Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Desert Valley Dermatology: Your Skin Specialists in Phoenix, Arizona
Learn about our practice, skin health, and more!
What conditions can a dermatologist treat?
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases and conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. Common issues addressed by dermatologists include the following:
- Acne
- Fungal skin infections
- Viral skin infections
- Parasitic skin infections
- Skin allergies
- Rashes
- Cysts
- Pigmentation disorders
- Boils
- Blisters
- Nail fungus
- Hair loss
Dermatologists can also perform surgical interventions for certain skin-related issues. Common surgeries performed by dermatologists include skin biopsies, mole removal, cryotherapy, skin cancer excision, and excision of cysts.
Dermatologists are often the first to spot skin cancer and can provide a variety of treatments for it. They can advise on how to care for skin and hair, including proper nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle habits. Dermatologists can also diagnose and treat skin allergies and can provide advice on avoiding triggers and how to manage symptoms.
How often should I see a dermatologist?
See a dermatologist at least once a year, even if you don’t have any visible skin issues. Regular visits are important because a dermatologist can perform a routine check-up and help detect potential skin problems before they become more serious. Additionally, they can help to advise on treatments and lifestyle changes that can help to improve your skin health.
People with recurrent or troubling skin conditions might be advised to have more frequent check-ups. Skin issues that require multiple check-ups per year include the following:
- Skin cancer
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
Listening to your dermatologist’s advice and visiting them regularly will help keep your skin healthy and detect potential skin issues early on.
What are the reasons to turn to a dermatologist?
It is important to consider seeing a dermatologist for any skin issues or concerns. A dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails. Seeing a dermatologist can be beneficial for the following reasons:
Treat chronic or long-lasting skin conditions. Recurring issues might include acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or other chronic skin conditions. A dermatologist can provide treatment options or medications to manage these conditions.
Diagnose unusual or challenging skin issues. Some skin conditions might not have an obvious cause. Certain challenging concerns include rashes or skin discolorations that merit further evaluation.
Skin cancer screening. When skin cancer is diagnosed early, the odds of full recovery are far higher. Skin cancers include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.
Remove skin growths or lesions. Dermatologists specialize in treating and removing uncomfortable or unsightly cysts, moles, or other skin growths.
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?
Dermatologists are medical professionals specializing in diagnosing and treating skin conditions. As such, they can be consulted directly without a referral. However, in some cases, a referral from a primary care physician may be required. For example, certain skin changes might be caused by a non-dermatological medical disorder requiring diagnosis and treatment from another specialist.
In general, most health insurance plans will require a referral before covering the cost of a visit to a dermatologist. A referral may be necessary to get full coverage depending on the insurance coverage and your particular case. Please get in touch with our office if you are unsure if you need a referral. We are happy to answer any questions and help you determine what steps you need to take.
What can you expect on your visit with the dermatologist?
Visiting a dermatologist can provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise regarding your skin’s health. When you arrive at Desert Valley Dermatology for your appointment, you can expect to have a thorough examination of your skin and a discussion of any issues or concerns you have.
We will begin your consultation by asking questions about your lifestyle, health history, skincare routine, and any medications you are taking.
After your initial consultation, we will examine your skin carefully, looking for any early signs of skin diseases or conditions. Depending on your skin type, we might also suggest certain treatments or products to help keep your skin healthy.
At Desert Valley Dermatology, we are committed to patient education. We will offer advice on protecting your skin from the sun and improving skin health and appearance. We will also discuss any treatments or medications necessary for any skin conditions.
What are the risk factors for getting skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most widely diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, and a variety of factors can put a person at an increased risk of developing the condition. The most significant risk factor is UV radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds. People with fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, and skin that freckles or burns easily when exposed to the sun are also at a heightened risk of developing the condition. Other risk factors for skin cancer include the following:
- Immune system suppression or disease, such as HIV or AIDS or organ transplantation
- Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic
- Long-term exposure to radiation, such as X-rays
- A history of blistering sunburns
- Age – people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop skin cancer
- Living in a sunny climate
- Having multiple moles
Protecting your skin by wearing sunscreen and limiting exposure to UV radiation can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Regularly checking your skin for any new or changing moles or growths can help you identify any potential signs of skin cancer.
How can I tell if a skin growth is dangerous?
While not all skin eruptions are a health risk, a medical professional should always evaluate unusual skin growths.
Dangerous changes to the appearance of your skin typically have certain characteristics.
For example, a mole or spot that changes size, shape, or color might be a cause for concern.
Moreover, if the growth is painful, itchy, bleeding, oozing, or has an odor, you should seek medical advice immediately.
How do I protect myself from the sun?
The most effective way to protect your skin from the sun is to wear a wide-brimmed hat, wraparound sunglasses with 100% ultraviolet protection, and clothing that covers your skin. Clothing made from natural fibers with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 50+ is best. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
It is also important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 on all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, hands, and scalp if there are exposed areas. Apply it at least 20 minutes before you head outdoors and reapply approximately every two hours.
Lips need protection too! Use a lip balm with an SPF 30 or higher, and make sure to reapply after eating or drinking.
If you have a family history of skin cancer or other risk factors, avoid being outdoors during the peak hours of 10am-4pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
If you plan to swim or sweat for long periods, use water-resistant sunscreen, and reapply every 40 minutes.
When should I wear sunscreen?
It is best to apply sunscreen daily, even if you don’t anticipate spending much time outdoors. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate glass and other materials. If you plan on driving or spending the day near a window that might not have ultraviolet protection, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Sunscreen should be worn year-round, regardless of the season, as UV rays can be just as damaging in the winter as in the summer.
Additionally, UV rays can reflect off surfaces like water, snow, sand, and concrete, so it’s important to protect yourself even when you don’t feel the sun’s direct heat.
Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out. If you plan on spending the day outside, bring sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
What insurance do you accept?
At Desert Valley Dermatology, we accept the following insurance plans:
- Aetna
- AZSPA/Arizona State Physicians Association
- Banner Health Network
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
- Centene
- Cigna
- Devoted Health
- Equality Health Network (Imperial Health, SCAN, and Mercy Care Advantage)
- HonorHealth (AmeriBen, Bright HealthCare, Oscar Health)
- Humana
- Medicaid/Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
- Medicare
- Molina
- United Healthcare
- WellCare Health Plans
Please don’t hesitate to contact our helpful representatives for additional information.
What if I don’t have insurance?
If you don’t have medical insurance, please contact our helpful representatives so that we can discuss payment options.
What forms of payment can I use?
Please contact our helpful representatives, and we’ll be happy to discuss payment options.
What are in-network and out-of-network providers?
In-network providers are healthcare professionals and facilities contracted with a health insurance company to accept negotiated rates for covered healthcare services. When you use in-network providers, you’ll generally pay less out of pocket than you would with an out-of-network provider.
Out-of-network providers are healthcare professionals and facilities that don’t have a contract with your insurance company to accept negotiated rates for covered healthcare services. When you use an out-of-network provider, you will likely pay more out of pocket than an in-network provider.