First time trips to any doctor can be a stressful affair. Figuring out what to bring and what you need to discuss can sometimes overwhelm people. If you don’t have a regular dermatologist now, it’s a relationship that you’ll want to build. Dermatologists in studies have consistently demonstrated more accuracy in diagnosing skin conditions and spotting cancer (Archives of Dermatology). So what should you be prepared to for a first time trip to the dermatologist? *Editor’s Note: Dr. J.D. Zipkin, M.D. contributed information to this article. When Should You Go? Short answer? You should build a relationship with a dermatologist […]
First time trips to any doctor can be a stressful affair. Figuring out what to bring and what you need to discuss can sometimes overwhelm people. If you don’t have a regular dermatologist now, it’s a relationship that you’ll want to build. Dermatologists in studies have consistently demonstrated more accuracy in diagnosing skin conditions and spotting cancer (Archives of Dermatology).
So what should you be prepared to for a first time trip to the dermatologist?
*Editor’s Note: Dr. J.D. Zipkin, M.D. contributed information to this article.
When Should You Go?
A dermatologist can tell you about any concerning skin abnormalities and also look for problems you might have missed.
Short answer? You should build a relationship with a dermatologist early.
Melanoma is the most common cancer for people between the ages of 25- and 29-years-old and the second more common cancer for people between the ages of 15- and 29-years-old (American Academy of Dermatology). And one study found that there’s been an increase in the rate of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in men and women under 40-years-old (Journal of Investigative Dermatology).
Generally speaking, since you’ve likely spent time in the sun, and more than once been sunburned, you’ll want to be sure you’re getting checked regularly.
Other reasons you might want to go early? A dermatologist can help you deal with specific skin conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo that might pop up in your teens and 20s. A dermatologist can also help you get started on an anti-aging routine early, when it’s preventative (your skin starts losing collagen around age 21).
Younger is better. Having a doctor who knows what your body looks like healthy can help your doctor identify changes and problems.
Before You Go: What You Need to Bring
Remember to bring a list of your questions and concerns, we well as a pencil and paper to write down what the dermatologist tels you.
Make sure you have a copy of your medical history. You’ll have to fill out a detailed medical history form, but the more information, the better. Some of the things that might not seem important to you in terms of your skin could tell your dermatologist about what to look for and potential issues that you might have.
Be sure that you have a list of all of your medications (even if you think they aren’t relevant, they might be!), as well as a list of all of the products you use on your skin (even those that are over the counter, as well as detergents). This is particularly important, as you might be less likely to share crucial information if you don’t think it’s relevant, even if it is. It also helps if you’ve had a new problem crop up.
Write down a list of questions about what you want to know about your skin over the week beforehand. Be sure to make note of any particular things on your body — moles, skin tags, odd patches, etc. — so that you can be sure to bring attention to them. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to sit at an appointment and try to remember everything you wanted to cover, especially at a first appointment. A list of questions and specific issues you’d like your doctor to explain to you will help you to ask anything important. All that will help the appointment go smoothly.
And keep that paper and pen in hand. There’s a good chance you’ll want to write down some of what the dermatologist tells you.
Preparing for the Appointment
Don’t bother with makeup. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you usually get dolled up before you go out, you might forget that you want clean skin for a dermatologist appointment. And don’t forget your nails — they should be polish-free. Your nails can be very telling of your health, so make sure they’re visible.
Wear lose-fitting clothing. Since your skin covers your entire body, your dermatologist might want to look at all of it, section by section. Wearing clothes that are easy to change in and out of will make gowns easier, which then allows the doctor to look at one area and then cover it up and go to the next area.
Bottom Line
If you’re headed to the dermatologist for the first time, there are a few things that will ensure a smooth appointment.
Here’s what you need:
- Clean skin and nails
- Your complete medical history
- A complete list of medications and products you’re using, including those that are over-the-counter
- A list of questions you’ve come up with in advance highlighting any important questions you don’t want to forget
- A pen and paper to take down notes on what your dermatologist is saying
- Loose-fitting clothes that you can easily swap for a hospital gown
Source: www.futurederm.com
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