Use Tobacco? Make Sure to See a Dermatologist Regularly.
Tobacco use can have numerous harmful effects on your skin, making it important for smokers or those who use tobacco to regularly see a dermatologist. Thankfully, access to Dermatologists is getting easier - and not just for people living near big Metropolitan Dermatologist but also in rural areas with Online Dermatology becoming more and more accurate and common.
Here's why tobacco users should pay special attention to setting up regular Dermatology visits:
Premature Aging: Smoking accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles, skin thinning, and a pale, yellowish complexion. A dermatologist can help manage these skin changes and recommend treatments to minimize these effects.
Skin Cancer: Tobacco use, particularly smoking, increases the risk of many types of cancer, including skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), in particular, has been linked to smoking. Regular skin examinations by a dermatologist can lead to early detection and treatment of skin cancers.
Poor Wound Healing: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the blood flow to your skin. This can impede wound healing, leading to greater risk of infections, complications, and scars. A dermatologist can monitor, manage, and provide advice on wound care for tobacco users.
Psoriasis: Smoking increases the risk of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes cells to build up rapidly on the skin's surface. If you have psoriasis and smoke, your symptoms may be more severe. A dermatologist can help manage this condition.
Oral Lesions: Smokers are prone to developing various oral lesions, some of which can be precancerous or cancerous. While a dentist or oral medicine specialist would typically diagnose and manage these, a dermatologist might also be involved in some cases.
Nicotine Stomatitis: This is a condition that affects the roof of the mouth and is primarily caused by smoking, particularly pipe smoking. It causes inflammation and redness in the mouth and can be managed by a dermatologist or oral medicine specialist.
If you're a smoker or a tobacco user, having regular check-ups with a dermatologist can help identify and manage these potential issues at an early stage. However, the most effective way to protect your skin (and to breathe easier) is to quit smoking or stop using tobacco.
Whether you’re in a big metro area, a rural area, or a mid-sized city like Worcester, Dermatology is more accessible than ever.
So, think of a dermatologist as a trusted guide, always ready to help keep your skin healthy and you feeling your best. Whether it's a serious concern or just a minor annoyance, they're the ones to turn to when it comes to all matters of the skin.