Question 1

What should I see a dermatologist for?

Accepted Answer

A dermatologist can help you manage your overall skin health. Dermatologists evaluate and treat disorders of the skin, hair, nails, and adjacent mucous membranes.

This includes skin ailments such as moles, contact dermatitis, rashes, genetic skin diseases, acne, and more.

Seeing a dermatologist is also an essential part of preventing common skin problems like atopic dermatitis and hair loss.

Question 2

What skin conditions do doctors on Sesame treat?

Accepted Answer

Doctors on Sesame can diagnose and treat thousands of dermatological issues and medical conditions. Among some of the most common things treated include:

## Skin conditions:

- __Melanoma__: This is a type of skin cancer in which the cells that are in charge of making your skin brown or tan grow out of control. This is a dangerous type of skin cancer because it can spread easily to other parts of the body if you wait too long to treat it. If you think you may have melanoma you should speak to a dermatologist about treatment options.

- __Psoriasis__: This is a skin disease in which you get red, itchy, scale-like patches that affect mainly your knees, elbows, torso, and scalp. Though there is no cure for this disease there are treatments available to help with symptoms.

- __Dermatitis__: This is a term used to describe skin irritation. It could be in the form of blisters, skin rashes, swelling, or dry skin. Examples of this include eczema and dandruff.

- __Eczema__: Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin condition that affects children and adults. It causes your skin to be red and itchy, or thicken and crack.

- __Warts__: Growths that occur on the skin. Common warts are small in size and have a grainy texture. You may see tiny black dots in the wart which are blood vessels that have clotted. Common warts are generally harmless but may cause you to feel self-conscious.

- __Rosacea__: This is a skin condition that makes the skin on your face turn red and may sometimes cause small, pus-filled blisters as well. Some people also have naturally reddishness in their skin and may be mistaken for Rosacea. If you have red skin and would like to speak with a healthcare professional about a diagnosis, Sesame can help you find great options in your area at affordable rates.

- __Skin lesions__: These can be unusual growths or skin that looks different than the surrounding skin. Common skin lesions include skin tags, moles, freckles, and birthmarks. Though most lesions aren’t dangerous, some may be red flags. If you are concerned about a skin lesion you may consider seeing a dermatologist.

- __Acne__: There are several options available to help with acne treatment caused including medicine, cream, hormonal therapy, and in some severe cases isotretinoin.

## Cosmetic care:

- __Fine lines and wrinkles__: As you age, your skin loses moisture and loses its ability to stretch and retract. Fine lines are pre-wrinkles. These are lines that occur when you use muscles in your face over and over. Wrinkles are deeper and may become permanent.

- __Age spots__: Also called a liver spot, an age spot is a small, dark blotch on the skin. Though there is no harm in age spots they may cause a person to feel self-conscious.

- __Scars__:  Different surgical and non-surgical procedures can help reduce the severity of scars.

- __Discoloration or pigmentation__: These conditions affect the color of your skin. Dark spots, vitiligo, and albinism are some pigmentation disorders.

Question 3

Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Some insurance networks won't cover a dermatologist visit without the referral of a primary care physician, but in most cases, you do not need a referral to see a dermatologist. You do not need a primary care physician's referral for cosmetic dermatology, for instance. Cosmetic procedures such as Botox, chemical peels, and fillers are elective, so all you need to do is get in touch with a cosmetic dermatologist to set up a consultation.

Sesame makes it easier than ever to get in touch with a board-certified dermatologist or skin care expert. Whether you are experiencing urgent skin care problems (such as a rash, contact dermatitis, or bug bites) or want a consultation on acne, Sesame offers affordable and convenient visits with doctors in . Simply search for the care you want, compare prices, and pay upfront. No insurance needed. Book a visit today and save up to 60% on your next skin care visit.

Question 4

What is the difference between dermatology and skin care?

