When you notice a new mole, a strange patch of skin, or a spot that doesn’t seem to heal, the first question many people ask is: “Should I see my regular GP or find a skin doctor near me?” While both play important roles in healthcare, the right choice often depends on your situation, risk factors, and the nature of the skin concern.
Understanding the Difference
What a GP Does
A General Practitioner (GP) is your go-to for most everyday health concerns. They have broad medical knowledge and can examine your skin, provide initial treatment, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
What a Skin Doctor Does
A skin doctor—often a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist—focuses entirely on skin health. They have advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions like skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. They also use specialised tools and techniques that many GPs may not have in their practice.
When to See a GP First
You might start with your GP if:
- This is your first skin concern and you’re unsure if it’s serious.
- You need an initial evaluation covered under your standard healthcare visit.
- You want a referral for insurance purposes (if required).
A GP can often handle minor skin issues and will direct you to a specialist if the problem needs more in-depth investigation.
When to Go Straight to a Skin Doctor
Seeing a skin doctor near me right away makes sense if:
- You have a family or personal history of skin cancer.
- You’ve noticed rapid changes in a mole’s size, shape, or colour.
- You have a suspicious lesion that has appeared or isn’t healing.
- You’re due for a full-body skin check and want the most thorough examination possible.
Specialists often have equipment like dermatoscopes, mole mapping systems, and high-resolution imaging tools to detect even the smallest changes.
How Specialists Improve Early Detection
Skin doctors are trained to recognise subtle warning signs that can be easy to miss. For example, melanoma can sometimes look like a harmless freckle to the untrained eye. Specialists also track changes over time using photos and digital mapping, which greatly increases the chances of catching issues early.
Cost and Accessibility Considerations
- GP visits are often easier to book and may cost less, especially if covered under Medicare.
- Skin doctors may charge more per visit, but they provide specialised care that can save time and prevent more expensive treatment later.
For high-risk individuals in Australia, Medicare rebates may apply for skin checks performed by specialists, particularly if you have a referral.
The Best Approach for Skin Health
For most people, a balanced approach works best:
- Visit your GP for general health needs and initial concerns.
- Schedule regular specialist skin checks if you’re in a high-risk group or live in a high-UV area like Queensland or NSW.
- Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe—early detection is the key to effective treatment.
Final Thoughts
Your GP and your skin doctor are both important players in your health journey. If you’re unsure, there’s no harm in starting with your GP, but for suspicious changes or routine skin checks, a skin doctor near me is often the fastest path to peace of mind. With the right professional guidance, you can protect your skin and reduce your risk of serious conditions in the long term.