Know What To Expect On Your First Visit To A Dermatologist

Published on: 09 January 2019 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019

A visit to a dermatology clinic may be required for a variety of reasons, from persistent acne to chronic rashes, severe sunburns, suspected skin diseases and appearance of suspicious-looking moles. Alternatively, you may choose to visit a clinic for purely cosmetic reasons such as hair loss and age-related problems. Whichever may be your concern, you need to know what to expect when you visit a skin specialist for the first time. Here are a few things that you should know before your first visit to a dermatologist.

You should not wear makeup when you go for an appointment:

You may be habitual to wearing makeup like concealer and foundation to cover the flaws and imperfections but these are the very reason that you are visiting a skin clinic for. On your end, you should ensure that you arrive with clean skin, preferably without makeup so that the doctor can assess your skin properly.

Even if you do wear your makeup to the clinic, you will probably be asked to remove it for the specialist to get a closer look at your skin. Ideally, you should follow the daily clean and care routine that you normally do and then step in for the appointment in your natural skin.

You will be asked questions about your complete medical history:

To start with, the dermatological appointment will be quite similar to that with a general practitioner because the doctor would want to know your complete medical history first. You will be asked questions related to your medical history, health issues, routine medications, allergies, family history, and current symptoms. It is important to disclose all the facts because several skin issues are not just superficial and may point to underlying causes.

Skin Doctors in Philadelphia recommend that patients get all the facts on paper so that they remember everything that they need to share with the doctor. Also, keep a list of over-the-counter products and cosmetics that you use in the routine. Share information about your daily skin care routine as well.

You will get a full body examination:

If it is your first visit to a dermatologist’s clinic, expect a full body examination even if you are there only for getting a consultation for acne. The doctor would want to check thoroughly for any anomalies and suspicious moles, which could be early symptoms of some major concerns like skin cancer. You will be asked to disrobe and wear a gown so that the doctor can examine you from head to toe.

The dermatologist may use an instrument called dermatoscope, which resembles a magnifying glass, to assess the lesions more closely. Try not to be apprehensive because this is done to detect any skin problems early because timely diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.

You should have your questions ready:

After answering all the questions related to your medical history, you should have your own questions ready too. If there are specific problems that you experience or suspect an allergy or drug reaction, convey it to the doctor. You may also ask them about the optimal skin care routine that you should follow for your skin type. Check out the insurance-related formalities if you are recommended an expensive procedure.

Be honest and open with your queries as this is your chance to clarify everything with an expert. Concealing concerns and information will not help your treatment. Rest assured that your specialist is the best person to help you overcome even the most embarrassing skin issues.

You will get a prescription if needed:

Once the specialist gets all the information and performs a thorough physical examination, he or she will have a probable diagnosis. Further testing may be recommended in case of any suspicious diagnosis. On the other hand, you may be given a prescription of the dermatologist has a confirmed diagnosis of the condition you are suffering from. Further, there will be some instructions related to medication and general skin care routine.

The doctor may also recommend a revisit after a certain period of time to assess the condition after completing a course of medication. Ask for scheduling a re-appointment for the next date if possible or understand the procedure for the same if you need to book from home.

Knowing what to expect right at your first appointment with your skin doctor will go a long way in making it a success. It will help you ask the right questions and give the right answers, which ensures the best possible treatment and fast and effective results for even the most complex problems.

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Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory In Adult Gerontology Nursing

