Comforting Tips To Prepare You For A Visit With Your Charlotte Dermatologist

Visiting your Charlotte dermatologist

March is here already, and if you have not made an appointment for annual with your Charlotte dermatologist for a skin cancer screening, please do so before your head into another summer of sun-soaked fun. For many of you, this will be your first visit, and you may have some anxiety and do not know what to expect.

Preparing for the visit

Preparing for your visit is nothing major, just some common courtesy and common sense. The goal is to help your doctor completely assess your skin condition by preparing yourself steps before the visit. Consider the following:

1. Remove all nail polish from your fingernails and toenails.
2. Survey your own skin a day or so before your visit, making note of any new or changing moles, or other growths on your skin. If there are symptom that accompany changes in a mole, write them down. This would be items such as itching, or bleeding. Tell the doctor when you first noticed the lesion or mole.
3. Come prepared with your medical history; especially if family members have been diagnosed with skin cancer.
4. It will be okay to give your doctor specific information about your exposure to UV rays. Tell him or her about your experience with tanning beds, and your habits with regard to working and playing outdoors. He or she may ask you about previous sunburns.
5. Prepare a list of any medications you are currently taking. This includes over-the-counter medicines and vitamins and supplements.
6. Your doctor will need this information to avoid possible drug interactions.

Being ready to give these answers to these questions will help your doctor understand your skin condition and situation.

During the Examination

If this is your first visit to your Charlotte dermatologist, you should arrive early enough to fill out a number of forms. This will establish your insurance requirements as well as listing your medical history and the medical conditions of close family members. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination of your entire body. Your skin will be carefully examined, including the skin in between your fingers and toes and along your hairline. Your doctor may decide to take pictures or document the size, shape, color, and type of freckles and moles on your body. This is to determine a baseline reference point so that he or she can quickly see if there are any changes in future examinations.

Ballantyne area dermatologists

If you are looking for a board certified dermatologist for annual skin examinations, Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte can provide high quality and innovative treatment in a caring and professional environment. Dr. Nixon and Dr. Haught are board certified dermatologists whose dedication, experience, and knowledge will provide the best possible treatment for your skin, hair, and cosmetic concerns.

Charlotte dermatologist also offers medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology; including removal of skin cancer. They provide a full range of cosmetic offerings such as skin tightening, fat reduction, chemical peels, Botox treatments, microdermabrasion, and more. They provide treatment for both adult and pediatric patients. Call their office today for an evaluation and analysis.