Questions
Questions for a professional
This site has no form for questions, and we don't give consultations. Instead, here are questions worth asking a dermatologist or primary care doctor, along with tips on what to tell the doctor so the conversation is useful.
A doctor sees your skin for a few minutes, while you live with it every day. Observations and photos prepared in advance turn a short appointment into a conversation that leaves things clearer.
How this section works: the questions are meant for a dermatologist — a doctor who specializes in skin — or for a primary care doctor if you're not sure whom to see. The answers here are not a remote consultation, but tips on what information to prepare for your appointment.
About the sun
How should I protect my skin type from the sun?
Tell the doctor how quickly you burn, whether you've had bad burns, and how much time you spend outdoors. The doctor will suggest the protection that's right for you.
Could my medications affect how my skin reacts to the sun?
Bring a list of everything you take, including things you bought on your own and supplements. Some substances change the skin's sensitivity to the sun, and the doctor will check this.
What should I do after a bad sunburn?
Describe when the burn appeared, how large an area is affected, and whether there are blisters, chills or weakness. The doctor will assess your condition and tell you whether you need care.
Does a child need special protection?
Ask a pediatrician or dermatologist how to protect the skin of a child your child's age, and find out which products are suitable for children.
About dryness and irritation
Why does the skin on my hands crack even though I take care of it?
Tell the doctor how many times a day you wash your hands, what substances you work with, and what you use to moisturize. This will help find the cause.
Is this dryness or something else?
Show the areas that bother you and say when it started, what makes it worse and what makes it better. Only a doctor can tell ordinary dryness from a skin condition.
How can I find out what I'm reacting to?
Bring notes on what comes before the irritation, along with the packages of the products you use. The doctor will decide whether testing is needed.
Is my skin care routine right for me?
List what you use to wash your face, moisturize, and protect your skin from the sun. The doctor will suggest what to simplify or change.
About moles and changes
Should this mole be checked?
Show the mole and say how long you've had it and whether it has changed. Earlier photos will help the doctor compare.
How often should I have my skin checked by a doctor?
Ask whether you need regular skin checks and how often. It depends on your skin and family history, so the decision is individual.
What should I do if a sore isn't healing?
Say when the sore appeared, whether you injured that spot, and what you've tried. A doctor definitely needs to see areas of skin that don't heal.
What should I watch for between visits?
Ask the doctor to explain which changes call for an unscheduled visit, and write down the answer. That way you won't have to guess at home.
See also
- Methods
Sun protection, cleansing and moisturizing, calmly keeping an eye on your skin, and photos for comparison.
- Prevention
Caring for your skin every day: the UV index forecast, shade, gentle cleansing, moisturizing and sleep.
- Topics
Topics in four groups: sun and light, water and cold, care and ingredients, skin changes. Plus the article catalogue.
- Glossary
Skin words in plain language: from epidermis and melanin to patch test and placebo.
Sources
- General dermatologist recommendations on skin care
- WHO — Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide
This page reflects generally accepted views on skin care as of the date it was prepared. If your skin behaves unusually or something worries you, make decisions together with a dermatologist, not based on the text of this reference.