How to Talk to Your Dermatologist about Acne

Let's face it; having a skin problem can be a real problem, but having acne is especially challenging.

If you are looking at your face and feeling helpless; don't despair. You are not alone. Millions of people suffer from acne.

As devastating as you may feel right now know that there are trained medical practitioners that specialize in treating your disease. They are called dermatologist and they may be able to cure your acne.

So before you consider expensive over the counter OTC acne treatment options like;

• Neutrogena
• Clearasil
• Proactive

These solutions primarily treat your skin and not the underlying problem. Some attempt to remove excess oils from your skin. Other OTC acne treatment products heal the blister or abrasion in an attempt to grow new skin cells thereby replacing the affected area. If you have a mild case of acne they might work on a periodic bases but if your problem is more severe contact a dermatologist. You'll save time, money and frustration if you.

Although you want your dermatologist to wave a magic wand and make your acne disappear, he’ can’t and won’t. If you want that to happen, you’ll have to hire a magician. A dermatologist is a doctor trained to treat conditions that negatively impact the skin. Most of the diseases that they treat are fungal or bacterial in nature. The severity of a patient’s skin condition can range from mild or occasional outbreak to widespread lesions and even various kinds of cancer. Some dermatologists perform minor surgical procedures in their offices. More severe cases are generally sent to a surgeon that specializes in conditions of the skin and those cases are performed in a hospital setting.

Before you go on your dermatological appointment be prepared by following the steps below;

Keep A Journal

• Record and take the journal of your outbreaks

  Include a list of the household detergents you use to do laundry, bathe, and wash dishes with in your journal
• List all of your perfumes, colognes soaps, lotions, deodorants and other skin care products in your journalRecord your feelings (physical, emotional and social) during your periods of outbreaks
• Take the journal with you on your visit
• Share it with your dermatologist

Be Prepared to Ask Questions

• Write down any questions you have about your conditions
• Bring your questions to your appointment
• Bring a small notebook to write down any answers your dermatologist provides

Be Prepared to Answer Your Dermatologist's Questions

• Know when your first outbreak occurred
• Know what other treatments you've used, dates you used them and the results
• Know the names, address and doctors who have treated your acne before
• Know what treatment didn't work
• Know what medications you are allergic to

Before You Leave the Dermatologist's Office know

• What treatment he recommends
• How to apply it if a prescription is prescribed
• When you can expect to see results
• The side effects if any
• If there are side effects know if there is anything you can do to prevent or lessen them
• Know how much the treatment will cost as well as the number of visits he/she recommends
• The date of your next visit

I know you were looking for a magic bullet of exactly what to say to get the relief you need for your skin. Continue to hold onto hope. New discoveries are made everyday. Working with a trained professional puts you one step closer to a cure than someone who is going it on their own.