What to Expect at Your First Dermatologist Visit

Before your first dermatologist appointment, you're probably wondering what goes on during that visit and what you should expect. Making the appointment is important. Seeing a dermatologist is the best thing you can do to help clear up your acne.

Once the day of your first dermatologist appointment arrives, be sure your skin is clean, and try to avoid wearing makeup. This will give the dermatologist an accurate picture of your skin. 

Here are some other things you should expect on your first trip to the dermatologist.

Medical History

Your first visit to the dermatologist begins much as a typical visit to your primary care physician. You'll be asked about things like your medical history, medications, and health problems.

It’s important for your dermatologist to know your medical history so they can appropriately treat your acne. It’s all relevant, even the issues that aren’t directly related to your skin.

Before your visit, you may want to take a few steps to prepare. Write down:

• Any over-the-counter acne products you're using
• Other products you've tried
• Any prescriptions you're already taking

The chances are good you'll get another prescription from your dermatologist, and it's important they know about your current medications to avoid any potential interactions. 

Skin Exam

Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to disrobe and put on a cloth or paper gown. If it’s the first time you’ve ever seen a dermatologist, you may be due for a full-body check for other skin problems. Suspicious moles are one example of things dermatologists look for.

Although this may seem odd if you’ve made the appointment because of acne, remember that your dermatologist is there to help you with all of your skin problems, even ones you may not be aware of.

Expect to Be Respected

Dermatologists are medical professionals who genuinely want to help and have their patients' best interests at heart. That said, don’t stand for a dermatologist who:

• Is rude or demeaning
• Doesn’t spend any time looking at your skin and listening to your concerns
• Gives you a hard-sell for skincare products

You should feel comfortable with this person, and your dermatologist should act professionally and respectfully.

Getting a New Prescription

Once your dermatologist has examined your skin and gotten all of the pertinent information, they'll likely prescribe an acne treatment medication for you. You can generally expect to leave with a prescription that day.

Make sure you understand how to use your new acne medication, know what side effects to look out for, and how to manage them. Also, ask how long it will take to see improvement and what you should do if your acne medication isn't working.

Expect More Than One Visit

It would be amazing if all you had to do was make one appointment, get medication, and never have to worry about acne again. Unfortunately, acne doesn’t work that way.

It can sometimes take a few tries to hit on the right acne treatment, or a combination of treatments that will work well for your acne. Don't be discouraged by these return visits.

Once you get significant results, your dermatologist will still want to see you periodically to make sure that the medication you have is working well, that you aren’t bothered too much by side effects, and to simply monitor the overall health of your skin.

Plus, you'll need to continue to refill your prescription acne medications. These don't cure acne, but instead control breakouts.

Use these subsequent visits to your advantage, both for acne treatment and beyond. This first dermatology appointment is the first step to a lifetime of healthy skin.

Summary

Going to your first dermatologist appointment can seem intimidating if you're not sure what to expect. When you're prepared for that first visit, you'll get the most out of your time with your dermatologist.

Be ready to tell your dermatologist about your medical history, including any medications you are taking. Your dermatologist will use this information and the results of the skin exam during the first to determine which acne treatment is best for you.

If you are prescribed acne medication, make sure you know how to use it. Also, expect to come back for follow-up appointments. These visits allow your dermatologist to see how well the treatment is working. With the right treatment, you'll be on your way to clearer skin.