5 Tips Which Will Guarantee You Get the Best From Your Doctor in Relation to Your Acne Treatment

 Doctors are extremely busy people who are often overworked, underpaid, and sometimes harassed by patients who have nothing to complain about. However, I think they really want to help their patients and take their acne condition seriously. There are a number of simple steps you can take to maximize your chances of getting the right acne treatment from your doctor.

1. The key skill to make the best of any situation is clear communication. Your doctor can only act on the information you give him about your condition. Failure to provide a "complete history" is one of the leading causes of misdiagnosis or lack of immediate care. Be sure to tell your doctor how long you've had acne, what treatments you've tried, where the acne occurs, and whether it's aggravated by a stress response to sunlight.

2. Ask questions about any aspect of acne that you want to clarify. A good tip is to write down the questions you want to ask before you talk to your doctor to make sure you have everything covered. Do not be ashamed to ask certain questions, remember that there are no stupid questions.

3. Understand that there are no miracle cures for acne and you may need to try several different treatments before you find one that works for your particular type.

4. Be sure to bring up the emotional side of how you feel about your acne if it particularly bothers you. This is a vital area that is often overlooked and clearly important, especially if your acne is leading to depression or reducing your social interactions with other people.

5. If your doctor prescribes any medication, make sure you fully understand it

1) how to apply the treatment,

2) how long it will be before you see any improvement,

3) any side effects you may experience,

4) when you should return for follow-up, and

5) how long the treatment will last. These key questions will give you comprehensive information about the treatment program you are starting.

Remember that your doctor is always there to help you overcome both the physical and emotional sides of acne. If you think you can't easily see a doctor, find an alternative health care provider, such as a dermatologist. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to seek help and don't let acne get the best of you.