What to Ask Your Dermatologist

Seeing a dermatologist each year is one of the most important things you can do to improve the appearance and health of your skin.

Not only can a dermatologist help prevent future problems, but dermatologists can spot life threatening problems like skin cancer, that when detected early enough, have a higher cure rate.

Before your next appointment, read on for what to ask your dermatologist to get the most out of the meeting.

What to Ask Your Dermatologist About Skin Care

Depending on a man's skin type and skin concerns, he may have very different questions for his dermatologist than his friends.

A dermatologist can answer simple questions about the signs of aging in the skin, or the best ways to care for your skin. The doctor can also diagnose skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, which is caused by an increase in melanin (which is responsible for the skin's color) or deadly forms of skin cancer. When it comes to men's skin care questions, here's what you might want to ask:

• What are the best ways to prevent razor burn? Dermatologists--who also specialize in conditions of the nails and hair--are able to assess hair and skin types and recommend ways to prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn.
• What facial care products should I be using each day? Dermatologists can clue you in on what facial care products you can skip on, or what products can be combined to get the most effective skin care routine.
• What is my skin type? Knowing your skin type--whether it's oily skin, dry skin or combination--can help you choose the best skin care regimen.
• Would my skin benefit from seeing an esthetician? Dermatologists can tell you if getting facials would help the appearance of your skin, and may even be able to recommend an esthetician for you.

Questions for Dermatologists about Skin Cancer

Most people are advised to get a skin cancer check by their dermatologist each year. Aside from this yearly check-up, there are also important questions to ask your doctor about skin cancer prevention. These include:

• How can I reduce my risk of skin cancer? A dermatologist can give you tips on how to shield your skin from the sun, which sunscreens to use and how to use them properly.
• What are my skin cancer treatment options? If your doctor diagnoses you with skin cancer, you'll want to find out all your treatment options.
• What are some of the signs of skin cancer? Skin cancer has a much higher rate of being cured if it's found early. Know how to detect the signs of skin cancer.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology Staff. (2009). What is a dermatologist? Retrieved December 29, 2009, from the AAD Web site: http://www.aad.org/public/specialty/what.html.

Editors Web Staff. (n.d.). Ten questions to ask your dermatologist. Retrieved March 23, 2010, from the Editors Web Web site: http://www.editorsweb.org/skin-beauty/ten-questions.htm.

Monroe, V. (2009). Making the most of a skin consultation. Retrieved March 23, 2010, from the Oprah Magazine Web site: http://www.oprah.com/style/What-to-Ask-Your-Dermatologist-Making-the-Most-of-a-Consultation.