Your hair brush seems to collect a few more hairs than the day before. There’s a new mole on your forearm. Your face turns bright red in certain situations. These are common events, which are—in most cases—nothing of concern.
So, when is a change in color, texture or other skin feature something to worry about? And how do you know when to see a dermatologist? Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern tells us what’s normal and what might warrant an expert’s opinion. And—because dermatologists don’t just specialize in skin concerns—you’ll see concerns related to the hair and nails as well.
Important Note: While we can provide you with expert information, we cannot offer a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. If you are concerned about any of the issues below (or a related issue), visit a dermatologist.
1. Acne
- Normal: Few, small inflammatory bumps or papules throughout adolescence and young adulthood
- Not Normal: Feeling like most days you have acne bumps or blemishes and not being able to control them with over-the-counter options
Adults are not immune to breakouts, and there’s a lot more that could be causing pimples than you might think. This could be anything from using the wrong cleanser to an imbalance of something internal. If your acne is more than just an occasional annoyance and you can’t seem to get rid of it, contact a dermatologist.
2. Cold Sores
- Normal: Rare lesion once or twice a year
- Not Normal: Breakouts every month
Cold sores, aka fever blisters or oral herpes, are due to an infection of the lips, mouth or gums. They’re small, often painful blisters that show up on or near the mouth. They should go away on their own, but if they persist or appear more frequently than once or twice a year, it’s time to talk to a doctor.
3. Dandruff
- Normal: Occasional little flakes that can be controlled with over-the-counter shampoos
- Not Normal: Thicker, scaly, itchy patches, especially if it affects work and social life
Mild dandruff can often be controlled with specialized shampoos and treatments. However, like Dr. Magovern notes, if your itchy scalp and flakes are getting in the way of your everyday life, you should seek medical advice. Severe or worsening dandruff might be caused by stress, environmental changes or imbalances within your body.
4. Hair Loss
- Normal: Losing up to 150 hairs per day
- Not Normal: Noticing bald patches in the shapes of circles on your scalp
Your hair is constantly growing and replacing itself, which is why losing up to 150 hairs per day is completely normal. However, excessive hair loss—or hair that is falling out in patches—is a sign of something abnormal. This might be caused by excessive hair dyeing or overuse of hot styling tools, certain medications, hormone imbalances or high levels of stress. Read more
Also read DIY Banana Hair Mask Recipes For Healthy Hair