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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Essential Things You Need To Know About DMT

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a hallucinogenic compound used in traditional shamanic rituals throughout the ages. It is also known as the “spirit molecule” because it can alter one’s consciousness and bring a person into a spiritual state. You can take it orally by ingesting ayahuasca brew for long-lasting effects. DMT is a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This means possessing or selling DMT in Canada is illegal without an exemption from Health Canada. The Canadian government only permits its use as an ayahuasca brew for qualified ayahuasca churches. What Are The Effects Of DMT? DMT is a psychedelic drug found in the human body, plants, and animals. It has a reputation for being incredibly powerful and intense. However, you must be aware that there are different types of DMT experiences. If you know what to expect when taking it, you can make your experience more comfortable. The first thing to remember if you’re taking DMT for recreation is it will likely be in the form of ayahuasca, a brew made from Psychotria Viridis and Banisteriopsis Caapi. Ayahuasca contains DMT along with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The latter allows your body to process the DMT to increase its intensity and prolong the duration of its pharmacological effects. How Does DMT Work? Dimethyltryptamine is the derivative of tryptamine. This makes it similar to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep cycles in humans. DMT acts on brain receptors that usually bind to serotonin—specifically the serotonin 5-ht2a receptor. These are found throughout the brain but are concentrated in memory, thinking, and learning areas. Now, this is where DMT gets interesting. The effects of DMT are highly dependent on settings and expectations. Your experience will vary depending on the dose and how you take it. You can take it through injection, snorting, or smoking. If you inject it through your muscles or vein, you’ll experience faster effects than taking it orally. You can also experience immediate results if you smoke DMT. Then again, you might need to wait longer for its impacts to reach their peak. When you consume it in ayahuasca, expect the effects to peak within two to three hours. If you take it orally, you need to combine it with MAOI for the substance to break down. What Are Its Possible Side Effects? The side effects of DMT are similar to those of other psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and magic mushrooms. The most common DMT side effect is a feeling of being on the verge of passing out, known as “coming up.” This can be unnerving for first-time users, but it’s an entirely normal part of the experience that often passes quickly. Other side effects can include: Agitation Chest tightness Depersonalization Distorted sense of time Dizziness Elevated blood pressure Increased heart rate Pupil dilation Vivid hallucinations Consult With Your Doctor Before Taking DMT Aside from ensuring that you can take DMT legally, you also need to be sure to take it safely. The experience of taking DMT can be extraordinary and confusing. You might feel like you’ve traveled to another dimension and met aliens trying to communicate with you. If that doesn’t happen, your perception will likely change dramatically during the experience. This is why you need to speak with your doctor about how it will affect your body and mind. Read Also: How To Sleep Better If You Suffer From Digestive Problems 11 Effective Ways To Improve Testosterone Levels In Your Body 5 Biggest Challenges in The Nursing Field Aspirants Should Know

