To get the most from this appointment, a little preparation is in order. This will help you feel confident in your treatment plan, and ensure you get the results you want.
Here are a few easy things you can do to get ready for your upcoming appointment with the dermatologist.
Bring that list of questions with you to your appointment. When you’re in the exam room, it’s hard to remember everything you wanted to ask your dermatologist. You don’t want to be out in the parking lot after the appointment before realizing you forgot to ask a question or two that you desperately wanted answered.
Be ready to answer questions about your medical history as well, even issues that don’t necessarily have to do with your skin. Your dermatologist will ask about any health issues, past and present. They will also want to know about family’s health history if they’ve had acne or skin cancer for example.
The doctor isn’t being nosy. Your dermatologist will need to know all about your health, and not just your skin health, in order to properly help you.
This is important to avoid any potential drug interactions between the medications you’re currently using and new acne medications your derm may prescribe.
If your acne tends to wax and wane, as it commonly does, take a few photos of your skin when you’re going through a really bad breakout. Even if you’re not especially broken out on the day of your appointment, your dermatologist can get a fairly accurate impression of your acne by taking a look at the photo.
To get great results, treating your acne exactly as your dermatologist asks you to is extremely important. The notes you take during the appointment can be helpful down the road to ensure you follow your treatment plan precisely.
With just a few minutes of preparation on your part will help you get the greatest benefit from the time spent with your dermatologist.
A Word From Verywell
While the initial visit to your dermatologist is a great start, don’t be surprised (or too disappointed) if it takes several appointments before you really start noticing a huge improvement of your acne. It can sometimes take a few tries before finding a treatment plan that works for you.
There are things you can do to speed the process along: use your medications exactly as directed, don’t skip days, and keep your dermatologist apprised of any bothersome side effects.
Remember, this first appointment is the beginning of a long and, hopefully productive, relationship between you and your dermatologist.
