Dermatologists are best suited for treating conditions that don’t respond to the common course of treatment. Dermatologists are able to prescribe stronger medications and perform more complex treatments like UVB phototherapy, skin surgery, and laser treatments.

If you haven’t seen a doctor and have a common skin condition, we recommend starting with a primary care doctor. Primary care doctors can diagnose and treat many common skin issues like acne, rosacea, warts, sunburn, nail infections, jock itch, rashes, cysts and even poison ivy. Same-day and next-day appointments are available with primary care doctors so you can start to feel better sooner.

If you have a skin cancer concern, it’s important to get your skin issue checked as soon as possible. You can visit either one of our primary care doctors or our dermatologists to evaluate the issue or lesion. Both types of doctors can check your mole or growth for signs of cancer.

If you have a history of suspicious moles or skin cancer, you should go directly to a dermatologist.

Regular self-exams can help you notice changes to your skin. It’s common practice to check your skin once every three months. The earlier you notice something out of the ordinary, the better. To perform a self-exam:

• Examine the front and back of your body in the mirror. Pay special attention to your legs.
• Bend your elbows so you can get a good look at the back of your upper arms, forearms and palms.
• Look over your feet, including the spaces between your toes.
• Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your neck and your scalp. Remember to part and lift your hair to check as much skin as possible.
• Finally, use the handheld mirror to check your back, buttocks and genitals.

Keep an eye out for new moles, changes to moles, spots, growths, bumps, patches or sores that don’t heal after several weeks. Also, remember to follow the ABCDE rule for abnormal moles. Look for asymmetry, borders, color inconsistencies, a diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser, and evolving size, shape or color.

Over time, sun exposure and aging can cause skin issues, even skin cancer. Use these guidelines to stay on top of your skin care:

Sticking to a daily care routine is one of the easiest ways to maintain your skin health. Daily cleansing and moisturizing can help prevent dryness, heal acne and slow aging. If you aren’t sure which cleansers and moisturizers work best with your skin, you can ask our doctors for recommendations.

Checking your skin about every three months makes it easier to notice new marks on your skin or changes to existing moles or birthmarks. Remember to ask your primary care doctor to check your skin during your yearly checkup.

Shielding your skin from damaging sun rays can prevent wrinkles and decrease the chance of developing skin cancer. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 everywhere your skin shows before stepping outside, even if it’s cloudy. Wear wide-brim hats, sunglasses and clothes made of sun protective fabric when you might spend long periods in the sun.

We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, CIGNA, HealthPartners, Medica, Medicare, PreferredOne and many others.

Not sure what your insurance covers? Call the number on the back of your card or our CareLine nurses any time at 612-339-3663 or 800-551-0859 for help looking at your options.

Don’t have your card in front of you? Here are member services numbers to help you get started:

• HealthPartners: 800-883-2177
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota: 800-382-2000
• CIGNA: 800-244-6224 (insurance through work); 866-494-2111 (insurance directly or through the Exchange)
• Medica: 800-952-3455
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• PreferredOne: 763-847-4477
• United Healthcare: 877-842-3210