Any Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), or individual considering moving into this booming area, will probably be aware that it involves more than supporting patients through short term illnesses or meeting their needs in a hospital or nursing home. As a rule, the older a patient gets, the more likely they are to experience chronic health complications which interfere with their day-to-day tasks. For much of history, such patients were written off, encouraged to take to their beds and be supported entirely by others, doing very little. They often didn’t live very long. But all that changed on account of one remarkable nurse, Dorothea Orem, whose legacy continues to shape the nursing profession today. This article examines her groundbreaking self-care deficit theory and looks at how AGNPs might use it for their nursing career. Dorothea Orem Dorothea Orem was born in Baltimore in 1914 and studied nursing in the late 1930s. This was a time when nursing schools were still a new phenomenon and there was a lot of experimental thinking in the nascent profession. Though she spent time on the wards as a staff nurse, she also worked as an administrator and consultant over the course of her career, spending her later years focusing on theory. A naturally focused and attentive person, she soon began recording observations about the patients she worked with, leading to her self-care deficit theory of nursing, for which she strongly advocated for her entire life. It was theory which, in its early years, transformed the way nurses thought about patients and their duties. It laid the foundations for nursing today. Universal Self-Care Requisites Orem’s theory recognizes eight universal self-care requisites, or SCRs. Here, universal refers to things every human needs, regardless of circumstance. Air is needed for respiration. Water is needed to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Food is needed to maintain healthy energy levels and prevent starvation. Elimination or toileting, a polite way of referring to the expulsion of urine and feces from the body, is required too. In addition to these four things, Orem posits that every patient needs a balance of physical activity and rest. Everyone needs social interaction, but also some alone time. People need to manage their lives to avoid or remove hazards, and, finally, they need to promote normality. This means that they need to achieve and maintain a way of living and relating to the world which is normal for them as individuals and does not involve psychosis. Health Deviation Self-Care Requisites When patients are recovering from injury or illness, or living with a chronic illness or disability, they can be described as experiencing a health deviation. This is not pejorative – it simply establishes that they differ from the norm. Health deviations are more common in older demographics, as they have additional self-care requisites. These requisites include following doctors’ instructions (taking medicine on time), identifying problems caused by their conditions and attending to them effectively (sitting down until a dizzy spell passes), and knowing when and how to seek help from a caregiver or healthcare professional. It is also important that these patients can understand and accept that their bodies have changed and can adjust psychologically to cope with it. What Is A Self-Care Deficit? A self-care deficit occurs when people are no longer able to carry out basic tasks. This can be because a disability makes them physically impossible to perform, or a number of other reasons. For example, some people get so overwhelmed by the way their bodies have changed that they stop trying to live. This doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve sympathy – it is an understandable response to an extreme situation – but it might mean that there is potential for improvement. For some people, self-care deficits are permanent or are likely to worsen due to progressive illnesses. For others, however, they can be temporary, even in extreme old age. Self-care deficits stemming from a broken arm, for example, will normally dissipate after the arm heals, but this is less likely if the patient has learned to feel helpless in the meantime. Assessment, Diagnosis, And Implementation When using Orem’s theory, nurses have three steps to work through. The first is undertaken during the initial assessment of a new patient and involves identifying any self-care deficits. These are not always obvious from looking at a patient and the process may require gentle but persistent questioning. Some people may be embarrassed and hesitant to talk if they are unable to care for themselves. The second involves full diagnosis of the deficits, including establishing causes. The third step is to draw up a treatment plan based on these diagnoses. In her work, Orem stressed the importance of recognizing that every patient is a unique individual, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this type of planning. In each case, AGNPs will need to work with the patient to establish the most effective way forward. Five Ways Nurses Can Help There are five strategies nurses can use to address self-care deficits when establishing patient care plans: For the most severely incapacitated patients, it may be necessary to perform actions on their behalf, such as washing or dressing them. Patients struggling mentally or who lack confidence can be guided through actions, ideally to the point of independence. Patients can be taught new ways of approaching day to day tasks which make them easier to accomplish, such as taking a break to have a shower in the afternoon if it is too hard to find the energy at other times. AGNPs can focus on the patient’s environment, making it easier for them to carry out self-care activities, such as suggesting kitchen gadgets to reduce the physical effort involved in preparing meals. Finally, AGNPs can train a family caregiver to