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As anabolic steroids are highly effective, yet when overused, they can be detrimental to health. The most critical of all is liver damage or toxicity. However, there are reports and instances that claim there are various dangerous side effects of the overuse of anabolic steroids that is rampant now. These are known as “doping” drugs used to enhance performance. Many bodybuilders and athletes use these drugs causing serious health problems. Precisely, anabolic steroids are testosterone offshoots used to increase muscle size and strength. Without a prescription, it is illegal to use steroids in the U.S. these are to be only used in certain cases with a doctor’s prescription. It stimulates muscle mass and bone strength useful from a health point of view. It is mainly prescribed in case of testosterone deficiency, delayed puberty, along disorders such as AIDS. Exposure to such anabolic steroids for a longer time poses a threat to the liver and might advance as liver cancer. Regular consumption of such steroids can make you addicted and crave for it, affecting the liver adversely. Besides, severe problems are witnessed in the body due to anabolic steroids and it mostly affects the liver causing complications. When enzymes named aminotransferases to leak out of liver cells in the bloodstream, it indicates liver damage. It may lead to liver damage condition known as cholestasis, which takes place because of anabolic steroids. It is a condition, in which digestive fluid bile, leaks out of the liver into the blood and causes symptoms like loss of appetite, itching, nausea, jaundice, and dark color urine, etcetera. Do not take alkylated steroids: Steroids like alkylated steroids harm life and have an adverse effect on liver function. These are oral steroids that are: Unable to remove toxins in the liver without letting them get in the blood Stop breakdown of toxins into the liver impedes the excretory liver function Oral steroids (C17-Alpha Alkylated (C17-aa)) are responsible for the structural change in the hormone at the 17th carbon position. The purpose of such alteration is to enable the drugs to endure the first pass in the liver, where they can get into your system to benefit you. the bottom line is that C17-aa modification turns oral steroids toxic to the liver and it is unable to remove toxins. Hence, limit oral steroid use to 8 weeks considering the fact, the liver toxicity. However, the liver can rejuvenate, but this does not mean you can consume anything. The side effects of oral steroids might increase the risk of hepatotoxic and might cause hepatic tumors, acute cholestatic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and chronic vascular injury. These changes can turn out to be fatal or recoverable. The occurrence of chemical substitutions that take place in the testosterone in the body in two forms are: 17-alpha-alkylation, and 17-beta-esterification Where metabolization of testosterone in the body takes place rapidly. The esterification of the 17-beta-hydroxyl group let molecules to be hydrophobic. On the other hand, 17-alpha- alkylation triggers inhibition with oxidation of metabolic deactivation of the 17-beta hydroxy group in the liver. Therefore, effectively administering the 17alpha-alkylated androgens orally. Mostly used anabolic oral steroids are stanozolol, methandienone, methandrostenolone, mesterolone, methenolone, oxandrolone, methyltestosterone. The oral forms do not cause instantaneous hepatotoxic and dilapidation. Medical use of 17alpha-alkylated steroids for various purposes like muscle growth, weight gain in catabolic states, treating aplastic anemia, bone-marrow failure along with off-label doping purposes. These steroids were reported with the case of liver damage like nodular regeneration, cholestatic jaundice, hepatic adenoma, peliosis hepatis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Take non-alkylated steroids: To be free from the liver adversities, using non-alkylated injectable steroid in the injectable forms undergoes the process of esterification 17-beta-hydroxy group making it soluble in lipids. This enables the slow release of steroids in circulation. Testosterone esters namely testosterone cypionate, enanthate, and decorate managed in oily suspension tend to release slowly in the aqueous plasma due to hydrophobicity. Extending its active duration. Whereas, a crucial metabolic path of testosterone and its artificial derivate is the oxidation of the 17-beta-hydroxy group forming 17-keto metabolites. Polar metabolites are inactive biologically in the body. The steroids that are injectable are stanozolol nandrolone decanoate, nandrolone undecanoate, testosterone enanthate, trenbolone acetate, trenbolone. Using oral steroid alone is harmful as it put high pressure on the liver. So, to keep your liver healthy, use an attack of injectable steroids along with oral. It is great for cutting as well as bulking. Do not take more than 350-750mg per week of stack beyond six weeks of cycle duration. Rely on supplements to protect the liver: Be a smart steroid user and supplement your liver that restores and repair liver from any damages. N2Guardis highly popular among bodybuilders using oral steroids and do not in taking oral cycle without supplementing with it. Additionally, avoid alcohol consumption to avoid stress from the liver. Aid offered by of N2Guard During And post Steroid Cycle: Regulates blood pressure Protects the liver from harm because of oral steroids It minimizes water retention Balances cholesterol levels Purifies the kidneys of steroid metabolites and excess protein feasting Purifies the blood from toxins and injurious metabolites Dissipates androgen receptors, make your next cycle more effective Maintains healthy, skeletal, reproductive, and digestive systems By responsibly using the N2Guard, you can prevent your liver from any side effects of the steroid. N2Guard is used to enhance athletes throughout the world. It will keep you healthy during and beyond the cycle. It is the best support supplement and protects from any harm. Benefits of using short steroid cycles: Instead of long cycles, opt for short steroid cycles. As it keeps the liver activity in a normal condition without harming the liver. Exposure to high steroid use is dangerous. Besides, replace oral doses with injectable cycles to avoid severe health risks. Take breaks during steroid cycling: Regular use of steroids is not productive, instead, it can cause liver damage. More intake of steroids enables your body to resist it. Hence, making it inefficient after some time. Therefore, it is important to take breaks and enable your body to disengage from toxins. Let your body get back to normal function. Allow your liver to regenerate. Liver function and ways to keeps it healthy: The liver is a prime fat-burning organ. It also regulates the sex hormones testosterone. Therefore, the healthy liver function will enable the fat loss process smooth and easy. Keep your liver healthy by avoiding excess use of alcohol, do regular exercise, follow a healthy diet, avoid unnecessary medication. Ensure normal liver function before starting the steroid cycle. Avoid oral steroid cycle if facing liver issues. Cleanses blood Controls the amount of glucose supply Controls body cholesterol Regulate essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and copper Oxidizes stored adipose tissue (fat) into energy by transporting it to mitochondria Produces vital body proteins indulged in transporting substances in the blood, providing resistance to infection, and clotting the blood Regulates sex hormones, thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, and cortisone Produce bile salt, to immobilize fatty acids and eradicates toxic substances from the body Read Also: 5 Tips To Kick Start Your Fitness Routine Love Who You Are: How To Prevent Eating Disorders Some Supplements You Need To Know Right Now What Is Garcinia Cambogia And How It Can Help Your Health?

