What to Expect from a Skin Assessment
Almost every woman and most men will likely undergo a skin assessment at some time in their lives. Cosmetic companies and dermatologists use the results of an in depth assessment to treat problematic skin, perform cosmetic surgery or match you with the proper skin products.
Nurses also perform a skin assessment during patient admissions at elder care home or hospitals. This helps them to document any bed sores, irritated patches and other problems. That way they can properly record reactions to treatments and the rate of recovery or decline in the patient.
Cosmetic Skin Assessments for Youth and Beauty
Most people want to maintain the health and glow of young skin all of their life. Billions of dollars are spent by consumers on products that claim to reduce the signs of aging, rejuvenate the skin, firm up wrinkles and lift or tone skin. Many other products are bought to cover up blemishes and even out skin tones.
A skin assessment is a good place to start when looking at products that are targeted specifically for you. Some clinics use UV scanning technology to produce a detailed, accurate read out of your skin’s condition.
Assessments will classify the level of oil and moisture in your skin. This is important to know when choosing cosmetic products and methods of treatment for surgery. Damage caused by the sun, previous cosmetics, allergies or illness will be noted. Doctors and dermatologists will form a plan of attack for any issues based on the results of your skin assessment.
Some people opt for a face lift, where the skin is pulled taut to achieve the look of youth. Others look to laser treatment to remove marks and blemishes or work with a topical cream to clear up the skin.
Even young people are getting skin assessments to help them deal with issues like acne. During the hormonal changes of puberty and the teen years, skin goes through major changes and can become oily, clogging pores and producing pimples. Often teens get assessments to discover the best treatment for their skin type.
Acne scarring is another issue that is tackled through skin assessments. The marks left by acne may be considered unsightly and the patient could want them removed or reduced in severity. There are different treatments available with varying degrees of success. Visit a dermatologist or cosmetic clinic to find out what’s best for you.
Skin Assessment for Health Reasons
A thorough assessment will also look at and note any blemishes, such as moles, warts, pimples, rashes, wrinkles and any other marks. This is important information when checking for the overall health of the patient. Some diseases and illnesses send out warning signs through the skin – such as with a rash.
Moles and warts need to be watched closely for any changes in shape and size. A mole with ragged edges should get careful attention, as it may need to be removed before it turns cancerous. An assessment will give you a base point to start from, noting any change from there.
Some people suffer from excessive sweating on their face or other areas of their body. Skin assessments may be completed to observe the effects of such a condition, although there is generally not much to be done. Doctors can help by suggesting hygiene products and climate conditions that help to soothe the condition (avoiding high heat and unrestrictive clothing for example).
Simple skin assessments can be done online with a questionnaire. It helps to visit with a doctor or specialist to physically go over your skin and do a more thorough analysis. Then your skin care treatment, whether for youth and cosmetics or health and assistance, will be best suited for you.