Dermatologic Advice From Primary Care

It’s finally summer in Minnesota! The grills are sizzling, the boats are cruising, and we’re all reaching for our swimsuits, sandals, tank tops, and sundresses. But before you head out to soak up the sun, let’s talk about your body’s largest and most exposed organ: your skin.

At Lakeview Clinic, our primary care providers do more than just manage your blood pressure and annual check-ups. We’re also your first line of defense when it comes to dermatologic care. Whether it’s a weird rash, a changing mole, or just some stubborn acne, your skin has a way of telling us what’s going on, and we’re here to listen.

Skin Self-Care Starts with You

Keep an eye out for changes in your skin. Is that mole new? Is that patch of skin flaking more than usual? The sooner you notice, the sooner we can help. Your primary care doctor is a great place to start the conversation. And no, you don’t need to wait for a dermatology referral to get it checked out.

Beyond awareness, treat your skin with the care it deserves. Tips for success include staying well hydrated, avoiding peak sun exposure, eating a balanced diet with a lot of color, and using mild soap and lotions

What Can Your Primary Doctor Handle? A Lot, Actually!

Lakeview’s primary care team is experienced and comfortable managing many common skin issues, including:

• Acne (mild to moderate)
• Eczema
• Mild Psoriasis
• Skin Infections
  • Bacterial
  • Fungal
  • Viral
• Benign Skin Lesions
  • Warts
  • Skin Tags
  • Seborrheic Keratoses
• Precancerous Lesions (Actinic Keratosis)

We’re your first stop for evaluation and treatment—and your guide when specialized care is needed.

When You Might Need a Dermatologist

Your primary care provider will coordinate specialty referrals when appropriate, ensuring you get the care you need.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you come in for a skin concern, we’ll evaluate the area thoroughly. Depending on the issue, we might perform a skin scraping or biopsy to help diagnose the problem. From there, we’ll create a treatment plan and schedule any needed follow-ups to ensure you’re healing well and responding to treatment.

Bottom Line: Your skin deserves just as much attention as the rest of your body; especially in the sunny months! At Lakeview Clinic, our primary care team is ready to help you protect, heal, and love the skin you’re in. So go ahead, enjoy that sunshine responsibly and don’t forget the SPF! Feel free to let us know how we can help.