5 Skin Problems Your General Physician Can Actually Treat!

Skin problems can be annoying. Sometimes painful. Sometimes, it’s just plain embarrassing.

It can be tempting to head straight to a dermatologist for even minor issues. But guess what? Your general physician can often help with a lot of those skin issues. Yep, not everything needs a specialist right away.

Let’s talk about five common skin problems that your General Physician can usually handle—and when it might be time to escalate.

5 Skin Problems Your General Physician Can Actually Treat!

1. Acne That’s Not Just “Teen Stuff”

Acne is often seen as a problem that belongs only to the teenage years. But it doesn’t always disappear after high school.

1.   You could be 25, 35, or even older and still dealing with breakouts.
2.   Hormones, stress, diet, and even certain medications can all trigger it.

Your general physician can often treat mild to moderate acne cases.

They might:

1.   Prescribe topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids
2.   Offer oral antibiotics if the inflammation is bad
3.   Discuss birth control pills if hormonal acne is suspected (for women)

You don’t always need pricey products or a skincare specialist. Begin with your GP—they’ve handled it before and know what actually works.

If it’s cystic acne or if you’ve tried a bunch of stuff with no results? Then yeah, maybe it’s time to ask your GP for a referral.

2. Eczema That Just Won’t Quit

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) isn’t just dry skin. It’s irritating, red, and can suddenly appear without any warning.

You might have:

1.   Patches behind your knees or elbows
2.   Dry, cracked skin on your hands
3.   Itchy red spots that keep you up at night

A general physician can diagnose it easily by looking at it and asking a few questions.

What they might do:

1.   Prescribe a steroid cream or ointment
2.   Recommend fragrance-free moisturisers
3.   Help you identify triggers (like soaps or allergens)

If over-the-counter stuff isn’t working, your GP is a good next step. You don’t need a dermatologist right away.

Unless it’s super widespread, bleeding, or getting infected, then yeah, time to go further.

3. Rashes That Just Appear Out of Nowhere

Ever wake up with a weird rash? Maybe it’s itchy. Maybe it burns. Maybe it’s just… there.

Not all rashes are the same. But your general doctor is often the best place to start.

Some possibilities:

1.   Allergic reactions (to new laundry detergent, skincare products, food)
2.   Heat rash (especially in summer)
3.   Contact dermatitis (from plants, metals, or irritants)

Your GP might:

1.   Identify it right away (honestly, they’ve probably seen hundreds)
2.   Give you antihistamines or steroids
3.   Rule out anything more serious

And if they suspect something like shingles or an autoimmune thing? They’ll refer you.

But for most random, non-life-threatening rashes? Your general physician has it covered.

4. Fungal Infections (Yep, They’re More Common Than You Think)

Fungi are behind conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, and certain nail infections.

Kind of gross? Maybe. But super common.

1.   You might notice scaly red patches
2.   Itching or burning
3.   Peeling skin between toes
4.   A circular red rash that looks like it’s spreading

Good news: a general physician can almost always treat these.

They’ll usually:

1.   Confirm it’s fungal (sometimes with a quick test, sometimes just by sight)
2.   Prescribe antifungal creams or tablets
3.   Give hygiene tips to stop it from coming back

The key is not to ignore it. A small infection can spread fast if left alone.

And don’t rely on Dr. Google—it can make things confusing fast. Just show it to your GP. It takes like two minutes.

5. Moles or Spots That Look “Off”

This one’s a little more serious. Not every mole or dark spot is dangerous, but changes in your skin should never be ignored.

Here’s what to watch for:

1.   A new mole that wasn’t there before
2.   A mole that’s changing shape or color
3.   One that itches or bleeds
4.   Irregular edges or different colors within the same spot

A general physician can do a full skin check during your visit.

If anything looks suspicious:

1.   They might take a photo and track changes
2.     Or recommend seeing a dermatologist for a biopsy.

It’s way better to be safe and check early. Most of the skin cancers, including melanoma, are curable when we caught it sooner.

And yes, your GP knows how to recognize the early warning signs.

Why Start With Your General Physician?

Here’s the thing. You don’t need to book a specialist for every little itch, rash, or pimple.

Here’s why starting with your general physician is a smart move:

1.   They know your health history
2.   They’re trained in diagnosing and treating skin issues
3.   They’re easier to meet and often faster than waiting for a dermatology referral
4.   They’ll tell you honestly when a specialist is needed

Plus, many GPs see skin issues every single day. They’ve got the experience, even if they don’t have “dermatologist” in their title.

When You Should See a Dermatologist Instead

Not everything can or should be handled by your GP.

Here are some signs that it’s worth taking the next step:

1.   Skin issues that haven’t improved after treatment
2.   Rare or complicated conditions (like psoriasis or autoimmune rashes)
3.   Cosmetic concerns like deep acne scarring or pigmentation
4.   Suspicious growths that might need removal

But in most everyday cases? Your general physician can help.

Don’t Wait Until It’s “Bad Enough”

I’ve been there. You notice a patch of something weird and think, “It’ll go away.”

Then it spreads. Or gets itchy. Or you just can’t stop thinking about it.

I waited way too long once for a patch of eczema behind my knee. By the time I saw my GP, it was raw and infected. One prescription later, and it cleared up in days.

Could’ve saved weeks of discomfort if I’d just gone sooner.

Lesson learned.

Quick Tips Before Seeing Your GP for a Skin Issue

1.   Take clear photos of the area (especially if it changes or comes and goes)
2.   Note when it started, how it feels, and anything new you’ve used (lotions, laundry soap, etc.)
3.   Don’t wear makeup or heavy creams to your appointment
4.   Be honest—don’t downplay it

The more info you give, the easier it is for them to help.

Skin issues can be frustrating. But they don’t have to be a mystery.

Next time something pops up on your skin, don’t overthink it. Don’t spend hours Googling scary diagnoses. And don’t assume you need to wait months for a dermatologist.

Start with your general physician. They’ve got the tools, the experience, and a pretty wide range of treatments up their sleeve.

And if they think it’s serious? They’ll guide you to the next step.

So yeah—your GP’s got your back. And your skin, too.