Dermatology and its role with Skin Picking Disorder

What is dermatology?

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that specializes in keeping the skin healthy and treating diseases related to the skin. It also tackles diagnosis, treatment and maintenance related to the nails, hair and mucous membranes. Disorders of those parts of the body are managed via investigations and therapies, which will include histopathology, laser therapy, medication, radiotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Cosmetic procedures are also part of the treatment. Dermatologists have completed medical school. They must have fulfilled a dermatology residency program that usually lasts three years and have passed dermatology boIf you go and seek advice from dermatologists for your skin disorders, you should first make sure that they are licensed to practice medicine, have passed the dermatology exams and a member of the FAAD (Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology). Some dermatologists in the US are not licensed to practice medicine. They’re not even qualified to treat skin disorders. Thus, you must look into the doctor’s qualifications first before seeking treatment from him/her.

What is the role of a dermatologist in treating skin picking disorder?

Dermatologists treat a wide variety of ailments related to the skin, nails, hair and mucous membranes. Acne, for instance, is one of the skin diseases that’s being treated by a dermatologist. A simple bump on the skin can be seen by a skin picker. As a result, the sufferer will pick it frequently causing bleeding, scabbing and infection. Thus, it must be treated immediately. Unfortunately, not all dermatologists have heard of skin picking disorder or dermatillomania so skin picking disorder is often misdiagnised or the person receives treatment for the scars rather than addressing the root cause.

What prescription medicine can a dermatologist recommend?

Medication prescribed by a dermatologist usually targets specific skin disease. Even though those medications aren’t usually used for the treatment of skin picking disorder, they are proven to be effective in treating the trauma or depression, which may have been the underlying cause of dermatillomania. Some medicines that can reduce skin redness may also reduce anxiety levels.

Dermatologists treat the physical aspects

As mentioned earlier, dermatologists are not qualified to prescribe anti-depressants, anti-anxiety and other medications. Instead the focus is on treating the acne, scars or skin irritation that could  be a triggers for picking the skin. When you go first to a family physician, you’ll be referred to a dermatologist, who will treat the physical manifestations of your condition. Nonetheless, you need a dermatologist as part of your overall treatment plan in treating your skin picking disorder. As you learn how to cope with the stress in your life and the negative feelings that cause you to pick your skin, your skin picking may be alleviated. When you have a clear skin, there will be less of a reason to pick. Your therapist and your dermatologist should work hand in hand to address the issues that you’ve been having.