General Dermatology

Most dermatologists recommend a full body skin exam once per year to monitor for changes in moles, skin growths, or early signs of skin cancer. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, many moles, or high sun exposure, your dermatologist may recommend more frequent exams.

A full body skin exam allows a dermatology provider to carefully evaluate the skin from head to toe for suspicious moles, irregular pigmentation, skin tags, or other lesions. Early detection is one of the most effective ways to treat skin cancer successfully, including melanoma and other common skin cancers.

During your exam, your provider may also evaluate common concerns such as rosacea, acne, facial redness, sun damage, or other skin conditions that affect overall skin health. Patients in the Chicago and Chicagoland area often schedule annual skin checks as part of their preventative skincare routine, especially if they spend time outdoors or have a history of sun exposure.

If you notice a mole changing in size, color, or shape, persistent redness, or a new skin growth, you should schedule a dermatology visit sooner rather than waiting for your annual exam.

During a skin cancer screening, a dermatology provider performs a full-body examination of the skin to check for unusual moles, lesions, or changes that could indicate skin cancer. The exam is quick, painless, and typically takes about 10–15 minutes.

Your provider will carefully examine your skin from head to toe, including areas that are not regularly exposed to the sun such as the scalp, back, feet, and nails. They will look for suspicious spots using the ABCDE rule of melanoma—asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, larger diameter, or changes over time.

If a mole or skin lesion appears unusual, your provider may recommend monitoring the area, taking a photo for comparison at future visits, or performing a small biopsy to determine whether cancerous cells are present.

Skin cancer screenings are an important part of preventative dermatology care. Many patients in the Chicago and Chicagoland area schedule annual skin checks to monitor for early signs of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and allows dermatologists to address concerns before they progress.

If you notice a new mole, a spot that changes shape or color, or a lesion that doesn’t heal, it’s important to schedule a dermatology evaluation as soon as possible.

A concerning mole may show changes in size, shape, color, or texture, which can sometimes indicate skin cancer or melanoma. Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to evaluate suspicious moles.

The ABCDE signs include:

• A – Asymmetry: one half of the mole looks different from the other

• B – Border: irregular, jagged, or uneven edges

• C – Color: multiple colors or uneven pigmentation

• D – Diameter: larger than about 6 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser)

• E – Evolving: any change in size, color, or shape over time

If you notice a new mole or an existing mole that begins to change, itch, bleed, or grow, it is important to schedule a dermatology evaluation. Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes for skin cancer.

Acne usually cannot be permanently cured, but it can be effectively treated and controlled with the right dermatology plan. Many patients experience long periods of clear skin with professional treatment, medical-grade skincare, and lifestyle adjustments.

Acne develops when pores become clogged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Hormones, genetics, stress, and certain skincare products can all contribute to breakouts. Because these underlying factors can fluctuate over time, acne may occasionally return even after successful treatment.

Dermatology providers treat acne using a combination of medical treatments and advanced skincare therapies. Depending on your skin type and severity, treatments may include prescription medications, medical facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, microneedling, or customized skincare regimens designed to reduce breakouts and inflammation.

Many patients in the Chicago and Chicagoland area see significant improvement with consistent care and preventative treatments. Early treatment is also important to reduce the risk of acne scarring, pigmentation, and long-term skin damage.

If you are struggling with persistent breakouts, a dermatology consultation can help identify the root cause and develop a personalized acne treatment plan for clearer, healthier skin.

Adult acne can be caused by a combination of hormonal changes, excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. Stress, certain medications, diet, and skincare products can also contribute to breakouts.

Many adults experience acne when hormonal fluctuations increase oil production in the skin. This is common during periods of stress, hormonal changes, or lifestyle shifts. Pores can become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria can grow.

Dermatology providers often treat adult acne using a combination of medical-grade skincare, prescription medications, and treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling. With the right treatment plan, most patients can significantly reduce breakouts and improve overall skin health.

The early signs of rosacea often include persistent facial redness, frequent flushing, visible blood vessels, and increased skin sensitivity. These symptoms most commonly appear on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.

Many people initially notice that their skin becomes red or flushed after triggers such as heat, spicy foods, alcohol, or stress. Over time, the redness may become more persistent and visible blood vessels may develop on the surface of the skin. Some individuals also experience small acne-like bumps, dryness, or burning sensations.

Early diagnosis is important because rosacea tends to progress if left untreated. Dermatology providers can recommend treatments such as topical medications, laser therapy for redness, and customized skincare routines designed to calm inflammation and reduce flare-ups.

Rosacea flare-ups are commonly triggered by factors that increase blood flow to the face or irritate sensitive skin. The most common triggers include sun exposure, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, intense exercise, and certain skincare products.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often causes facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. While the exact cause is not fully understood, flare-ups often occur when the skin reacts to environmental or lifestyle triggers.

