9 Surprising Diseases That Dermatologists Find First

More than skin deep

Your next dermatologist visit could reveal important health information that you may not expect. Some 30 to 40 percent of issues dermatologists see may be related to underlying chronic conditions, estimates Lisa Grandinetti, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Skin is the window to your health,” says Wilma Bergfeld, MD, senior dermatologist in the department of dermatology in the Cleveland Clinic. Medical dermatologists are seeing more and more skin issues, especially related to immune system problems, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. In many cases, dermatologists might help discover conditions during routine visits—before a specialist would—which can ensure patients get treated in earlier stages of illness. Here are some important conditions your skin doctor has her eyes on. Here are some more details on how to identify common rashes and skin conditions.

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