By Margaret Lee

Dermatologist

What should this specialist be consulted for?

Many people see dermatologists for skin problems including skin cancer, eczema and psoriasis. Lesser known is their expertise in hair and nail disorders. They also provide cosmetic dermatology services such as botox, laser (for pigmentation and veins) and hair transplants.

When should you consult one?

Those with skin, nail or hair concerns that they feel require specialist treatment and attention and which cannot be resolved by a general practitioner (GP).

How often?

Dr Eileen Tan of Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic, who is a dermatologist, says this depends on the concern. Common ailments like a skin rash may be solved within one to three consultations. Patients who require maintenance, such as the purchase of topical creams, may need to see a dermatologist once every six months.

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist

What should this specialist be consulted for?

ENT specialists should be consulted for, as the name suggests, ear, nose and throat problems. Dr Kenny Pang, an ENT consultant at Pacific Sleep Centre, says ENT specialists can be consulted on medical concerns occurring anywhere from the collarbone up to the head, including the mouth, tongue, lymph nodes and thyroids but excluding the brain and the eye.

When should you consult one?

When you experience an ENT problem, for example, a change in your voice or a sinus allergy. A referral from a GP is generally not required.

How often?

This depends on the condition of the disease or disorder. For example, acute illnesses such as ear infections initially require more frequent consultations - up to three times a week. Chronic illnesses such as cancer may need visits from once a month to once in six months.

Gynaecologist

What should this specialist be consulted for?

There are four main concerns:

1 Reproductive medicine, that is, both male and female infertility;

2 Maternal foetal medicine, which deals with abnormal and high-risk pregnancies;

3 Urogynaecology, related to urinary disturbances in women;

4 Gynaecological oncology, which includes cancers of the reproductive system - the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva.

When should you consult one?

All females of any age, from childhood up until post menopause. For infertile couples, the husband should be included in the assessment.

See one at the onset of your condition. There should be no delay due to the possibility of progressive damage to the reproductive system if left untreated.

KK Women's and Children's Hospital advises sexually active women to have a Pap smear normally from the age of 25 years onwards as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.

How often?

Routine check-ups, such as Pap smears and ultrasound scans for the health of the reproductive system, should be done annually. For other conditions, it would depend on the nature of the illness and can vary from days to weeks or months.

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This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.

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