 |
 |
| Author |
Message |
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:53 pm  |
Hi everyone:
After struggling for years with terribly reactive and acne-prone skin, I have decided to see a new dermatologist. She works from a Laser and Vein Centre. This centre offers a lot of different treatments and procedures for skin issues. When I called this facility and asked the receptionist about whether or not the derm. I will see will prescribe medications if needed, the receptionist said that the derm. can prescribe meds. but seldom does because there are non-medical methods to treat my skin concerns. I'm very paranoid about trying new products because I have extremely reactive skin--which is one of the reasons that I'm seeing a derm in the first place. I'm worried that the derm. will suggest a ton of treatments that require me to slather different products on my face. I'm also apprehensive about microdermabrasion, chemical peels, etc. because those can lead to skin complications for me as well.
What is everyone's thoughts? And how should I stay firm about not wanting to try a ton of new products without offending the derm?
Thanks
LL |
|
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:56 pm |
Goodness, honey, just say no. Don't worry about offending the derm. The derm should know that you know your skin best. (Although she kows skin science best, remember.) She shouldn't try to talk you into anything.
That said, if I were the derm, I would wonder why you are open to Rx applications, but not OTC applications. What makes you think your skin won't be as -- or more -- reactive to medications?
Just hear what she has to say. She should give you samples to try. Let her know $$$ is a concern, and how insurance comes through might enter into your decision.
Just talk to her. You'll get a good idea of if and how you can work with her. YOU hire HER, not the other way around, you know.
Good luck! I hope she is just what you want! |
_________________
tenderlovingwork.com, astonishing handmade gifts |
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:03 pm |
| I don't get it. You're going to see a derm, but you're freaked out about treatments and products?!?!?! Duh..... Sounds like yer just going to get a 'script for something you've got your eye on. If that is so, save yer bucks. You can get anything on the 'net. |
|
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:07 pm |
| Firstly, if the derm is good one, he/she will be accommodating to your needs and concerns and not try to impose anything on you that will make you uncomfortable. Secondly, I advise you to do your research about different acne meds before your see the derm.www.acne.org is a good place to start. You are there to discuss different options with your derm, and if you come across as well-read and knowledgeable about the different types of treatments, the derm will know not to push you around. When i was battling severe hormonal acne after quitting the pill, i tried every OTC med and went to the derm at the last resort. Before that i went on EDS and acne.org to see which treatment is good for my kind of acne, and found a topical antibiotic called Sulfacet-R (antibiotic + sulfur)...if you're in the States you can get Klaron (Sulfacet-R minus the sulfur) which is equally as good. Apparently it was good on cyst-type acne, and won't dry out my skin. I went to the derm specifically to ask for a prescription for Sulfacet-R, but she suggested I tried Accutane. See sometimes derms don't really know what's best for you...only you know your own skin. I was adamant that i gave the antibiotic a try and told her Accutane was my last resort. I got my prescription and have been very happy with how it worked for me. I'm passed my severe breakout period and only get about one cyst around my period. If your acne is of the ongoing type i suggest you look around online to see what will work for you. If you're concerned with acne as well as anti-aging you might ask for Retin-A. Topical antibiotics are best for sporadic acne. At the same time try to keep an open mind as to what the derm suggests, because he/she might suspect that you have PCOS, in which case an effective treatment is aldactone which is an aldosterone blocker. I'm just saying when it comes to other ailments resulting in acne, derms can diagnose it. Good luck! |
|
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 3:43 pm |
| LL wrote: |
Hi everyone:
After struggling for years with terribly reactive and acne-prone skin, I have decided to see a new dermatologist. She works from a Laser and Vein Centre. This centre offers a lot of different treatments and procedures for skin issues. When I called this facility and asked the receptionist about whether or not the derm. I will see will prescribe medications if needed, the receptionist said that the derm. can prescribe meds. but seldom does because there are non-medical methods to treat my skin concerns. I'm very paranoid about trying new products because I have extremely reactive skin--which is one of the reasons that I'm seeing a derm in the first place. I'm worried that the derm. will suggest a ton of treatments that require me to slather different products on my face. I'm also apprehensive about microdermabrasion, chemical peels, etc. because those can lead to skin complications for me as well.
