When to See a Doctor
Maybe you’ve noticed an increase in your acne breakouts in the last couple of months. Maybe you seem to be having a particularly bad breakout – despite adhering to your skincare regimen. Maybe your acne is making you feel shy or depressed. Maybe you’re just ready to try something new, and hopefully better.
Whatever your reason, remember this: asking for help is not admitting defeat. Acne is a complex condition. So many things can affect your acne that it’s not uncommon to need help at one time or another. Some people feel embarrassed, as if they’ve failed at treating their acne. But it’s not your fault. In fact, you should feel good about setting up a dermatologist consultation. It’s just another proactive step that will help you take control of your acne.
When to see a dermatologist.
It’s a good idea to see a dermatologist if:
1. You’ve never been diagnosed with acne before. If you start breaking out in red bumps on your face, chest, back, or elsewhere, and you’ve never been diagnosed with acne, you should see a doctor. There are other conditions that look very similar to acne, but they require different treatments. So, it’s a good idea to get a professional consultation before beginning treatment on your own.
2. Your acne is getting worse. If you’ve been sticking to a careful acne treatment regimen and your acne isn’t improving or seems to be worsening, see a doctor. A dermatologist may have advice about your acne and skin care treatment or might prescribe something to add to or replace your current regimen.
3. You have nodules or cysts. Nodules and cysts are severe forms of breakouts. These deep blemishes can cause scarring, so get them treated by a professional dermatologist as soon as possible. Even if you don’t have cysts, see a doctor any time your skin seems unusually inflamed or infected.
4. You think your acne may be caused by a medication. Some medications, such as steroids and birth control pills, can cause acne. If your skin breaks out while you’re taking any medications, contact your doctor.
5. Your acne makes you upset or depressed. If embarrassment about your skin makes you feel like staying home instead of going out and doing things you love, and you feel you’ve tried everything, it might be time to see a doctor. Don’t let acne destroy your self-esteem. A dermatologist might have recommendations about what you’re currently using or might prescribe something to help improve your regimen – so you can get back the confidence that acne’s taking away from you.
What is a dermatology consultation?
A consultation is basically a meeting with your dermatologist to discuss your diagnosis, prognosis and acne treatment. That means you and your dermatologist work as a team.
If your health plan requires your doctor to authorize referrals to specialists, then your first step is to contact your primary care physician (PCP) and request a referral. That’s also a good time to ask for a recommendation on which specialist might work for you. Even if you aren’t required to get a referral for a dermatology appointment, your doctor is still a great resource to find one. Friends, family, neighbors, other members of your community, and professional associations related to dermatology are also good resources to find a reputable, board-certified dermatologist.
Your primary doctor may want you to see the specialist for evaluation and recommendations, but return to him or her for treatment. Or you may just continue to see the dermatologist after the initial consultation for ongoing treatment of your acne.
What to do during your appointment.
So, you’re finally there in the dermatologist’s office to talk about your acne. But suddenly, the words just don’t come. Maybe you feel awkward. Maybe you even downplay your skin issues and how they make you feel. Maybe you don’t tell your doctor everything that’s on your mind or about specific medications you’re taking.
It’s understandable. Talking about acne can be hard, even when you’re talking to a specialist-the very professional you’ve chosen to help you fight your acne. Some people with acne will do anything to avoid talking about it or try to minimize how it makes them feel. That’s normal. But remember this: you’ve got to be honest with your doctor to get the best advice and treatment recommendations to fight your acne.
Your dermatologist isn’t there to judge you. He or she is there to help you and has probably seen many, many people with acne before you and heard intimate details that a lot of those people weren’t anxious to reveal. It’s just part of being a doctor.
To keep embarrassment from getting the best of you, here are some tips:
*Write down questions before your appointment, so you don’t forget or neglect to ask any.
*Take a list of all medications you’re using to the appointment so that your doctor can be fully informed.
*Be honest about how and when you use your current acne treatment. Many studies show that often patients are not sure how to use a product or might not use it as directed, leading them to get disappointing results. Your doctor will be able to identify changes you might need to be aware of to ensure success.
*If you need some moral support, ask a trusted friend, family member or someone else you know who has acne to go to the appointment with you.
*Answer your doctor’s questions honestly, even if it’s difficult. Fold your hands in your lap and stare at them, avoiding eye contact if need be. Remember, your doctor’s not there to judge you-he or she is there to help you.
*If you just don’t feel comfortable with your dermatologist for whatever reason, consider finding another doctor who you might be happier with.
Remember, your appointment is about you and a doctor you feel good about coming up with the best possible way to take control of your acne. Make the most of it.
Models used for illustrative purposes only.
