How To Have A More Productive Visit To The Dermatologist
Getting an appointment with a great dermatologist is not always easy. They're in high demand, their schedules are busy, and sometimes you have to spend time on a waiting list. So, when you do get in for an appointment, you want to make the most of it. Here are some tips to help you do that.
Bring a list of medications
It's not uncommon for medications to cause skin-related side effects, and patients often overlook this possibility. For instance, you may be taking a heart medication that is contributing to your dead skin. Your dermatologist needs to know what medications you're taking in order to figure out whether what you're dealing with is a side effect. So, bring a list of medications (OTC and prescription) and supplements you're taking, and provide it to your dermatologist at the beginning of your appointment so they can consider those possibilities from the get-go.
Stay focused on the reason for your visit
Since you can see your skin, hair, and nails, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about them, and you may have a lot of general questions about them. Why does your skin get red in hot water? Is it normal to grow more hair as you grow older? While these can be good questions to ask a dermatologist, you don't want to ask so many off-topic questions that you lose focus on the problem you're visiting for. For example, if you're visiting about acne, you don't want to spend the first 5 minutes of your appointment talking about the shape of your toenails. Ask questions and discuss the reason for your visit. You can ask other, non-pressing questions later, or email your dermatologist about them after the visit.
Be honest
Of course, you would not lie intentionally. But skin problems can be embarrassing, and sometimes patients are less than honest because they're feeling self-conscious. It's important to put your embarrassment aside and be honest with your dermatologist. For example, if they ask you whether you pick your skin, and you do, you should respond "yes," even though thinking about this may make you cringe. Honesty will help your dermatologist diagnose you more quickly and accurately.
When you get in to see the dermatologist, you want to make the most of this opportunity. Make sure you're honest, thorough, and focused as you bring your troubles to the doctor's attention, and things should go well.
Make an appointment at a clinic like Desert Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists to get started.