Finding A Dermatologist That Cares

Finding a good dermatologist that cares about you and your acne problem can
be tough sometimes. When you have blemishes, your self-esteem may be at its
lowest point, you may feel self-conscious about the way you look, and you
may even not want to leave the house.

Strangely enough, when you find yourself suffering from acne, reaching out
to a stranger may be one of the best things you can do for yourself. That
stranger is a dermatologist, a trained skin specialist who has probably seen
it all, and who can give you valuable advice about your skin, and prescribe
an appropriate treatment.

If you are thinking about visiting a skin physician for the first time, you
are probably feeling apprehensive. This is absolutely normal. After all, you
(or your health insurance) are going to pay a stranger to pick and prod at
your face. You will be showing off a part of your body that you probably
spend most of the time trying to hide. But the effort and perhaps slight
embarrassment is well worth the reward - a new chance at radiant,
healthy-looking skin.

When seeking out a specialist, make a list of what you are looking for. What
do you like about your family physician? Are you most concerned about
someone who is sensitive to your concerns and has good chair-side manner?
Are you more worried about having someone with flexible hours who can
accommodate your hectic schedule? For some, the most important thing is
having a very knowledgeable doctor with reputation and extensive training.
Still others seek out dermatologists because they specialize in certain skin
conditions.

Whatever your specific needs and interests, a good doctor will treat all his
or her patients with respect, patience, sensitivity, and courtesy.

Well-trained professionals will be able to answer all your questions and
provide you with several treatment options.
Before your first visit, take the time to prepare a list of questions. You
should find someone you feel comfortable talking to, and be able to carry
out an open dialogue with. If you have any questions about your medication,
treatment options, or anything else, don't hesitate to ask. Most like their
patients to be prepared and to demonstrate a vested interest in their
treatment plan.

If you find your dermatologist difficult to talk to, consider finding a new
doctor. You should never feel rushed, ignored, or unable to ask questions.
One thing most patients avoid doing is revealing their anxiety about
visiting a dermatologist. It can actually be to your benefit to let your
doctor know about your nerves. This can help them become more sensitive to
your concerns, and will probably result in a better visit for both of you.

If you have decided to take that important step of finding a good acne skin
care expert, here are a few tips for finding the best one in your area. If
the cost of treatment is paramount to you, consult your health insurance to
see if they cover dermatology, and whether you are restricted to a specific
network of physicians and try to make an appointment as early as possible -
waiting lists are common.

What are the qualifications of a well-trained dermatologist?
They must be a medical doctor that is certified by the American Academy of
Dermatology (AAD) and trained in dermatology. Some will have graduated from
an accredited medical school, and have completed between three to five years
of specialized training.
This certification requires that they pass oral examinations and a
comprehensive written exam.

Other things to look for - membership in the American Academy of
Dermatology. Members receive mandatory continuing education classes, they
are peer reviewed, and must remain in continual good standing to remain
members.

You should also try to find a skin doctor with experience. The one with many
years experience is more apt to make an accurate diagnosis and find
appropriate treatment. If you are seeking help for a somewhat rare skin
disorder, you will want to find an authority with extensive research and
training experience with that disorder.

Also, ask your family doctor or friends for their opinion. Not that it
always works, but, you just might find a great Dermatologist that way.

About The Author: Ken Black is the owner of
http://www.Skin-Care-Reviews.com, a site that specializes in skin care.