What Questions Should I Ask My Dermatologist About Acne?
While your doctor usually asks questions during a visit to the office, you can take care of them by asking your doctor the right questions. Being proactive can make a big difference in the way you manage your acne. Your health is important to both you and your doctor, so please feel free to ask questions about your acne diagnosis, medications, complementary or alternative therapies, emotional issues, financial concerns about your treatment, or diet and lifestyle issues.
Engaging in a dialog with your doctor will inform you about your acne and the treatment options available to you, and will give your doctor a better understanding of who you are and how acne affects your health and your life. With open lines of communication, you and your doctor will be able to develop the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
But remember, your time with your doctor is limited, so be sure to arrive at your appointment ready to ask questions that are important to you. Start with:
Researching Acne – It’s a good idea to get a better understanding of what acne is like before your appointment. You may even be able to answer some of your own questions through research.
Strategizing – Your family doctor may not be able to answer all your questions about acne; some may be better addressed by a doctor who specializes in the treatment of acne. Discuss this with your doctor and follow-up with a specialist, as directed by your doctor. You can also do additional research on your own.
Keeping records – consider keeping a journal of your acne outbreaks between your doctor’s visits and sharing any relevant information with your doctor — for example, changes in your symptoms and the efficacy of your medications. In addition , taking notes during your appointments will help you remember important details after your visit.
If your doctor determines that you have acne, he or she will give you information about the condition and recommend treatment for pimples, plugged pores, and cysts that appear on your face or other parts of your body. You ‘re probably going to have some more questions and concerns about how to deal with your acne. Consider asking your doctor the following questions:
- What is acne?
- What causes acne?
- What’s the difference between acne and rosacea?
- What are the best treatments for acne?
- Are there specialists I should consider seeing, such as a dermatologist?
- How should I take care of my skin?
- What should I do if my symptoms worsen?
- Can birth control pills help treat acne in women?
- How can I help prevent acne and acne scars?
- I’m not a teenager — why do I still have acne?
- Is my makeup causing me to break out? Can I wear makeup? Which kinds or brands should I use or avoid?
Medications and Treatments for Acne
Treatment depends on the type and severity of your acne. If your doctor prescribes medication to treat your condition, ask for the medication, read the pharmacy insert that includes your prescription, and take the medication as directed by your doctor. Knowing how your medication is supposed to work will help you evaluate its effectiveness and whether it’s the right medicine for you.
Emotional Health
In addition to affecting your face and body, acne can have an impact on your emotional health. The painful and unsightly effects of acne can harm self-esteem and cause feelings of depression, anger , frustration, and embarrassment. Your doctor can help you find ways to cope with your feelings, manage your symptoms, and manage the impact your acne has on your emotional well-being. Ask for a referral to a counselor, psychotherapist, or support group, and find out what else you can do to improve your emotional health while you are living with acne.
Health and Lifestyle Concerns
Participating in a physical fitness regimen, eating a balanced diet, having adequate rest and sleep, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption and avoiding substance abuse can all contribute to your overall health and can have a direct impact on your acne outbreaks.
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