A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in treating the skin, nails, hair and mucous membranes (the lining inside eyelids, mouth and nose). Most people associate them as dealing with skin. When coming to the office, there are several things you can do to help them to better diagnose and understand your concerns. Let’s take a further look below.
1. Make a List
Make a list of your symptoms, details and concerns before coming into the office! Make notes of any skin abnormalities, allergic reactions or changes in moles. Document the details concerning your condition. For example, if you are being seen for acne, write down how long you have had it. When did it first begin to develop? What areas on your body are you experiencing outbreaks? Have you had acne in the past? Have you changed skin care products or laundry detergents recently? All of these notes can help your dermatologist to better understand your circumstances and condition.
2. Bring In Your Products
As ridiculous as it may seem to bag up all of your skin care products, it is actually extremely helpful to a licensed dermatologist who knows what to look for on the labels that might be the guilty culprit of say a rash, or allergic reaction. Bag up shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, shaving creams and any other products that you use topically (on your skin). Many skin care formulas, include toxic allergens and skin irritants. By bringing them into the office, your dermatologist will be able to more easily identify what might be causing, or worsening your condition.
3. Don’t Expect Immediate Gratification
The skin is the body’s largest organ. Don’t expect immediate results. There is no miracle, overnight cure. If you come to the office with a patch of psoriasis, don’t expect the topical steroids and ceramide cream regimens, to clear the patch up overnight. Have realistic expectations. Document what works to alleviate and clear up symptoms and anything that doesn’t appear to be working or that might aggravate your condition.
4. Understand Your Skin Type
Not all skin is created equal. Meaning, what works for one case might not work for yours. Some people have dry skin while others have oily, and then there are those people that fall into the combination category of the two. Some people have sensitive skin and others are less prone to experience allergic reactions or contact dermatitis. Speak to your dermatologist about what type of skin you have and determine together, what skin care routine will work best for treating your individual skin type.
5. Moisturizing Is Crucial for Optimal Skin Health
You can’t expect a plant to flourish without watering it. The same goes for your skin! It is thirsty and needs it’s thirst to be quenched with a proper moisturizing routine. For severely dry skin, or if you have eczema or psoriasis, utilize thick creams and heavy ointments for the best moisture locking results. Always choose creams with the healing properties of ceramides and other essential fatty acids and skin lipids. These creams are formulated to repair the skin’s barrier and replace ceramides that are lost from the skin’s barrier, due to aging, sun damage and environmental elements.
If you do not have a dermatologist, research how to find a dermatologist. Check for online reviews and credentials before making an appointment.
Author Bio
Dr. Cheryl Lee Eberting blogs regularly about skin problems, treatment and after care at http://blog.cherylleemd.com
