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Skin diseases are very common in the United States, affecting 1 in 3 Americans at any given time. Among nondermatologists (who treat the majority of skin concerns in the US), Family Physicians care for the greatest number of skin diseases.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ system. This makes the skin more susceptible to injuries and disease. There are numerous skin conditions that you might experience throughout the course of your life. Common issues include cellulitis, rosacea, cysts, warts, shingles, hives, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and pigmented moles. Many family doctors and dermatologists are well equipped to examine and diagnose you correctly. After diagnosis, your family doctor or dermatologist may treat these conditions using medications or even want to discuss changes to your diet with you.
Why choose to see your family doctor for a skin concern? Most skin conditions diagnosed and managed by family physicians improve. One study found at day 7 of therapy that 84% of patients reported their skin lesions were “better” or “much better.” [J Fam Pract. 2007 January;56(1):40-45] Moreover, patients said they were highly satisfied with their care. Referrals to subspecialists were infrequent. Given lower co-pays typically to see your primary care clinic, the ability to discuss more than just skin concerns at your appointment, and successful outcomes, the decision to first see your family medicine clinic is a wise one.
We can help manage your conditions with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), punch biopsies, shave excisions, elliptical excisions, incision and drainage, suturing, steroid injections, as well as prescribing oral and topical prescriptions medications.
It can be scary when you realize there’s anything abnormal with an area of your skin. Rest assured that when you come into Treasure Valley Family Medicine to be seen for a skin issue, you will be greeted & made as comfortable as possible. We’ll dedicate enough time to hear your concerns & get to the real root of the problem with you. We’ll listen to your concerns & take them into account to work out a treatment plan that works for you. Finally, we won’t rush through your visit to get onto the next patient.
It’s good to think beforehand about any medical history that could be impacting current issues you’re experiencing as you can expect to be asked such questions at your first visit. Did any habits or circumstances change prior to onset of the symptoms? Your overall medical history is essential, even if it doesn’t seem directly linked to your condition. This information will give your healthcare provider insight into how to go about your treatment. Also, take note of any OTC or prescription drugs that you may be taking.
Your clinician will examine the area of concern and perhaps the entire body. Don’t be apprehensive as it is in your best interest for your healthcare provider to fully understand the depth of your issue.
You should expect your provider to listen to your concerns and educate you on your condition. The word doctor is derived from the latin word “doctore”, which translates as “teacher”. At TVFM, we take this heritage very seriously.
Once your skin has been checked, and a diagnosis rendered, you may be prescribed medication. Before leaving the office, you should understand the condition and the medication being used to treat it. Ask questions before you leave the office & if things come to mind later, please reach out to the clinic, preferably through the Patient Portal which allows for secure, DIRECT communication with your clinician.
Sometimes it will take more than one appointment for your condition to be completely treated. We may need to see you frequently, to see if the medication is working. Subsequent visits will also help you to learn what you can do to avoid such conditions in the future. Visiting your healthcare provider for dermatology and skin issues is a crucial step toward recovery and relief.
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