In a now-infamous Seinfeld episode, Jerry quipped that dermatologists never save lives. The truth is that they do. Dermatologists can treat skin issues ranging from minor acne to life-threatening infections. Among spinal cord injury survivors, skin infections are common—particularly bedsores. Brain injury survivors, by contrast, may have difficulties detecting the early signs of skin problems, particularly when the injuries impede their ability to sense changes in their skin. If your mobility is impaired, you may not be able to routinely inspect your skin, which means unusual growths might go unnoticed.
Dermatologists perform evaluations and surgery. Many dermatological procedures are relatively simple, and can be performed on an outpatient basis in the doctor's office.
You should undergo annual dermatological screenings for skin cancer, in addition to consulting with a dermatologist if you experience any new or chronic skin care issues. Some questions to consider asking a new dermatologist include:
- Are you board-certified?
- Do you often treat people with brain or spinal cord injuries?
- Are there any skin issues to which I am particularly susceptible?
- Are there any lifestyle strategies I can adopt to reduce my risk of skin health problems?
- How frequently should I undergo checkups?
