One of the best things we can do as patients is to arrive at our appointments prepared with information that will make the visit go as smoothly as possible. This is definitely the case when you are getting ready to see your dermatologist.
Because the skin is the biggest organ of the entire body, it is incredibly important to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist to make sure that everything is okay with your skin and to check on any moles or other skin issues you might be experiencing. In order for your dermatologist to be able to conduct a thorough exam and be as knowledgeable about you as possible, please consider telling him or her the following 10 things during your visit:
1—If any members of your family have been diagnosed with melanoma. Some dermatologists will ask this, either face-to-face or through a new-patient questionnaire. But if no one asks about it during your appointment, be sure to mention it. A family history of certain conditions can be very vital information for physicians and when it comes to dermatologists, melanoma is about at the top of the list. If you are not sure, it’s worth a quick phone call or email to ask close family members before you go in for your check-up.
2—What your history of sun exposure is. Were you a Coppertone baby, bronzed and in the sun from babyhood on? Did you coat yourself with baby oil and bake in the sun for hours as a teenager? Or have you been pretty good about using a sunscreen with a high SPF and keeping in the shade? Whatever the truth is, your dermatologist wants and needs to know this information. Even if your vacations in Hawaii spent frolicking in the sun with coconut-scented tanning oil make you cringe now that you think about it, this is no time to fudge the truth. It’s okay—your dermatologist has heard it all before and will appreciate your honesty.
3—If you have noticed changes in any moles. Does the mole on your arm look bigger than usual? How about darker, or is it getting itchy? Let your dermatologist know. Some changes in moles are no big deal, but others can signify a health issue so it’s important to let him or her know any changes and/or new moles on your body. With this in mind, it is a good idea to look at your back and other hard-to-see areas of your body pretty regularly to check for moles that you might otherwise miss.
4—Tell him or her about any medications you are taking, including vitamins, minerals, and/or herbal supplements. If your dermatologist prescribes something for you to take, it is imperative that he or she knows what you are already taking to avoid any potential drug interactions. Since some natural remedies can negatively interact with certain drugs, it is important to mention everything you take, even if it’s just a daily multi-vitamin or occasional garlic tablet.
5—If you are pregnant or nursing. Your body changes in all sorts of ways when you are pregnant, and your skin will also behave in unusual ways when you are expecting. Knowing you are pregnant will help your doctor understand any skin issues you might be having. And again, if you need medication to treat a skin condition, being pregnant or nursing will definitely influence what, if any, medications can be prescribed.
6—What products you use regularly on your skin. Do you put Oil of Olay on your face every night? Do you wash your face with Lever 2000 and call it a day? Do you use makeup with sunscreen? Whatever you put on your skin, your dermatologist should know about them. In some cases, skin conditions can be caused by an allergic reaction to a lotion or cleaning product, and some might be harsher on your skin than necessary. Sharing this information with your doctor can be very helpful for both of you.
7—If you use sunscreen regularly. Just like in tip #2, this is no time to skimp on the truth. It’s important to fess up about your sunscreen use to your dermatologist. And it’s possible that you use it more than you realize—before you head in to your appointment check out the bottles of foundation, other make-up, moisturizer, and other products you might use on your skin. Many of these things contain sunscreen. You can even bring in the bottles with you if it would make it easier to remember. Be sure to mention not only what your sources of sunscreen are, but on what areas of your body it is normally applied and how often you use them.
8—If you are going in because you have a rash, be sure to mention any recent changes in your environment. This can include a new pet, a new laundry detergent, if you are working around plants at home, or chemicals at work. Knowing this information can help your dermatologist play detective and help figure out why you have the rash in the first place.
9—If you are seeing the dermatologist for facial breakout issues like acne, tell him or her about any patterns you might have noticed, like if it gets worse before your period, or if it flares up after you eat hot and spicy foods, drink hot liquids, or after you exercise. Again, the more information you can give your dermatologist, the easier he or she can help diagnose your condition.
10—If you smoke, or are living with second-hand smoke. Both of these things can cause your skin to age prematurely, so please let your dermatologist know if you are smoking or live with someone who does.
A lot of people find that making a list and/or jotting down the information above is really useful—a lot of people develop “white coat syndrome” when in the doctor’s office and end up forgetting most of what they want to say. Write down the information suggested in the 10 topics above, and it will make your appointment go that much faster and smoother.