Common rosacea triggers include:

• Sun exposure and extreme temperatures

• Hot beverages and spicy foods

• Alcohol, especially red wine

• Stress and emotional changes

• Exercise or overheating

• Harsh skincare products or exfoliants

Identifying personal triggers is an important step in managing rosacea. Dermatology providers often recommend a combination of medical treatments, laser therapy for redness, and gentle medical-grade skincare to help reduce flare-ups and calm inflammation.

Patients experiencing persistent facial redness or flushing in the Chicago area may benefit from a dermatology evaluation to develop a personalized rosacea treatment plan designed to minimize triggers and improve overall skin health.

Skin tags develop when small clusters of skin cells and collagen become trapped within thicker areas of skin, often forming in places where skin rubs against skin or clothing.

They commonly appear on areas such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, chest, and groin. Factors that can contribute to skin tag development include genetics, friction, aging, hormonal changes, and certain metabolic conditions.

Skin tags are benign and usually harmless, but many patients choose to remove them if they become irritated or for cosmetic reasons. Dermatology providers can safely remove skin tags using simple in-office procedures such as snipping, cauterization, or freezing, typically with minimal discomfort and little downtime.

Skin tag removal is typically quick and minimally uncomfortable. Most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure because dermatology providers use techniques designed to remove the skin tag safely and efficiently.

Skin tags are small, benign growths that commonly appear on areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, chest, or groin. During removal, a dermatology provider may use methods such as snipping, cauterization, or medical-grade freezing to remove the growth. Depending on the size or location of the skin tag, a local numbing agent may be applied to ensure comfort.

The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and most patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterward. Minor redness or tenderness may occur temporarily but typically resolves quickly.

Many patients choose to remove skin tags for both comfort and cosmetic reasons, especially if the growth becomes irritated by clothing or jewelry. A dermatology consultation can help determine the safest and most effective treatment option for skin tag removal in the Chicago area.

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a dermatologist. Many dermatology clinics allow patients to schedule appointments directly for concerns such as acne, rosacea, facial redness, skin tags, suspicious moles, or routine skin exams.

Whether a referral is required can depend on your health insurance plan. Some insurance providers, particularly HMO plans, may require a referral from a primary care physician before seeing a specialist. If you have a PPO or choose to pay out of pocket, you can typically book a dermatology consultation without a referral.

Dermatologists diagnose and treat a wide range of medical skin conditions and cosmetic concerns, including acne, rosacea, eczema, skin infections, and signs of skin cancer. Many patients in the Chicago and Chicagoland area schedule dermatology visits directly when they notice new or changing moles, persistent redness, breakouts, or other skin concerns.

If you’re unsure whether a referral is required, contacting the dermatology office or checking with your insurance provider can help clarify the next steps before scheduling your visit.

Many skin exams and skin cancer screenings are covered by health insurance, especially when they are performed to evaluate a medical concern such as a suspicious mole, new skin growth, or changes in existing moles. Coverage can vary depending on your insurance provider and individual plan.

Dermatology visits related to medical conditions—including skin cancer screenings, acne, rosacea, rashes, or other skin disorders—are often considered medically necessary and may be partially or fully covered by insurance. However, services performed strictly for cosmetic purposes, such as aesthetic mole removal or elective skin treatments, may not be covered.

During a skin exam, a dermatology provider evaluates the skin for signs of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other abnormalities. Early detection is one of the most effective ways to treat skin cancer successfully.

Patients in the Chicago and Chicagoland area often schedule annual skin exams as part of preventative dermatology care. If you are unsure about coverage, your dermatology provider’s office can help verify your benefits and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before your visit.

Laser skin resurfacing is a dermatology treatment that uses focused light energy to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance by stimulating new collagen production and removing damaged skin cells.

The treatment works by delivering controlled energy to the skin’s surface, which encourages the body’s natural healing response and promotes the growth of healthier skin. Laser resurfacing can help address concerns such as fine lines, acne scars, uneven skin tone, sun damage, and enlarged pores.

Different types of lasers may be used depending on your skin type and goals. A dermatology provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to improve skin clarity and rejuvenation while maintaining the skin’s natural balance.

You should see a dermatologist if you notice persistent skin concerns such as acne, facial redness, rashes, unusual moles, skin growths, or changes in your skin’s appearance.

Dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails, including acne, rosacea, eczema, infections, and skin cancer. Many people also visit dermatology providers for preventative care, such as annual skin exams or evaluation of new or changing moles.

Seeking professional care early can help prevent minor skin concerns from becoming more serious. Dermatologists can also recommend personalized treatment plans and medical-grade skincare to support long-term skin health and overall confidence.