provide appropriate support. These five strategies involve numerous actions, skills, and tools that nurses can use. Patients may need particular assistance with the following tasks. Helping With Eating Patients should always be encouraged to do as much for themselves as is reasonably possible. When it comes to eating, nurses should start with encouragement. Many older people lose their appetite and don’t feel motivated to eat, especially when it requires effort. So, an AGNP can point out that they have more energy when they manage to eat regular meals. If the patient can get food to their mouth by themselves, nurses should resist the temptation to assist, even if they sometimes drop the food. Instead, nurses can reassure them that this is not uncommon and all they need to do is take a little more time. Nurses should also be alert to the possibility of choking issues and arrange X-rays if concerned. If some food proves difficult to eat, they can discuss the possibility of dietary adjustments. Helping With Toileting Nurses should reassure patients that, awkward as they may feel, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The nurse must ensure they can transfer on and off the toilet safely and consider options like raising the height of the seat or installing grab. If there is a risk of falling, AGNPs may suggest bedpans for use when no caregiver is present. If adult diapers are needed, nurses should ensure that patients know how and when to change them (even if they are not soiled) and how to protect their skin against rashes or bruises caused by wearing them. Finally, nurses can also discuss medical options for softening stools or speeding up or slowing down digestive transit. Helping With Dressing And Grooming A balance must be struck between helping patients be more independent in dressing and grooming themselves and enabling them to maintain a style or standard of appearance that is natural for them. Some older men prefer to be clean shaven but end up growing beards because it is easier to trim a beard than it is to shave safely and neatly, for example. Some clothing options can be easier to get into than others, depending on a patient’s particular mobility difficulties. Simple devices such as a stick with a hook on the end can make adjusting the back of a garment or doing up a zip much easier. Nurses should pay particular attention to footwear to make sure patients can stand or walk safely. Reducing Hazards Whether a nurse is helping a patient to move around and complete self-care tasks in a hospital ward, a care home, or their own home, they must always pay attention to hazard prevention. Hazards can include mess, a layout created without regard for disability, or other people or pets moving around. Nurses can start by ensuring that the patient is aware of the risks and can recognize dangerous situations. They should discuss simple measures like installing handrails or changing routines to make it easier to keep the area tidy. Nurses can also ensure that the patient can summon help if something goes wrong, by persuading them to install an alarm system or carry a charged mobile phone at all times, for example. Care With Communication Often, older patients who have self-care deficits also have difficulty with communication, whether due to physical or cognitive disability. Depending on their lifestyle in recent years, they may also be unfamiliar with modern technologies, but shy about admitting this. It is important for nurses to make sure that when they are addressing issues around essential needs, the patient understand them properly and vice versa. It can be helpful to use pictures in communication, which are often available in support materials. When meeting a patient in the place they are going to be living, the nurse and patient can explore it together (in stages, if necessary) so both parties can directly identify issues. Seeing Each Patient As An Individual An essential tenet of Orem’s theory is that patients must be treated as individuals. This increases the chance that they will stick to treatment plans, as well as directly improving their psychological wellbeing. Any nurse that’s interested in Orem’s theory and is considering joining this field will be looking into gerontology nurse practitioner programs online. The best courses place a lot of emphasis on adaptability and on learning how to manage different types of patients in different environments. The program at the University of Indianapolis, for example, encourages students to develop the patience and listening skills essential to getting to know patients and making them a part of the process. This communication and relationship building is essential to developing plans which will really benefit patients over the long term. The course at the University of Indianapolis is an eight-semester program designed for working nurses, involving part-time study and an intensive clinical placement. The Nursing Profession Continues To Benefit Thanks to Orem and her self-care deficit theory, patients are no longer left to waste away as they begin to struggle with old age. Generations of nurses who have practiced this theory have observed that, even in later life, patients can often improve and regain their self- care abilities with the right support. Advances in assistive technologies continue to make this even easier. The right support, focused on facilitating and encouraging independence, enables seniors to go on living satisfying lives on their own terms for much longer. Even when they need extensive practical support, giving them more control helps to maintain their morale and ability to navigate the final chapter of their lives. In the process of providing this support, AGNPs also get what they really want; to see their patients thrive, no matter what they must overcome to achieve it. Additionals: 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health Conditions How Does Children’s Health Impact Parental Lifestyle?

