Seeing a Dermatologist for Acne
November 14, 2008If you’re serious about getting rid of your acne as soon as possible, you need to hit the ground running. Before you have your first appointment with your dermatologist you should be well prepared to see him/her.
There are a number of things you need to me aware of before you see your dermatologist that will help them build a portfolio of your type of skin, and develop a particular treatment. Make sure you well assess your medical history, with the help of your general practitioner if possible. It’s a good idea to show up a bit early so you have time to fill out the required paper work.
Some important things to take note of:
Skin - When did your acne start? Have any previous treatments or medications work for you partially?
Medications and Supplements – Make sure you let your dermatologist know if you are taking any medication. This way you can avoid getting a prescription that may react with something you are already taking. Are you on anti-depressants or birth control? These and similar medications are particularly important to mention. Are you also taking vitamin supplements or performance enhancing supplements like creatine, any hormones, or diet products?
Allergies – Food allergies and medication allergies included. Face products that worsened your acne, of anything the made you break out should be brought up at the first appointment.
Getting Prepared for the Dermatologist
Aside from being mentally prepared for the trip to the dermatologist, it’s equally important to be prepared physically. If you’re under 18 make sure you bring a parent so you can get their advice. Some prescriptions require a parent’s consent so save yourself yet another trip just to get your prescription.
Bring your insurance card, and ID, your referral (if applicable), and any medical records that could be related to the treatment of your acne. The insurance card is particularly important, most dermatologists won’t bother to see you with out it.
Make sure your face is nice and clean, and makeup free. Not doing so will make it hard to get a real idea of how your skin is.
After you’ve been called back to the examination room, you’ll have a brief discussion with the doctor, a nurse, or an intern about your acne history and possible causes of it. These are the exact questions you’d expect to be asked, from your diet to daily habits.
Other typical questions include:
- Is acne something most of the people in your family have suffered from? Most people do have parents that also had acne in their youth.
- How long have you had acne?
- What medications are you already using to treat your acne or other medications?
- Do you smoke or drink regularly?
- Does the use of makeup make conditions worse?
- Does your period have an effect on your breakouts?
Your Chance to Ask Questions
After your doctor has made an assessment of your current condition, they will then make their recommendation for treatment. This is your chance to ask questions. Find out how the treatment is supposed to work, and how long it should take. Be well aware of side effects of the treatments. It’s equally important for you to be informed as it is the doctor. The doctor will see that you are genuinely trying to cure your acne, and will likely become more involved in your treatment.
If in addition to medication, your doctor you instructs you to take care of your skin in a particular, they’re doing so for a good reason. It is important! The medication alone won’t cure your acne for you. It’s also required that you take care of your skin properly while on the medications to ensure best results.
Your doctor and their staff should always be available to answer your questions, and help you out with anything skin related. If your dermatologist refuses to give advice outside of an appointment, run fast, this is not the kind of doctor you want treating you. Insurance and additional fees are expensive, don’t let an unhelpful doctor scam you out of your money.
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Tags: acne, acne treatment, cause of acne, dermatologist, dermatology, facial acne