Accepted Answer

Dermatologists are medical doctors who undergo special training to diagnose and treat various dermatological needs. Some conditions dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat include:

__- Eczema:__ Eczema is a red and itchy rash that is caused by irritants and allergens. Dermatologists can treat eczema with topical corticosteroid creams, moisturizers, or oral medication.

__- Psoriasis:__ Psoriasis is a common, chronic, condition that flares in cycles. A psoriasis flareup can cause red, itchy, and flaky skin on the torso, knees, elbows, or scalp. Dermatologists can treat psoriasis with topical creams, light therapy, or oral medication.

__- Dermatitis:__ Dermatitis refers to skin irritation that results in red, itchy, and dry skin. This can be caused by an allergic reaction, eczema, or yeast in the oil of the skin. A dermatologist can prescribe light therapy, creams, gels, or oral medication.

Skin care, on the other hand, is handled by estheticians, professionals who specialize in the cosmetics of the skin. Estheticians are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose skin conditions or prescribe medication. They perform elective skin treatments that can help the appearance of the skin. Estheticians can perform cosmetic procedures such as waxing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and hair removal.

Question 5

How can dermatologists help severe acne?

Accepted Answer

In most mild cases, acne can be treated with self-care steps and over-the-counter acne medications. Washing your face regularly, moisturizing, and keeping your hands away from your face can help reduce acne and keep pores from clogging. However, if acne is persistent, painful, or severe, you may want to speak with a skin care professional, such as a dermatologist, for help with treating acne. Dermatologists can prescribe medication that may help reduce symptoms and prevent damage to the skin. Some examples of acne treatment that a dermatologist can provide include:

__- Topical retinoids:__ Retinoids are compounds derived from vitamin A, which come in creams, gels, and lotions. Retinoid medications help rapidly exfoliate the skin and prevent the clogging of hair follicles. Retinoids are often mild and available as an over-the-counter medication. Tretinoin is a synthetic Vitamin A compound - usually a topical cream or gel - that unclogs skin in the same way retinoid medication will. However, tretinoin is stronger and might be irritating to sensitive skin. Isotretinoin is an oral medication made of the synthetic vitamin A compound that can be used to treat severe acne. Tretinoin and isotretinoin are only available through prescription, and cannot be purchased as an over-the-counter medication.

__- Antibiotics:__ Antibiotics may be prescribed by your skin care provider to help treat inflammatory acne such as cysts, pustules, and nodules. These medications fight acne-causing bacteria in the skin and the body. Antibiotic acne medications are either topical (gels/ creams such as clindamycin or erythromycin) or oral (pills/ liquids such as minocycline or doxycycline). Antibiotics are intended for short-term use and may result in antibiotic resistance if used over too long a period.

__- Steroid injection:__ Your skin care provider may recommend a cortisone steroid injection for severe cystic acne. Cortisone steroids can help reduce inflammation and shrink the size of a painful cyst. The doctor performing this procedure will inject the steroid directly into the cyst, and you may experience skin thinning and discoloration where the shot was administered. However, cortisone steroid injections can help rapidly improve the skin’s condition and lessen pain associated with severe cystic acne.

Sometimes over-the-counter medication and self-care just won’t do the trick with severe acne. If you are experiencing persistent breakouts, you may want to speak with a skin care provider or dermatologist to determine if prescription medication might be right for you.

Question 6

How much does a dermatology consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your insurance coverage and where you go for your care. Without insurance, most dermatology consultations for new patients will cost anywhere from $100 to $200, depending on the clinic and needs of the patient. With insurance, this cost may be less but will vary depending on the specifics of your plan.

If you are in need of affordable, same-day dermatology care, explore dermatologists on Sesame! Sesame works directly with licensed dermatologists (not insurance companies) who post affordable, upfront prices for dermatology consultations — at half the price of traditional care. This allows you to browse, book, and get the care you need without any referrals, co-pays, or surprise bills.

Question 7

Can doctors on Sesame refill my skin care prescription?

Accepted Answer

Yes, book an online appointment with a doctor or provider on Sesame to get a prescription sent to a local pharmacy of your choice.

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