Know What To Expect On Your First Visit To A Dermatologist

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

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.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms

Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms: Supplement the Deficiency Before It’s Too Late

The human body needs to continuously take supplements in order to function optimally as not all vitamins and minerals are taken in recommended daily amounts. One such very important vitamin is folate or vitamin B9 or folic acid. In order to prevent further complications brought about by the lack of certain vitamins, it is wise to be proactive and identify folic acid deficiency symptoms at early onset. Folic acid vs. folate Both folic acid and folate are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B. Folate, otherwise known as vitamin B9, naturally occurs in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic folate compound that is used in vitamin supplements because of its increased stability. Folate has been named after "folium," Latin for "leaves," because they were first isolated from spinach. Also, folate is the generic term used for both the naturally occurring folate that is found in foods and the synthetic form, folic acid. The vitamin B complex nutrients are needed by the body in small amounts in order to function and stay healthy. In fact, according to recent medical journals, folate is involved in a number of intracellular reactions as a cofactor. Deficiency potential Research has found that the potential for folate deficiency is high or very common. In fact, it can be a serious problem if left untreated. In a 2006 USDA analysis of obtained data, most people in the US obtained adequate amounts of vitamin B9. But there is still a risk for some groups obtaining insufficient amounts. Because folic acid is water-soluble, excess amounts of the vitamin in the body is excreted via human urine. This means that the human body needs a constant supply of this vitamin because the body cannot store it. And the recommended daily dose of folate is 0.4mg/d, which has been established for 20 years. Read More:  Zinc Deficiency Uses of vitamin B9 in the body Vitamin B9 is vital for synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. These vitamins also aid in the rapid cell division and growth and are important in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. But folate is particularly important for pregnant women to avoid major birth defects in the baby's brain or spines, such as neural tube defects, including Spina Bifida and anencephaly. Combined with vitamin B12, it controls the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with certain chronic conditions such as heart disease. Folate is also used to prevent eye disease age-related macular degeneration (AMD), to reduce signs of aging, to treat sleep problems, depression, AIDS, and inherited disease called Fragile-X syndrome. It is also used for age-related hearing loss, Alzheimer's disease, and memory loss. Folic acid deficiency symptoms It is widely known that prevention is better than cure. So in order to avoid any further complication due to the lack of vitamin B9 in the body, here are the most common folic acid deficiency symptoms to watch out for, however subtle they may be: Poor immune function, which includes frequently getting sick Chronic fatigue/low energy; also include chronic fatigue syndrome Poor digestion, including bloating, IBS, and constipation Early appearance of gray hair Pale skin Mouth sores and tender, swollen tongue Developmental problems during pregnancy and infancy, consisting of stunted growth Mood change often, such as irritability Anemia (severe cases) Causes of folic acid deficiency Diet. One of the most common causes is poor diet. Folate naturally occurs in a wide array of foods, and among its richest sources include dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, asparagus, and broccoli), beef liver and kidney, yeast, and beans. Among other sources are eggs, beet, milk and other dairy products, and whole wheat bread. Eating overcooked fruits and vegetables. Folate is easily destroyed by heat. Diseases such as severe kidney problems requiring dialysis, certain types of cancers, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease affect the absorption of the vitamin in the GI tract Too much alcohol consumption increases folate excretion via the urine During pregnancy, a lot of folic acids are used up by the growing baby Side effects of medication, which includes phenytoin (Dilantin), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, methotrexate, and sulfasalazine Diagnosis There are exams and tests taken to confirm folate deficiency in an individual. One of these is a blood test, to check the number of red blood cells and whether the body has enough vitamin B9. This is most common among pregnant women during their prenatal check-ups. But the most common procedure is the doctor checking the patient's history and current health condition. Read More: The 5 Best Herbal Remedies To Treat Acne 8 Home Remedies To Banish Acne Scars And Discoloration For Good (Info-Graphic ) How To Fix Being Skinny Fat 4 Reasons Why Food Handling Training Is Important Top 4 Natural Combination For You To Eliminate Blackheads (Infographics) How To Remove Acne Scars Naturally Top 5 Foods For Healthier And Thicker Hair Types Of Stethoscopes Must-Follow Tricks To Burn More Calories

