In an article published in SELF, experts offered insights to help patients with chronic skin conditions find the right dermatologist. They explained that visiting a dermatologist who is trusted can help patients be honest about disease management challenges as well as feel confident in the care their practitioner provides. In turn, dermatologists can provide their patients with more effective care and address any correlating mental health issues by providing emotional support. To find the right dermatologists, the experts first suggested asking family, friends, or primary care providers for recommendations instead of turning directly to the Internet. For those who are limited to searching online, major dermatologic or disease-specific organizations—such as the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, or the National Eczema Association—include search functions that patients can utilize to find board-certified members who practice in their geographic areas. Additionally, patients can seek dermatologists who share their racial identity and may better understand their cultural practices in order to reduce the risk of facing bias in their dermatologic care. For those with limited or no access to health-care facilities, teledermatology may be beneficial for regular checkups or consultation for sudden disease symptoms. However, the experts cautioned that initial diagnoses should take place in person and that patients should make the most of their appointments by asking questions to fully understand their diagnoses and treatment strategies.
June 01, 2023