September puts skin health firmly in the spotlight.
It is Skin Care Awareness Month and Alopecia Awareness Month, while 14 September marks World Atopic Eczema Day.
Although these awareness initiatives focus on different aspects of dermatology, they share an important message:
Do not wait until a skin, hair or nail concern becomes severe before seeking professional advice.
September is an ideal opportunity to pay attention to changes you may have been ignoring and make your skin health part of your broader healthcare routine.
At Healthy Me Medical Centre in Durban, Dr Nkosiyenzile Cele provides comprehensive dermatological care for patients of different ages and with a wide range of concerns.
When Did You Last Properly Check Your Skin?
Most of us notice the skin we see in the mirror every morning.
But what about your scalp?
Your back?
Behind your ears?
The soles of your feet?
Or a mole that has gradually changed over several months?
Self-examination is a valuable habit, but it cannot replace professional assessment when you have a suspicious lesion or an increased risk of skin cancer.
What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Examination?
A full-body skin examination is a systematic assessment of your skin.
A dermatologist looks for suspicious moles, lesions, growths and other changes that may require closer investigation.
The examination may include areas that are easily overlooked during self-checks, such as the scalp.
If something suspicious is identified, your dermatologist can determine whether it simply needs monitoring or whether further investigation is required.
When skin cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be necessary. A small sample of tissue is removed and examined so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.
The appropriate frequency of full-body skin examinations differs between individuals, so your dermatologist can recommend a schedule based on your personal risk.
Skin Cancer Can Affect Different Skin Tones
A dangerous misconception is that people with darker skin do not need to worry about skin cancer.
While the level of risk differs between skin tones, skin cancer can affect anyone.
South Africa’s high UV environment makes sun awareness relevant across our diverse population.
It is therefore important to pay attention to unusual or changing areas anywhere on your body — including less obvious areas such as the palms, soles and nails.
Seek professional assessment for a new or changing lesion that concerns you rather than trying to determine whether it is dangerous from photographs online.
A Dermatology Check-Up Can Cover Much More Than Moles
Dermatologists specialise in diseases affecting the skin, hair and nails.
Your appointment is therefore an opportunity to discuss concerns you may have postponed.
Perhaps you have been dealing with acne that is beginning to leave marks or scars.
Maybe a persistent rash keeps returning.
Perhaps your scalp has become itchy or your hair has started thinning unexpectedly.
You may have psoriasis that is becoming difficult to manage, unexplained pigmentation or a skin growth you would like assessed.
You may also want professional guidance about cosmetic skin concerns rather than experimenting with treatments yourself.
These concerns can all form part of a conversation about your overall skin health.
Comprehensive Dermatology Under One Roof
Healthy Me Medical Centre provides a broad range of dermatological services.
General Medical Dermatology
Patients can receive assessment and management for conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, vitiligo, skin infections, hair loss and cutaneous lupus.
Paediatric Dermatology
Children have their own dermatological needs.
Healthy Me Medical Centre provides specialised assessment and management of childhood skin conditions including eczema, birthmarks and haemangiomas.
Skin Cancer Services
Services include professional skin examinations and assessment of suspicious lesions, biopsies and appropriate treatment or management where required.
Surgical Dermatology
Where medically appropriate, procedures including excisional surgery and cryosurgery are available.
Cosmetic Dermatology
Healthy Me Medical Centre also offers selected cosmetic dermatology treatments, including chemical peels, microneedling and skin rejuvenation.
Cosmetic treatment should still begin with an understanding of your skin. Professional assessment can help determine whether a particular procedure is appropriate for your concerns and skin type.
One Concern May Tell Only Part of the Story
Dermatology is rarely about treating skin in isolation.
A dermatologist considers your symptoms, medical history, medications, previous treatments, lifestyle and other relevant factors before recommending a management plan.
This becomes particularly important when symptoms persist despite trying over-the-counter products.
Instead of repeatedly changing products, seeking professional advice can help establish what you are actually treating.
Five Reasons to Book a Dermatology Appointment
Consider making an appointment if:
- A mole or skin lesion has changed.
Changes in size, shape, colour or behaviour deserve professional assessment. - A rash keeps returning.
Persistent or recurring inflammation may require diagnosis and targeted treatment. - You are experiencing unexplained hair loss.
Different types of hair loss require different approaches, making accurate diagnosis particularly important. - A chronic skin condition is affecting your quality of life.
Conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis can have physical and emotional effects and deserve appropriate medical care. - You want a professional skin health assessment.
You do not have to wait until something is seriously wrong before speaking to a dermatologist.
Make September the Month You Prioritise Your Skin
Skin Care Awareness Month reminds us to protect our skin.
Alopecia Awareness Month encourages greater understanding of hair-loss conditions.
World Atopic Eczema Day reminds us that chronic skin disease can have an impact that goes far beyond what others can see.
Together, they reinforce a simple message: your skin health deserves professional attention.
Whether your concern is a changing mole, persistent eczema, acne, hair loss, a childhood skin condition or a cosmetic concern, Healthy Me Medical Centre offers a comprehensive and patient-centred approach to dermatological care.
Under the care of dermatologist Dr Nkosiyenzile Cele, MBChB, MMed, FCDerm (SA), patients can access expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment tailored to their individual needs.
Do not wait for a concern to become more difficult to manage before asking for help.
Make September your reminder to prioritise your skin.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Specialist dermatologists.