“When it comes to your skin, the only way to treat a rash or a mark is if you have the correct diagnosis to begin with,” says explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Not knowing what you are treating means that the rash won’t go away, which may be uncomfortable, or in some cases may even be harmful to your health if the spot is cancerous.” Dr. Zeichner helps us break down some of the most commonly misdiagnosed skin conditions, including what to look for and when to visit a board-certified derm for a professional opinion. (Gentle nudge: if your symptoms persist and you still don’t know, it’s best to just go.)
