According to MSc.BS Phan Ngoc Huy, Department of Dermatology, Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, searching for information on the Internet can help people know basic skin care methods. However, the hospital often receives cases of self-treatment according to online instructions that worsen skin damage or obscure disease symptoms.
First, skin damage progresses quickly and spreads. When the skin suddenly develops red rashes, blisters, ulcers, especially in the mouth, eyes or intimate area, accompanied by fever, fatigue, patients need to be examined early. This may be a symptom of acute dermatological diseases, some of which are life-threatening.
Second, abnormal signs appear in the mole or skin damage. A mole that suddenly grows rapidly, changes color, has uneven edges, or the ulcer takes a long time to heal needs to be assessed by a specialist doctor to rule out skin cancer.
During a direct examination, the doctor may use dermoscopy and prescribe a biopsy when necessary to determine the nature of the lesion. These methods cannot be completely replaced by online consultation or phone images.
Third, skin disease is accompanied by systemic symptoms. Rash and joint pain, muscle weakness, weight loss or prolonged fever may be related to systemic immune diseases. Patients need to be examined and have necessary tests to determine the cause, thereby having appropriate treatment directions.
Fourth, self-treatment at home but no improvement. This is a fairly common situation when patients buy medicine or cosmetics according to online recommendations. If after about 2 weeks, the lesions do not subside but become more red, itchy, or irritation appears, patients should not continue to change products, increase the dose, or use medicine according to word of mouth.
Prolonged self-treatment can damage the skin's protective barrier, obscure symptoms, or cause additional unwanted effects, making subsequent diagnosis and treatment more difficult.
According to doctors, information on the Internet can help improve skin care knowledge but cannot completely replace direct examination. When skin damage is prolonged, abnormal progression, repeated recurrence or affects daily life and quality of life, people should go to a dermatology specialist facility for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treating correctly from the beginning helps limit complications, avoid prolonged illness and reduce the risk of skin damage becoming more serious.
