Communicating
with Your Provider
With
all of these choices, where do you start? Most importantly,
you should find a provider you can trust and communicate
with comfortably. Communication is easier with someone who
fits your personality and takes you seriously. If you're
not sure whether your current provider can take care of
your skin condition -ask. Here are some examples of questions
to ask your provider:
| • |
Do
you take care of patients with this type of skin condition? |
| • |
What
information can you give me about my rash? |
| • |
When
do you refer patients with rashes to another provider? |
| • |
Who
would you refer me to? |
When
to See Your Primary Care Provider
Generally,
if you have a new rash, you should see your regular provider.
Many skin conditions don't require a specialist to diagnose
and treat. Some rashes are chronic, or long-term, requiring
regular check-ups to keep them under control. You should
consider seeing a dermatologist if your regular regimen
is not working.
When
to See a Dermatologist
Some
conditions are pretty exclusively treated by a dermatologist.
These include severe forms of common diseases such as ance,
atopic dermatitis, and rosacea. Also included are uncommon
diseases such as pemphigus, porphyria, and cutaneous lupus.
Finally, most skin cancers are treated by a dermatologist,
sometimes in conjunction with a surgeon.
Finding
a Provider
To
find a qualified provider in your area, most specialties
have websites that list board-certified doctors in that
specialty. You can call your state's medical board to see
if a specific provider has had any complaints against him.
Finally, ask your friends, people from the place of worship
you attend, or community organizations you are involved
in if they have recommendations. The good providers are
usually well known.
