Visiting the dermatologist

[TracyRoa]

I have an appointment tomorrow at the acne clinic at my hospital. I've never ever seen a doctor for anything related to my skin, so I was wondering if someone could let me know what to expect. I recently broke out horribly because I just discovered my skin doesn't like silk, and now that I've stopped using the products that contain it, my skin has cleared up, but there's still some redness and several pimples and clogged pores. Are there any particular prescription products I should ask about? I'm not really sure what's out there.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dragonfly]

From my experience, the appointments are very short in time.

Explain to the doctor, the same way you did here - it is very clear and makes sense.

Be open to trying a product that they recommend rather than something you heard about. The doctor might have samples - gives you a chance to try them before you fill a presciption

If you have a few minutes, ask what products they would recommend for your type of skin - cleanser, exfoliant, moisturizer, sunscreen and anti aging.

 

[TracyRoa]

Thanks, Carolyn!

 

[Arielle123]

My derm appointments have been very short also. You'll just need to tell the dr. your concerns, what's going on with your skin, medications. The dr. will likely prescribe medication(s) based on your skin type. There are oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, and retinoids. Sometimes a combination of all 3 is most effective, sometimes only 1 will work. I think that doctors tend to have favorites that they tend to go to (because of reps or personal preference). Samples are great!

Be sure to ask about cleansers/moisturizers! Maybe a gentle skincare routine would really help.

Differin is wonderful for me, and is a retinoid so is anti-aging as a side effect.

 

[TracyRoa]

Thanks, Arielle!

 

[andrea0611]

My derm visits have all been very quick, too. I went for acne and clogged pores and left with a Retin A Micro prescription... (it's also for wrinkles and anti aging)

Make sure to ask about which cleansers and moisturizers they recommend while on medication! Good luck and if you have any questions, PM me!

 

[magosienne]

my visits have been very quick too.

just explain your problems like you did here. also ask about what would be a nice skincare routine for you, cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen...

samples are great, definitely get some if you can, unfortunately i never got some here, would have saved me some money.

 

[JillianOwens]

Hey Ladies -

This thread seems to be a bit old, but I still wanted to jump in and add something for other visitors who might see this.  I agree, that in the past when I visited the same clinic as my general practitioner, that I felt a little..."rushed" with their dermatologist.  I'm not saying that they were rude or anything, but they seemed to have an idea of how to "cure me", before even talking with me.  It was almost like they read my chart - saw that it said "acne" and then just recommended a strong oral pill and then left.  What if it's a reaction to my diet or lifestyle? Could it be indicative of something else I should worry about? Etc., etc.

After a few experiences like this, I ended up finding an independent dermatology practice.  Personally, I think they operate more efficiently and since they are typically the owners/partners, they have a vested interest in maintaining you as a patient for years to come.  Not just to treat you for your current acne, but also treat you when you go through life changes too.

Has anyone else noticed or experienced this trend like I did? Obviously, you should check out their reputation first, but if that checks out, I don't see the need to show up and deal with hospital/clinic if I don't have to do it.

Cheers and Merry Christmas /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />