What Can Patients Learn From A Skin Pathology?
A skin pathology is a medical term used to describe any abnormality or disease of the skin. There are many different types of skin pathologies, each with its own set of symptoms and treatments. Continue reading for more information about dermatologic skin pathology and what patients can learn from undergoing this simple procedure.
When Is a Skin Pathology Performed?
A skin pathology is usually performed when a patient has skin symptoms that their dermatologist wants to investigate further. Many skin pathologies can be performed in an outpatient setting, which means the patient does not have to stay overnight in a hospital. The dermatologic skin pathology procedure itself is usually quick and painless, and it generally only takes a few minutes to complete.
After the pathology is done, the dermatologist will review the results with the patient when they are available. Patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after the skin pathology is performed.
What Happens During a Skin Pathology?
During a skin pathology, a dermatologist or other trained medical professional will remove a small piece of skin from the affected area. This skin sample is then sent to a laboratory or tested onsite for further analysis.
The skin sample will be examined under a microscope in order to determine if there are any abnormal cells present. If abnormal cells are found, the skin pathology results can help to confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer or another skin condition.
In some cases, a patient's skin sample may also be tested for the presence of certain viruses or bacteria. This can help to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of skin infections such as impetigo or cellulitis. If infection exists, antibiotics or antifungal medications may help.
What Can Patients Learn From a Skin Pathology?
A skin pathology can provide valuable information about a patient's skin condition. It can help to confirm or rule out a diagnosis, and can also provide insight into how the skin condition may progress over time.
In many cases, a skin pathology can also help to identify the best course of treatment for a skin condition. These treatments may include topical creams or ointments, oral medications, or light therapy.
If you have skin symptoms that are worrying you, talk to your dermatologist about whether a skin pathology may be right for you. It is a quick and easy procedure that can provide important information about your skin condition.