READ MOREDetails
Chronic Illness

Ways to Emotionally Deal with Chronic Illness

Getting a diagnosis that you have a chronic illness can be devastating. You start blaming yourself for your actions, but you also worry about what could happen to the people you love if you do not get well soon. Apart from the physical pain, you might also have to deal with the emotional trauma that comes with it. These are some techniques to help you cope with the emotional burden of having a chronic illness. Allow yourself to slow down: We now live in an age and time where everything seems to be moving quickly. When you know that you have a chronic illness, permit yourself to slow everything down. You might feel the need to rush because everyone around you is quick, and you might feel guilty if you are unable to cope. However, since you already have an illness, you cannot let yourself suffer from undue stress when you can control the situation. Give yourself more time to sleep if possible, and when you have time to relax, you need to drop everything else that you are doing. Write everything you feel grateful for: When you are ill, it might be easy for you to forget the good things happening around you. Therefore, it helps if you start writing everything that you want to be grateful for, even the smallest things. You can also set a day when you treat yourself or go out with your family because you are thankful for the gift of life. Take the opportunity to do other things: When the pain is too much for you to bear, and you end up staying at home, you might feel terrible. You might think that you are useless as you are unable to provide for your family. Instead of looking at things that way, you can use it as an opportunity to do the things you failed to do before because you were too busy. Use your free time to read books or watch TV series, or ask your friends to come over if they have time and catch up. Be with people who make you feel well: It also helps to be around people who love and understand you, as they will be there by your side during the most challenging situations. Let go of your toxic relationships since you could end up feeling more terrible than you already do. Face your illness: You do not feel well right now because you keep worrying about your health. Instead of being too anxious, you can face the problem head-on. If you do not have enough funds to pay the medical bills, you can start raising funds online. If you do not think your medicines work you can look for alternative options, so, for instance, you could try CBD vape oil UK retailers if you want to attempt something new. The CBD oil may or may not work for you, but there is no harm in trying it; you can ask your doctor if it is safe for you. The point is that you should not allow your illness to defeat you. Sometimes, the emotional pain that comes with being physically sick is more painful. You need to manage how you feel and come out a better person. Read Also: The Disturbing Trend Of Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions Need To Get Something Done? Here Are 10 Tips On How To Get Motivated For Anything

READ MOREDetails
marijuana

Pros And Cons Of Recreational Marijuana

Marijuana has always been present in society. People’s reaction and attitude towards it has been ranging from total approval to severe punishments for possession. Different countries have different regulations, but in general, marijuana is a harmless recreational drug with some, yet not completely explored, benefits to health. Regular users are maybe even apter than science to talk about its pros and cons, and how everyday life is affected. I spoke to the experts at peoplesorangecounty.com and we compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of recreational consumption of cannabis. The Many Benefits Of Recreational Marijuana Recreational use of marijuana is still considered as something bad or negative, or people who use it are regarded as stoners who waste their life away. That attitude is not justified, as any person under the influence of any kind of psychoactive substance might leave that impression, like alcohol, nicotine, etc. Smoking marijuana is a great social lubricant as it helps people loosen up and share a range of different conversations without any mental blockade. It helps relax and allow for some healthy dialogue which can only produce a more thorough bonding between people. It is also an ‘’individual drug’’ meaning that it is great for relaxation and some quality me-time. It is great for people who want to strengthen their appetite. Since all senses are heightened, everything around you leaves a greater impression and unlocks some new levels of experiencing things you already know, like music, food, sports, or just about any activity you can think of. Creativity also reaches new heights. Sativa strains, such as Royal Queen, are specifically made to affect your brain and introduce some new ways of thinking you never knew existed before. It is a great stress reliever (in normal doses), as it helps you cope with problems by inspiring you to think about solutions rather than simply worrying. You focus more on life and the beauty of living instead of grownup problems and worries that eat your happiness away. Shy people can benefit as well since marijuana helps overcome a lack of confidence while improving social skills they never knew they had before. It helps the good side of your personality come out and shine. When taken in normal amounts, and every person has a different dose of normal, it is a recreational drug that really sparks a dose of optimism which is a great weapon to combat depression and anxiety. It is a state where both body and mind feel good and the perspective to life changes in a way that it makes you realize that some problems were not as big as you feared, and the solutions are also much more accessible. Are There Any Negative Sides? Not all users can report a great experience, and just like any other substance you intake, there are certain risks and negative side-effects. Short term memory loss is probably the most common disadvantage. It is also not recommended for teenagers to use it as it can negatively affect the development of their brain and the ability to learn new things might get impaired. As much as it produces joy, happiness, confidence and good mood, the other side of the coin is reserved for anxiety, depression, fear, and even paranoia. These can get extra potent if marijuana is used frequently and in large doses, then the recreation becomes a torment basically, and the best way to handle it is to take a break from it all. You become less reactive to your surroundings which can be problematic for people who are still not used to that feeling. Your balance, coordination, and reactions can worsen which some people don’t like at all. Read Also: Choosing A Medical Marijuana Dispensary Passing A Marijuana Urine Drug Test- How To Pass Pee Narcotics Tests Marijuana Addiction Treatment: 5 Steps To Avoid Relapse

READ MOREDetails