Ask Your Doctor
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The decision to see a dermatologist or other physician about your acne is
an important step toward achieving clearer skin. Before your appointment,
develop a list of questions to ask your dermatologist – then take your
list with you. Some sample questions include:
- What kind of acne do I have?
- What are my treatment options?
- How long will it take for me to see visible results?
- Will my face break out again after my treatment is over?
- How should I wash and take care of my skin while I am being treated for acne?
- Can I still use cosmetics?
- Can anything be done about acne scars?
Your dermatologist or other physician will most likely also have some questions for you. Preparing
for them in advance of your appointment may expedite things and will help him or her determine the
best course of treatment for you. Questions you can expect from your dermatologist or other
physician include:
- How long have you had acne?
- Have you seen a dermatologist for your acne before?
- If so, what treatments did he or she recommend?
- Did any of these treatments work for you? If so, which ones?
- What skin care products have you used in the past?
- What skin care products are you using now?
- Have you noticed anything that triggers acne breakouts, such as your menstrual cycle, summer sun, etc.?
- Did your parents have acne when they were young? If so, how severe was it?