Benefits Of Using Bhringraj Oil And Supplements

Bhringaraj is an ayurvedic plant that has been in use for ages due to its immense health benefits. Bhringraj is also known as Eclipta alba or Eclipta prostrata and comes in four different species. The plant can be found bearing beautiful and colorful flowers. The plants bearing yellow and white flowers are used extensively to make ayurvedic medicines and supplements. The products formed using this herbal plant contain various bioactive compounds like ursolic acid, luteolin, etc. which are extremely beneficial for our health and beauty. Most of us know bhringraj as a herb that is only good for your hair, but apart from being a beauty enhancer, this plant can also help the body in numerous ways. You can use bhringraj supplements to make your skin beautiful, avoid respiratory problems and more. There are a lot of fitness myths and many believe that supplements aren’t good for your health when used for a long time. However, if you choose the right product that is clinically proven and have them in the right dosage, then these supplements can do wonders for your body. Here are some of the benefits of using bhringraj that you should never miss out on: 1. It is excellent for your hair: It is a known fact that bhringraj is amazing for your hair as this hair-vitalizing herb can deal with hair loss and prevent greying of hair. It is also known to speed up the process of hair growth. 2. It is amazing for your skin: The usage of bhringraj powder can help to fight fungal infections that can otherwise affect your skin very badly. Bhrigraj leaves and powders can help to deal with skin problems like eczema and skin boils. 3. It is great for your liver: Dimethyl-wedelolactone and wedelolactone compounds present in bhringraj supplements can perform like antitoxin agents that can help in the process of liver cell regeneration. Regular usage of this herb can protect your liver from harmful chemicals that are responsible for damaging it. 4. It can deal with dysentery: Dysentery can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and high fever. Usage of bhringraj supplements can help to fight the bacteria which is responsible for causing dysentery. One can also have the juice of bhringraj leaves with honey to ease dysentery symptoms. 5. It can help to relieve pain: Yes, you read that right! Having fresh extracts of bhringraj leaves or supplements can be used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation. 6. It can help to deal with gastric ulcers: Stomach ulcers can lead to nausea, burning sensation in the heart, and pain. Bhringraj supplements can help to deal with stomach ulcers which are usually caused because of regular consumption of aspirins and anti-inflammatory drugs. The extract of bhringraj can help to reduce gastric ulcers induced that are caused due to aspirins and alcohol. Conclusion: Bhringraj is a blessing that mother nature gave us to nurture ourselves. However, while using supplements make sure you do not overdose with any herb. Talk to an ayurvedic practitioner before using the edible form of any herbal supplement. You must know the right dosage amount that your body needs and have supplements according to your body’s requirements to avoid any problem. Read Also: CBD for Pain Relief: Dosage Guidelines and Safety Hair Loss Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Treating Open Wounds – Types, Treatments, and Complications

Know What To Expect On Your First Visit To A Dermatologist

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