Problems in your skin? 

Medical Check-ups you should take into account if you have problems with your skin

We usually don't see a doctor unless we have a problem. However, general checkups should be done regularly even if we feel fine. In this way we can, not only can we avoid future medical risks, but we can also promote a healthier lifestyle.  

It is important to know what general checks we should do when we have skin problems. Both men and women need professional care at different stages of our life. Starting by seeking general care, to going to specialized doctors according to our age. 

Prevention and treatments are key to good health! 

1. General Practitioner

A visit to a general practitioner would be the first step in ensuring that we are in good health. Well, going to primary care helps prevent possible health problems, detect problems at the beginning and avoid complications by making optimal control. 

However, if the problem is suspected to be serious, it is important to consult a specialist. These doctors will help control any problems related to specific ailments.  

Endocrinologist

The endocrinologist is the specialist in charge of all diseases related to our metabolism, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal glands, sexual, and nutritional disorders.

It is recommended to go to the endocrinologist and perform a metabolic study in those people who detect unexplained changes in their metabolism, for example, an increase or decrease in weight, change in the perception of temperature, loss or appearance of hair, menstrual disturbances, breast discharge, or nervousness. 

Nutritionist

The nutritionist is the professional specialized in advising, implementing, guiding and planning diets since he is the best qualified in related topics with food and health.

It is recommended to go to the nutritionist to change bad eating habits for healthier ones. It is also recommended to go to learn how to eat healthy, or to receive advice on food at different stages of life such as pregnancy, child nutrition, adolescents and the elderly, whether they are healthy or sick.

“We are what we eat”. Proper nutrition is a fundamental pillar for leading a healthy life. Therefore, it is extremely important to go to health professionals who can help us learn to nourish ourselves correctly and favorably to keep the body healthy.

Gynecologist

The gynecologist is one of the most important doctors that every woman should visit, since he specializes in everything related to the female organs.

Going to a trusted gynecologist should be a regular action in a woman's life. In general, it is recommended that the first visit be between the ages of 11 and 15, so that this visit is a way to learn more about our body and answer any questions that may be had in this regard.

It is important to emphasize that prevention takes precedence over treatment itself. The gynecologist serves as a guide when facing different issues related to menstrual pain, irregularities during menstrual cycles, breast lumps, or infections. In addition, they help us avoid sexually transmitted diseases, the best contraceptive adapted to our body, and even about fertility methods to achieve pregnancy.  

2. Dermatologist

The dermatologist is also one of the most important doctors to visit. This professional will take care of everything related mainly to the skin, but also treats conditions in the hair or nails. 

A good skin routine is important, but going to professionals in the area is just as important when it comes to treating issues such as acne, eczema, pinkish skin, psoriasis or other skin changes related to aging. They will also advise us on which products or ingredients are best suited to our skin type and condition, or which we should avoid. 

It is recommended to visit the dermatologist at least once a year for general check-ups. As for specific problems, it is advisable to go more often or as stipulated by your doctor. 

Self Check-ups

Self-exams on the skin are very important for those people who have a higher risk of skin cancer, such as those people with reduced immunity, people who have had skin cancer before, and people with a family history of skin cancer. Although there is no certain age to start with the check-ups, it is important to be familiar with our body and to go to the doctor when it is considered necessary.

If this is your first time examining your skin, take the time to carefully go over the entire surface. Learn the pattern of every mole, blemish, freckle, or other markings to make any changes easier to notice. 

While self-exams are important to detect changes in moles or other marks on the skin, a dermatologist may perform a detailed examination of the skin and is trained to know what to look for. 

3. Medical Control Exams According To Your Age

It is clear that basic and preventive checks, compared to other more complex and specific ones, do not require the same guidelines. The focus and objective will also be different for patients with any disease and those with risk factors that, in turn, vary according to age. 

Teens & 20s

From the age of 18, it is recommended to include the determination of cholesterol levels in the blood in general check-ups and blood pressure with a periodicity of at least 4 years. It is also important to address the issues of prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptives, and update vaccines.

It is also recommended to eliminate bad habits such as alcohol or tobacco consumption. In women, a minimum cervical cytology is recommended every 3 years.

From 30s to 40s

Doctors point out that, starting at this age, everyone should start prevention programs based on annual basic tests. If you have a history of a specific disease, it is important to start the controls or tests for its prevention, diagnosis or treatment.

Women from the age of 30 are recommended to closely monitor skin changes, in addition to performing cytologies to rule out cervical cancer, and get tested for HPV (human papillomavirus). 

The 50s

Health experts point out that some diseases arise from the age of 50 to which special attention should be paid: such as colon cancer, cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol and blood glucose. It is also recommended the evaluation of bad habits such as alcohol consumption every two years.

In women, unless there is a family history, it is recommended to start breast cancer screening at 50 , performing mammograms twice a year; and start cervical cancer screening every 3 to 5 years until age 70. 

From 60s and above

When entering this age, it is recommended in addition to the above, additional measures such as frequent physical exercise if there is risk of falls. In addition, perform cervical cancer screening, hypertension detection and cardiovascular risk assessment. 

From the age of 60 it is important to start vaccination in adults: the flu annually, and the pneumococcal every 5 years. In addition, it is important to further explore mental aspects such as memory or orientation, as well as the socio-family situation and physical and sensory limitations. 

Therefore, it is important to see a doctor regularly to detect problems that may in the long run become serious.

Prevention as well as treatments are key to a healthy life.