What is everyone's thoughts? And how should I stay firm about not wanting to try a ton of new products without offending the derm?
Thanks
LL |
LL, I agree with Sidda and Dollbird... if you don't feel comfortable just explain your concerns to the derm. If she tries to talk you into something then you can always say no. A good derm will always listen to your concerns and take everything into consideration (without being offended). I use to prepare a small list of things (products and meds) that don't work for me and why it didn't work. This usually gives the derm a good idea of what I've tried in the past and exactly how 'sensitive' my skin can be.
Before purchasing anything, or running off to fill a prescription, it never hurts to ask for samples. I usually get samples and find out quickly if my skin will react badly towards the products.
Good luck with your appointment and I hope it works out for you! |
|
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:49 pm |
Years ago I had seen a dermatologist that also had a skin care (laser and vein type) clinic. She asked me what I was currently using, I told her my skin concerns, she repriminded me for picking at my face  , and then wrote me a prescription for Retin A (for my hyperpigmentation I think). However, I found *I* was the one who was pushing to buy products ... I wanted to try everything new and she was more like "well, why not use up your existing moisturizer, etc., etc.". She suggested some products for me that targeted my areas of concern, but I was so impulsive I think I bought all of them that visit. I was actually surprised that she never tried to push anything at all and would have been perfectly fine if I hadn't bought anything. Although, I did purchase a series of glycolic peels at the time, so maybe that's where they make most of their money (on procedures). |
|
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:33 pm |
I would listen to what the derm suggests and if you are feeling overwhelmed by suggestions for products, just say that you want to start slow and take some time to research the products. Any derm that won't listen to that and appreciate that you want to find out more on your own may not be a good match, IMO.
I would hold off on microderm and chemical peels initially, since those can be irritating -- especially if you are trying new products at the same time. You never know how your skin will react to the products and/or the processes, and you would want to isolate what your skin doesn't like so you can change that out of your routine. |
|
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:53 pm |
Wow! Thanks for all of the encouraging and informative suggestions.
Someone made a good point: I don't know if I'll react as badly (or more badly) to perscription meds as I would with products. Perhaps I feel that if I "fix" my system, I'll be able to "fix" my skin as well. I know this is probably the wrong way to look at skin health, but my experience with so-called mild products has left me skeptical. So-called mild or calming products still leave me irritated, spotty, and (at times) burned. So-called "natural" products, from what I understand, can be just as irritating.
I have done quite a bit of research over the last few years because I'm so fed up with my skin. In my teenage years, I took antibiotics, which kept most of my face clear;however, I continued to have huge, scarring cysts on my chin. After years of struggling with the cysts, my derm finally put me on accutane. Accutane worked wonders while I was taking it. After I stopped, however, my skin became a wreck. It became dehydrated yet oily on the surface; spotty but totally intolerant to topical acne creams/AHA's, and insanely reactive to weather changes or product changes. I am at my wits end to find a solution to keep my skin normal, as my skin has controlled my life for too long. My life literally revolves around how bad/good my skin is and I want to gain control again. I know some might think I'm exaggerating, but in all honesty, I have lost too much of my life to let my skin stay the way it is.
I'll definitely make a list of things that don't work for me and hope that this new derm will be as understanding as all of you have suggested derms should be.
Thanks again and keep the replies coming!
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:22 pm |
| Only two things I can add, 'cause it seems the great advice everyone's offered pretty well covers it. First, your derm. may consider it helpful to see a printed list of all current medications you're on (ask your pharmacist for one) and, while you're at it, jot down any regular and/or herbal supplements you may be taking. Second, if you give your derm. and any products recommended a really fair chance and are not satisfied with the results, walk away and seek help elsewhere. That may not always be possible, say, if you live in a small town but take the option if you've got it. Not all doctors are created equal. |
|
|
|
|
| Thu Apr 18, 2024 3:49 pm |
If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.
Click Here to join our community.
If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site. |
|
 |
|
|
