Because different skin conditions can look similar, dermatologists sometimes misdiagnose them. Another factor affecting diagnosis of skin conditions is you could have more than one. Having multiple skin health issues makes it more challenging for Massachusetts dermatologists to accurately diagnose you. A misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose could rise to the level of medical malpractice.
Perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is a red rash around your mouth that dermatologists may mistake as acne, especially if the patient is a teenager. Doctors sometimes mistake perioral dermatitis as face dandruff too. If your rash is creating a clear border around your lips, you may have this condition. You can bring it up to your dermatologist or see a new expert about it.
Hidradenitis suppurativa
This skin condition typically starts with bumps around the groin and butt areas. Out of embarrassment, some people don’t go to the dermatologist about it. The painful lumps tend to spread to other areas of the body when hidradenitis suppuravtiva goes untreated. Dermatologists might mistake it as acne when the patient doesn’t inform them of the lumps also being around their groin and butt areas.
Skin cancer
Some doctors don’t take a strange bump on the skin that never goes away seriously. If it turns out to be skin cancer, you might be able to sue the doctor for medical malpractice. Skin cancer moles look like harmless moles, so doctors commonly overlook them. If your gut is telling you something isn’t right, it’s good to seek the opinions of a few other dermatologists.
Whenever something is off with your skin, you should go to a dermatologist to treat it even if it’s not on a noticeable part of your body. You don’t know how serious the issue is, and what was once minor could worsen over time. Keep in mind that misdiagnoses happen, particularly when it comes to skin conditions. Ask your doctor to check for a condition you worry you may have.
