A guide to seven warning signs that mean it's time to see a dermatologist, from new or changing moles to stubborn acne, unexplained growths, itchy rashes, keloid scars, and visible veins.
Is your skin telling you something important? If you've ever wondered when it's time to book an appointment with your dermatologist, read this guide.
Many minor skin issues are manageable at home. You can usually address an occasional pimple or a little dryness with simple changes to your skin care routine. Often, minor skin issues resolve on their own without treatment.
Some skin concerns call for professional care from a dermatologist. Vitaly Blatnoy, MD, and the team closely evaluate your skin and can treat stubborn, long-lasting, or high-risk skin concerns at Orlando Dermatology Center in Oviedo, Orlando, Lake Mary, and Casselberry, Florida.
Are you wondering whether it's time to book a dermatology visit? Here are seven signs your skin might need professional help:
1. You see a new mole or notice changes to an old one
New or changing moles are notoriously associated with skin cancer, specifically a fast-spreading type called melanoma. There's no way to confirm if a mole is cancerous without visiting your dermatologist.
Melanoma can cause a mole you've had for your entire life to change in appearance. It might:
- Become asymmetrical
- Have an unusual border
- Be more than one color
- Have a diameter larger than six millimeters
- Be continuously changing
Always call our office if any mole on your body looks unfamiliar to you, whether it's new or old. Dr. Blatnoy and the team can provide skin cancer surgery if they determine a mole is cancerous.
2. You have acne that doesn't clear up on its own
Almost everyone you know has dealt with acne to some degree, often during their preteen or teenage years. Adult acne breakouts often clear up on their own, but this isn't always the case.
If you have stubborn acne, it may be linked to hormone changes, stress, or your diet. Dr. Blatnoy and the team can treat your current acne breakout and help you determine its causes. Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them in the future.
3. You have a growth, and you don't know what it is
Many skin growths can show up throughout your life. In some cases, you might not know exactly what a skin growth is. Our team can evaluate its texture, appearance, and location to find out what it is and whether it needs urgent treatment.
Dr. Blatnoy and the team can diagnose and treat these common (and not so common) skin growths:
Even if a skin growth doesn't need to be removed for a medical reason, you might not like how it looks. Cosmetic skin surgeries can remove most skin growths quite easily, depending on your preference.
4. You have an itchy rash
Rashes can occur for numerous reasons, often showing up because something has irritated your skin. Some rashes are chronic or recurrent throughout your life.
If you have a rash linked to eczema, psoriasis, or a skin infection, our team can provide personalized care. They can support your management of chronic skin conditions that occur throughout your life.
5. Your skin's appearance affects your self-esteem
Skin texture inconsistencies and discoloration can stand out to you more than to others. Still, they can have a heavy impact on your self-image.
Our team specializes in individualized cosmetic services, like chemical peels, to renew your skin's tone and texture. They can help you explore your options with a friendly consultation.
6. A scar is larger than the original wound
Seeing a scar grow larger than the original wound can be jarring, but this is a common sign of a type of scar called a keloid. Dr. Blatnoy and the team specialize in keloid scar removal to make those scars smaller, less noticeable, or less "in the way."
7. You cover up because of visible veins
Do you find yourself wearing long pants in the summer heat simply because you don't want to display leg veins? Spider veins and varicose veins are mostly harmless, but you might not like how they look on your skin.
Laser vein removal can help those veins disappear from sight. These treatments can also improve sensations such as leg heaviness or pain that often accompany varicose veins.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Orlando Dermatology Center if you have any concerns about your skin health. Call the nearest office or book a visit online today.
Reviewed by Dr. Vitaly Blatnoy, MD — Board-Certified Dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. View credentialsLast reviewed June 2, 2026.
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