The day finally dawns! The appointment that you’ve waited weeks (maybe months) for has finally arrived. Today you will get to meet a dermatologist – a medical professional trained in psoriasis who will undoubtedly have the answer to all your skin problems. You are excited. You are hopeful. And more often than not, you are left feeling disappointed. But why?

The stark fact remains that dermatologists are working to a tight schedule and so can only spare a set number of minutes per patient. In order to get maximum value from these minutes and to ensure you leave the clinic feeling happy with the outcome, you need to be prepared.

Make a list!

It sounds like such a simple thing, but if you make a list of questions that you want to ask, you will ensure that nothing is forgotten. Start the list a few days beforehand and jot things down as they come to mind. Don’t be afraid that your questions are too simplistic or too obvious – your dermatologist wants to help you.

 

Track your skin.

There are a number of apps available now for free download which will enable you to track the progress of your skin on a daily and weekly basis. This will be of huge benefit in helping both you and your doctor determine a course of suitable treatment. If you are averse to using technology, take photos and keep a diary of how your skin behaves each day. When does it flare? Have you noticed specific triggers? Has it got better or worse in recent weeks? Has it been affected by your lifestyle/diet/weather? All these details will be incredibly useful to your dermatologist.

Use the Internet!

I don’t mean that you should consult Dr. Google, but rather search for online support groups (there are lots), find out information of what treatments are currently being used and research any new therapies that are being trialled. They say ‘knowledge is power’ and if you arm yourself with the facts, it will allow a more informed and useful conversation with your dermatologist and ultimately a more successful appointment.

 

About the Author

Helen blogs at www.theflakyfashionista.com, talking all things style & fashion for people with Psoriasis