After Your Dermatologist Appointment: What to Expect Next

After a visit to your dermatologist, the next steps can vary widely depending on the nature of your visit. This article provides a comprehensive guide to what you can expect following your appointment. From handling skin issues to understanding the process of biopsies, we'll cover all the important details.

Initial Patient Evaluation

When you first walk into a dermatologist's office, you may complete a form about your medical history and current medications. The doctor will inquire about your lifestyle, including sunscreen use and other skin care activities. This is a way to understand your skin care habits and potential risk factors.

Single Spot Examination

If your appointment is focused on a specific spot, the doctor will thoroughly examine that area. They may look at other visible parts of your skin to monitor any changes. For minor issues, freezing with liquid nitrogen is a common technique. This process involves spraying the treatment area and causing a brief, controlled frostbite. While it can be slightly painful, the sensation is typically brief. If the spot may be a sign of skin cancer, a biopsy might be necessary. This procedure usually requires a separate visit to prevent any discomfort during the examination.

Full Skin Check

For a more comprehensive skin evaluation, you'll be asked to undress down to your underwear or to your preferred level of comfort. This can be an awkward experience, especially when being examined in a more intimate area. The dermatologist will use specialized tools like a dermatoscope to examine your skin in detail. They will measure any notable areas and may take photographs for future reference.

During the examination, the dermatologist will make notes and photographs of any concerns. These records will be used for future reference, allowing them to track changes and progress over time.

Common Skin Conditions and Treatment

Many skin conditions are harmless and may not require treatment. However, if the dermatologist finds something concerning, they may take a biopsy to examine it under a microscope. In my case, a biopsy always requires a follow-up appointment, as the tissue is sent for analysis by a pathologist.

For some conditions, like skin tags, wart removal, or actinic keratoses, treatment can be done in the same visit. The procedure involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the issue, causing it to fall off within a few weeks. The treated area may appear red and take time to heal, but it typically resolves within a few weeks.

Chaperone and Scribe

During the examination, there may be an additional person in the room acting as a chaperone and/or scribe. In most localities, an aide or nurse will be present, especially for intimate exams. This is a standard practice to ensure that the examination is conducted in a respectful and professional manner. However, if it is not comfortable for you, you can discuss your preferences with the dermatologist. Some practices allow you to undress to your underwear and ask the doctor to expose the area themselves, while others may allow you to undress completely. Always express any concerns or preferences to the staff to ensure a comfortable experience.

While the dermatologist is conducting the examination, they may list findings and discuss various medical terms and acronyms. If this is challenging for you to follow, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or to have a summary of the findings provided in simpler terms.

Follow-Up Appointments and Care

After your skin examination, it's important to attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled. These appointments are crucial for monitoring the healing process and checking for any new concerns. For biopsies and other procedures, the dermatologist will likely provide instructions on how to care for the treated area and when to return for removal of stitches or further follow-up.

If the biopsy results are concerning, discussions about further treatment options will take place at a later appointment. Treatment can range from simple removal of the lesion to more complex surgical procedures, depending on the results.

Key Takeaways:

Health History: Complete a form about your medical history and current medications. Single Spot Evaluation: Liquid nitrogen for minor issues, biopsy for potential cancer. Full Skin Check: Undress and be examined using specialized tools and techniques. Common Conditions: Treatments vary, including freezing with liquid nitrogen. Follow-Up: Attend all follow-up appointments for proper healing and monitoring.

Conclusion

Your dermatologist appointment is just the first step in a potential journey to better skin health. By understanding the next steps, you can ensure that you are fully prepared for any necessary follow-up care. Whether it's a simple spot freeze or a comprehensive skin exam, it's important to take the advice of your dermatologist seriously.