Do you see a dermatologist?

Jul 10, 2013

Emily R.

Hi Ladies! On this forum I see so many girls suffering from acne, scars, etc. and I always encourage people to see a dermatologist. I know that my doctor has helped me achieve flawless skin after having pretty bad acne.

So my questions is, if you see a dermatologist, how has your experience been? Do you like your doctor? Has it helped?

If you don't see a dermatologist, why not? Are there any specific reasons or concerns? Did you have a bad experience?

Thanks ladies! I have always been curious since I feel like not many people mention dermatologists as an option or solution to skin troubles.

Jul 10, 2013

Gabrielle C.

I don't, I'm just to lazy to go to my doctor to get one recommended lol I'd rather just spend money on over the counter stuff.

Jul 10, 2013

Lizzy W.

I don't, I see it as a waste of money. I have a fantastic GP who gave me the same advice as my brother's dermatologist gave him. I don't think you should see a dermatologist unless your GP hasn't prescribed anything that works - but that has just been my experience.

Jul 10, 2013

Bemnia L.

I would love to go to a dermatologist but I can't because my family simply doesn't have that kind of money:(

Jul 10, 2013

Ana P.

I have the best dermatologist in the city since 2009 I think and besides all the pills and creams (that I didn't use jaja) my skin got better by using other methods like peeling off masks, tonics, exfoliating and washing my face 3 times a day. sometimes you just have to find what works best for you skin!

Jul 10, 2013

Becca L.

I have been trying to see a dermatologist since I started getting ance when I was 8, but living in Canada you need a referral from your doctor And mine always said my acne isn't "bad enough" I'm turning 19 next month and I still suffer from ance but I've finally made the switch to Natural products and it is much better than it used to be

Jul 10, 2013

Anmol A.

Hi Emily! I myself don't see a dermatologist for my acne for a couple of reasons. One being I don't have Health Insurance so the cost of me going to a specialist for a couple of minutes is ridiculous. Also, I am 17 and break out only when its near the time of the month. So I know that the hormonal acne will go away and come back because that's how its going to be. I instead try to use scrubs, masks, and cleansers that help purify and clean my skin as well as hydrate it with moisturizers and that seems to work. But I agree, if your acne makes you feel unconfident or is out of control, a dermatologist would be extremely helpful! :)

Jul 10, 2013

Alyssa G.

I absolutely love my dermatologist but I don't go to him for acne issues but he always gives really awesome skin care advice and samples!

Jul 10, 2013

Gabby C.

Not worth it and gets expensive after a while. You just have to look and try out products and see what works for you.

Jul 10, 2013

Emily W.

I see a dermatologist because I have skin issues that my general practicioners didn't diagnose correctly. My GPs over the years thought my cold sores were: impetigo, poison ivy, dermatitis from thumb sucking, or a spider bite. I've had skin cancer twice, both times my GP didn't think it was anything to worry about. I have a dry skin issue (the name of it keeps slipping my mind) and require medication to stop my skin from peeling.

I've learned through the years that seeing a specialist is the best way to get a problem solved (and that applies to more than dermatology). Luckily, my insurance covers seeing any doctor I choose, and doesn't require a referral. Otherwise, I would probably be dead. Too many serious problems have been overlooked or dismissed by general practitioners. Now, I go straight to a specialist if it is anything besides the flu.

Jul 10, 2013

Naney B.

I do and it really helps!

Jul 10, 2013

Naney B.

Really... It depends on what dermatologist you go to!

Jul 10, 2013

Tessa T.

I have before but it made my skin much worse

Jul 10, 2013

Tessa T.

But it depends which one you go too.

Jul 10, 2013

Llesenia S.

I've gone before and he just prescribed things that made my skin worse. I managed to calm my acne down and now I just have scarring.

Jul 10, 2013

Emily R.

Thanks everyone!! I figured a lot of people didn't go because of financial reasons and insurance. I'm sorry for those who haven't had good experiences! I initially went to the dermatologist because I have hand eczema and I'm prone to eczema on other parts of my body, but while I was there he helped me with my acne too. I'm lucky because I'm insured under my dad and stepdad, so no co pays! (until I turn 25 and I'm not on their insurance anymore, haha).

Emily! I'm so glad that you got help, I feel terrible that your GP didn't diagnose you properly... Like you said, that's the benefit of seeing a specialist.

Tessa and Llesenia, what were you prescribed? I have heard of some people having adverse reactions to things, but I know for example retin-a can break you out really bad before it clears you up.

Jul 11, 2013

Roxy K.

I have really bad acne and I'm considering of going to see a specialist or a dermatologist to help me coz its getting out of control , and when I go to the gym without makeup on, its embarrassing because of all that acne and plus I don't want to be left with any scars either which is why I'm going to do something about it straightaway.

Jul 11, 2013

Shauna S.

I have seen a dermatologist about bad skin rashes I would get. I've been dealing with it off and on for years and have been to numerous doctors and no one has gotten me an answer. They sent me to a dermatologist. Usually the wait list is 1-2 years. When I finally got in I was in the office for not even 5 minutes. She looked at me and didn't know what caused the rashes and told me I had dermatitis, gave me a prescription for a cream and walked out. I've been to her a couple more times and still did not seem to care about the suffering I was going through. The cream helps but it's very bad for my skin. It's been 7 years and to this day not one doctor or "specialist" has been able to help me. I find that dermatologists are just meant to sell their creams and not look into the underlying problem. They treat things, but they don't cure them.

Jul 11, 2013

Emily R.

Shauna, what does it look like? My dermatologist just diagnosed me with hand eczema, but I get small dry patches and rashes in other areas too. Try using Aquaphor or the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream! They help so much, not as good as my prescription cream, but they are on par. My rashes would come and go too, and they are usually triggered by certain metals, like nickel or gold.

Jul 16, 2013

Hadeeqa D.

I did. but honeslt everytime I go it seems that the only answer to acne is a silica peel! other than that she recommended some products facewash, toner, etc.etc.that do help. but my acne hasn't decreased by much. so it seems kind of a waste.