Searching for information on the Internet can help people with basic skin care, but not all online advice is suitable for each case. In fact, at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, many patients come for examination after self-treating according to online instructions, making the skin condition worse than initially.
According to MSc.BS Phan Ngoc Huy, Department of Dermatology, Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, people should see a dermatologist when skin damage progresses rapidly or spreads. Symptoms such as rapid red rash, blisters, ulcers, especially in the mouth, eyes or intimate area, accompanied by fever and fatigue may be signs of serious dermatological diseases and need to be assessed early.
Another sign that should not be ignored is abnormal changes in moles or skin lesions. Sudden rapid growth of moles, color changes, jagged edges, or slow-healing ulcers need to be checked by a specialist doctor to rule out the risk of skin cancer. During a direct examination, the doctor may use skin analysis and prescribe a biopsy when necessary. These are techniques that online consultation or phone images cannot completely replace.
Patients also need to pay attention when skin symptoms accompanying systemic manifestations such as joint pain, muscle weakness, weight loss or prolonged fever. These signs may be related to some systemic immune diseases that need to be diagnosed and treated in the right direction.
A fairly common situation is that patients self-medicate or buy cosmetics according to online advertisements, but after about two weeks, it does not improve, even the skin becomes redder, itchies more, or irritation appears. In this case, continuing to change products or increasing the dose of medication can damage the skin's protective barrier, obscure symptoms, and cause additional unwanted effects.
According to MSc. Dr. Phan Ngoc Huy, information on the Internet can help improve skin care knowledge but cannot replace direct examination with a specialist doctor. When skin damage is prolonged, abnormal progression, recurrence many times or affects daily life and quality of life, people should go to a dermatology specialist facility for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Right treatment from the beginning helps limit complications and brings long-term effects.