7 Meal Prep Tips For A Week Of Nutritious Eating

If you've ever found yourself scrambling to put together a meal or settling for that oh-so-tempting takeout after a long day, trust us, you're not alone. But what if we told you that with a dash of planning, a sprinkle of effort, and our trusted tips, you could sail smoothly into a week of nutritious eating? Buckle up, folks; it's time to dive into the wondrous world of meal prep! 7 Meal Prep Tips You Should Know Healthy eating is the key to healthy living. And in order to eat mindfully, we need to follow this life-saving meal preparations tips. Not only are they super easy, but they also have ingredients readily available in your kitchen. Let's have a deeper look: #1 Let's Get Organized: The Meal Plan Blueprint 📝 Every culinary adventure begins with a well-constructed plan. Start by sketching out a weekly meal plan. Consider: How many meals do you need each day? If you're aiming for three full meals and two snacks, jot that down. Dietary restrictions or goals: Whether you're vegan, low-carb, or trying to incorporate more fiber, these guidelines will shape your choices. Ingredients already in the pantry: No need to buy another bag of quinoa if you've already got one. Having a visual representation streamlines your grocery shopping, reduces waste, and discourages impulsive, unhealthy choices. Tip: Use apps or printable templates to make this process even smoother! #2 Quality Containers: Your Meal's Protective Shield 🛡️ The right containers can be the difference between a soggy salad and a crisp one. Good quality, airtight containers Keep food fresher for longer Prevent messy spills Aid in portion control. We're huge fans of glass containers. They're eco-friendly, microwave-safe, and honestly, your meal just looks more inviting in them! Mistake to avoid: Using damaged containers. Even a small crack can let air in, compromising your food's freshness. #3 Embrace the Batch Cooking Bonanza 🥘 Designate specific days as your cooking days — maybe Sundays and Wednesdays. Prepare large batches of versatile basics such as: Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, or bulgur Proteins: Grilled chicken, tofu, beans, or lentils Veggies: A mix of steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, and blanched spinach. These foundational elements can be repurposed into different meals throughout the week. For instance, that quinoa can become a stir-fry, a salad base, or even a breakfast porridge! #4 Sauces & Dressings: The Flavor Magicians 🍶 A meal can be transformed with the right sauce or dressing. Imagine A zesty lemon dressing for your salads A spicy tomato sauce for those pasta nights A rich pesto for that extra zing. Having a variety ensures your meals remain exciting. And here's a twist: ever tried a CBD-infused dressing? CBD edibles have gained popularity, and adding a few drops of CBD oil to your dressings can combine the potential calming effects with the vibrancy of your meal. So see more about their use and experiment! #5 Go Raw Before the Big Thaw 🥦 Some produce shines best when cooked just before eating. Foods like snap peas, cherry tomatoes, or certain fruits are best stored raw. When mealtime comes, a quick sauté or a simple addition to your meal ensures they maintain their natural essence. Tip: For berries, wash them only just before consumption. This prevents mold growth and keeps them fresher. #6 Breakfast Boost: Overnight Success 🌙 The morning rush is real, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on the most important meal of the day. Overnight oats are a savior: Combine rolled oats, milk (or a milk alternative), and a touch of sweetener Add in flavors like vanilla or cinnamon Leave in the fridge overnight. Come morning, top with fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cocoa nibs for a hearty, nutritious breakfast. #7 Stay Hydrated with DIY Infused Waters 💧 While meals take center stage, hydration plays a crucial supporting role. Enhance your water with delightful infusions: Cucumber-mint for a refreshing burst Lemon-ginger for a touch of zing Strawberry-basil for a fruity, herbaceous blend. Apart from making your hydration game strong, these infused waters can offer gentle nutritional boosts. And remember, water isn't just about quenching thirst; it plays a vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption. Bonus Bites: Trio of Nutritious Quick-Fixes for Hectic Weeks 🍽️ Life gets busy, and sometimes we need straightforward, nourishing recipes that won't eat up our time. These three dishes are designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring you fuel up without fuss. From breakfast to dinner, we've got your back! Morning Kick-Starter: Chia Berry Parfait Ingredients: Chia seeds: 3 tbsp Almond milk: 1 cup Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries): ½ cup Honey or maple syrup: 1 tbsp Granola: a handful Instructions: Mix chia seeds with almond milk and sweetener of choice. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight. In a glass, layer the chia pudding, berries, and granola. Repeat the layers, top with a few more berries, and enjoy! Lunch on-the-go: Chickpea Spinach Salad Ingredients: Cooked chickpeas: 1 cup Spinach leaves: 2 cups Cherry tomatoes: ½ cup, halved Feta cheese: 50 grams, crumbled Lemon vinaigrette: to taste Instructions: In a large bowl, toss together chickpeas, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and give it a good mix. Top with crumbled feta, and it's ready to pack or eat! Dinner Delight: Teriyaki Zucchini Noodles Ingredients: Zucchini: 2, spiralized into noodles Teriyaki sauce: 3 tbsp Tofu or grilled chicken: 100 grams, diced Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced Sesame seeds: for garnish Instructions: In a pan over medium heat, sauté tofu or chicken until slightly browned. Add bell peppers and stir for 2 minutes. Toss in zucchini noodles and teriyaki sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the zucchini remains slightly crunchy. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds. *** There you have it — three recipes that promise maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here's to nutritious, delicious, and efficient eating! In Closing... Remember, meal prepping is not about stringent rules; it's about making life simpler and eating healthier. The initial effort you put in pays off generously throughout the week. So, don your apron, channel that inner chef, and embark on a week of fuss-free, nutritious eating. And as always, we're here, cheering you on every bite of the way! 🍴🌱🎉

