What to consider when choosing a dermatology clinic

Find out what to consider when choosing a dermatology clinic 

To the choosing a dermatology clinic, look for one that offers state-of-the-art treatments and equipment and has a certified, experienced, and proven team of specialists. 

In this article, find out when you should schedule an appointment with a dermatology specialist and the best treatments for your skin's main issues.

Know when to schedule a dermatology appointment 

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, essential for survival, as it acts as a barrier against bacteria, viruses, radiation, and other agents. It's essential for regulating body temperature, sensory functions, and releasing substances that can harm our bodies. Therefore, it deserves careful attention and enhanced care.

Dermatologists are the only healthcare professionals capable of diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions in adults and children. They provide accurate diagnosis, preventing the worsening of conditions that, if detected early, can be resolved quickly and easily, without compromising your health. 

Consult a dermatologist if you have:

• Acne, rosacea or psoriasis;
• Itching or skin allergies (eczema and hives);
• Excess hair or hair loss;
• Wounds that do not heal;
• Recurrent herpes;
• Intolerance to cosmetics, products or sun;
• Genital injury;
• Spots on the skin (brown, red or white);
• Fungal infections of the skin or nails;
• Many signs or if they change;
• Very dry or very oily skin;
• Signs of skin aging;
• Warts and condylomas (bumps on the skin caused by infection).

Learn about the skin disorders that you can and should treat at a dermatology clinic. 

Signs 

Moles are skin lesions caused by the cells responsible for producing melanin. They vary in size, color, and shape and can appear anywhere on the body and at any age. 

They deserve special attention because they may contain cancer cells. In fact, every year there are 13 thousand new cases of skin cancer in PortugalIf the disease is detected at an early stage, 99.5% of cases are cured, however, melanoma has a mortality rate of around 15%.

Only a dermatologist can determine whether a mole is malignant or benign. Therefore, it's important to have moles examined regularly by a doctor—at least every six months—to determine if they are necessary to proceed with its removal. 

Melasma

Melasma is a condition characterized by unsightly, symmetrical, and irregular brown patches on the skin, usually appearing on the face. Among the causes, besides genetic predisposition, are hormonal changes, excessive sun exposure, aging, and certain medications. 

Intense Pulsed Light Laser is the most recommended treatment to combat epidermal melasma because, through the action of photothermolysis, it destroys the cells that contain melanin, eliminating the spots. Facial Peeling is another very quick and effective option in the treatment of melasma, thanks to a chemical solution that exfoliates and eliminates dead cells.  

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic, progressive inflammatory skin disease characterized by small, dilated red blood vessels on the face. It is associated with a genetic predisposition and affects women more than men. 

If rosacea is left untreated, it tends to worsen, escalating into 4 levels of severity:

• Grade 1 - Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: bulging blood vessels and redness;
• Grade 2 – Papulo-pustular rosacea: pimples, pustules (red, firm, and sometimes painful raised bumps on the skin);
• Grade 3 - Phymatous rosacea: increased volume and thickness of the skin in some areas of the face;
• Grade 4 - Ocular rosacea: dry, red, congested and irritated eyes.

THE Laser is one of the reference procedures for the treatment of rosacea, being able to reduce redness and limit the recurrence of the disease.

Meet the team of dermatology specialists at Allure Clinic

The Allure Clinic team includes doctors who are experts in Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology, with decades of training and experience. Dr. Isabel Moreira is our specialist in Aesthetic Dermatology and Venereology., graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto.

During his career, he learned and practiced at national and international reference centers, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore (USA), Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven (USA) or the Dermatological Surgery Unit of the University of Coimbra Hospitals.

He has published dozens of articles and presented oral presentations. He is a member of several scientific societies, including the Portuguese Medical Association, the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, and the Portuguese Skin Cancer Association.

Since 2011, he has also worked as a Hospital Assistant at the Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, being responsible for the Cutaneous Oncology consultation.

She is an experienced professional, constantly updating her knowledge, bringing new techniques, advanced diagnostic equipment, and the most effective aesthetic dermatology treatments to her practice. Book your dermatology appointment in Porto today.