If you're having skin problems you're probably considering visiting a dermatologist. This can be a daunting experience if you've never seen a specialized physician, so here are a few key things you should know before seeing a dermatologist.

Know your needs.

There are many reasons why one might want to visit a dermatologist, and the care you're looking for will dictate which type of dermatologist you should see. You should first assess whether you are interested in medical advice or a cosmetic procedure. Cosmetic dermatology refers to treatments and surgeries focused on improving the skin's appearance, like getting rid of wrinkles or tattoo removal.

If your concerns are medically based, such as persistent acne or skin cancer screening, a general dermatologist or dermatopathologist should be seen. A general dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions of the skin. Some common dermatological conditions are eczema, psoriasis, and severe acne. But if you need to have skin tested for cancer, a dermatopathologist will likely need to test the samples. A dermatopathologist is a dermatologist who has had extra training in diagnosing pathological diseases. Some general dermatologists are also certified in dermatopathology. If not, they may need to send skin samples away to be analyzed, which can cause extra wait times.

Know the dermatologist.

Once you've settled on what type of dermatologist you need, it's time to research the available options in your area. While doing this you want to be sure of 3 key things:

1. Do they see patients like me?
2. What are their accreditations and are they licensed to practice in my state?
3. What is their success rate?

Questions 1 and 2 should be easily answered through the office's webpage or a simple phone call, but the third may involve a little more digging. Some doctors, especially cosmetic, will post pictures on their website. If not, perform a simple Google search and read different online reviews from former patients.

Know the alternatives.

Lastly, you should be aware of any alternative practices available for individuals with your condition. There are many holistic approaches to skin care as well as numerous medical treatments. Knowing a little bit about some basic options for patients in similar positions allows you to have a more productive consultation with your doctor and allows them to give you specific, personalized information to better suit your needs.

Skin conditions should not go untreated. If you have any areas of concern, do some research and reach out for a dermatological consultation as soon as possible. For more information, speak with experts like http://desertdermatology.net/.