What Is A Good Alternative To Wearing Dentures?

Up until only a few decades ago, there was only one real option for an elderly person who is faced with losing their teeth, and that was full top and bottom dentures. We have long had crown and bridge treatments to replace the odd missing tooth, but when faced with completely replacing one’s teeth, dentures were the only option. Fast-forward to the second decade of the third millennium, and technology has further advanced, making anything that was once concepts to materialize, including some alternatives to dentures. Below is one of the alternatives you can consider if dentures just aren’t your thing. Dental Implants Enter dental implants, a revolutionary treatment that is actually a permanent solution to missing teeth. With the best dental implants in Sydney CBD or in your city only a quick Google search away, you can finally eliminate bulky dentures from your life. The implants are actually titanium screws that are very precisely inserted into the jawbone, and as titanium bonds well with human tissue and bone, after a couple of months, the implants are strong enough to anchor prosthetic teeth. Two-Phase Treatment Prior to having dental implant treatment, the dental specialist needs to take a few X-rays to ensure that your jawbone structure is suitable for the implants. Should he or she decide that you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, a treatment schedule can be set if you are in agreement. If you are wearing dentures, then your gums are already strong and the dentist would take plaster impressions or use a 3D imaging system that is computer-controlled, which gives perfect reproduction of the inside of your mouth. If you require tooth extractions, a longer period of time is needed for the gums to properly heal. Stage One The first stage of the treatment is to fit the titanium screws, and once in place, a temporary set of prosthetic teeth would be fitted. After 6-8 weeks, the titanium pins would be securely in place and the second part of the treatment can be carried out. Fitting The Prosthetic Teeth If you are having a full mouth treatment, the top and bottom set of teeth would be what is called a ‘four in one, which means that the set of upper teeth are anchored into the mouth at four specific points and the same for the lower set. The dentist would use a very strong adhesive to set the prosthetic teeth, which would be made from porcelain or a composite, and once firmly in place, you can brush and floss as normal. Dental implants are not removable, and if looked after, will last a lifetime, and the dentist would wish to see you a few months after the treatment to ensure that all is well. The dentist would ask you about the shade you prefer and the prosthetic teeth would look perfectly natural and no one would ever know they aren’t your original teeth. There are several types of dental implants and if you would like to explore the potential that this treatment offers, talk to a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. After an initial examination, the dentist can tell you which form of dental implant is most suitable, and should you be in agreement, the treatment can be scheduled and you can look forward to a new set of teeth that will stand the test of time. Read Also: 5 Dental Hygiene Tips for a Healthier Smile Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need to Know 5 Ways To Prevent Severe Dental Problems What do you need to know about Dental Implant Surgery?

Know What To Expect On Your First Visit To A Dermatologist

You should not wear makeup when you go for an appointment: