A strong doctor-patient relationship can make all the difference when skin issues arise. If you feel comfortable with your dermatologist, you’re more likely to be honest with them about your issues, which can help them provide you with better care. This kind of confidence can be especially helpful when dealing with chronic conditions that can also affect your mental health, such as eczema or acne.
« You’re going to be seeing a lot from your dermatologist when dealing with these types of ongoing issues, which tend to require some level of maintenance and regular appointments, » Corey Hartman, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, tells SELF. With all this face-to-face time, it’s important that you feel comfortable with your doctor.
« We know that conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be correlated with increased anxiety and depression, making it more important than ever to have a relationship with your dermatologist, » Mona Gohara, MDassociate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, says SELF. 1.2 « You [should] feel that you are not only getting a medical solution, but also some kind of emotional comfort.
That said, finding a dermatologist you click with who can also give you the compassionate treatment you deserve can be easier said than done. To begin with, there really is no This many skin doctors out there. Dermatologists make up only about 1% of physicians in the United States; it is an extremely competitive field because the number of places in residence is limited to around 500 per year, Tiffany J. Libby, MDclinical assistant professor of dermatology at Brown University, tells SELF.
Dermatologists also tend to be concentrated in large metropolitan areas, making the selection even thinner for people who live in smaller cities or rural towns, Dr. Hartman says. Yet no matter where you are or what kind of access to medical care you have, you have options. Here are some of the most important things to consider when starting your search for a dermatologist you like.
1. Start with word of mouth recommendations.
According to Dr. Libby, getting a referral from a friend, family member, or even your primary care physician is the best place to start your search for the right dermatologist. “You’ll know you can trust their opinion, unlike just reading online reviews, which aren’t always fully transparent,” she points out. Googling can give you basic information about a doctor, but going to your PCP or other people you trust first is almost like using a matchmaker; they’ll better understand what you’re looking for and can provide you with more nuanced recommendations, says Dr. Gohara.
2. Take advantage of large organizations.
If you don’t have a PCP, another doctor, or anyone else you can ask for a referral, go online, but be strategic. Major dermatological companies, such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, typically offer directories of their members, with filters that allow you to search based on geographic location or specialty, says Dr. Hartman. (This is an especially useful feature if you want someone with expertise in your particular skin condition. Not to mention, these directories are a surefire way to ensure that any derma you find is credible and board-certified. .)
