of 50, your teeth naturally weaken. Regardless of the reason, you need to go to a dentist for proper treatment. If you cannot drive to the dentist during the moment, you can put some ice packs if there’s swelling on your face. You can also take some pain medications to reduce the discomfort.

Trauma

Trauma is a common dental emergency that often leads to tooth loss. Accidents can cause trauma. They can dislodge the teeth and cause bleeding.  Interestingly, you can still salvage the dislodged tooth. But the key is timeliness. If you lost a tooth, rinse it off using water or milk. Take the tooth and tuck it inside your cheek. This will keep the tooth and the root moisturized. Now head on to your dentist ASAP for assessment. An emergency dentist can provide a thorough assessment to see if they can still save your tooth. You can also expect them to stop the bleeding and treat the pain.

Severe Tooth Ache

Several causes lead to extreme tooth pain. Certain dental procedures can lead to severe toothache. This may last for several hours to a day or two. Sometimes, pulpal and gum abscess can also cause severe pain and discomfort. This will lead to painful chewing and biting. Inflammation on a wisdom tooth can also cause intense pain. All of these instances require emergency dental attention. Expect the dentist to examine your tooth. They will also give you some pain medications. Thereafter, they will explain your condition and the options available. They can perform a tooth extraction. They can also operate on the area to take out the abscess.

Jaw pain or broken jaw: don’t do anything before calling your dentist

Depending on what happened, especially if it’s a broken jaw, the best option is to see your dentist immediately. Take pain medication to ease the pain and put ice on your face to avoid swelling. It’s best to stay away from solid food until you see your dentist otherwise you’ll end up being in even more pain. In this dental emergency, it’s best for your dentist to guide you on what to do for a broken jaw or jaw pain.

Bleeding

Bleeding in your oral cavity should not be taken lightly. If you see blood on your dental floss, it’s usually an early sign of gum disease or gingivitis. While not an emergency, it should be examined sooner rather than later to prevent further problems. However, blood in your saliva might indicate an advanced stage of cancer or an extremely advanced stage of gum disease. Bleeding from the mouth isn’t normal. Even if you’ve had a tooth extracted, bleeding that won’t stop is a problem! Keep your head elevated and call your dentist right away.

Temporary Dental Crown Comes Off

If you realize your temporary crown is coming off, try to catch it before you swallow it or lose it. Put a tiny dab of Vaseline on the back of the crown to temporarily bond it to your tooth, and make sure not to bite down too hard. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to replace the crown.

Painful or Infected Tooth

If you think you have any type of oral infection, you need to get help as quickly as possible. Call your dentist immediately so they can bring you in. No matter what, do not try to treat the infection yourself.

Preventing a Dental Emergency.

Accidents are difficult to avoid, but there are steps you can take to minimize the impact or lower the chances of your child experiencing a dental emergency. Always have your child wear a sports mouthguard when playing a contact sport. A custom-fitted mouthguard provides the best protection. This will minimize or prevent damage to their teeth and soft tissues.

• Avoid chewing hard things that can crack the teeth, such as ice and hard candy. This includes cutting things with teeth. Be sure to use scissors to avoid injury to your teeth.
• Good oral hygiene will help your child’s teeth stay healthy, and less likely to become damaged. Regular dental checkups will help us identify and correct problems long before they can become an emergency.

Mouth Sores

There are a variety of common dental emergencies that are considered mouth sores. They can range from canker sores to food, hand, and mouth disease. However, a sore in your mouth can also be a sign of gum disease. While mouth sores are not life-threatening, they can be painful. If you’re experiencing pain due to a mouth sore, try taking some Tylenol. You can also wash your mouth out with hydrogen peroxide. It’s a natural mouthwash and will kill any germs. Don’t swallow any of it, though. There are some over-the-counter pain remedies you can find at your local pharmacy. Contact your dentist and schedule an appointment if you notice the sore isn’t healing properly or if it gets progressively worse.