How to Prepare For a Dermatology Appointment & Questions to Ask: Eczema and Psoriasis

Let’s face it, managing a chronic illness like eczema or psoriasis can be downright overwhelming. It’s normal to feel like you’re at a loss, especially if you’re frustrated by treatments or providers that weren't helpful. 

In fact, in a 2023 survey, almost half of Americans say they feel anxious before a doctor’s appointment—and that number is likely even higher among those with chronic illness. 

Because of the overwhelm and frustration, it’s easy to totally blank once you’re actually face-to-face with a dermatologist. To make sure you get the most out of your healthcare, it’s important to prepare and ask the right questions.

How to prepare for your dermatology appointment 

Whether this is your first appointment with a new provider or you’re just wanting to discuss a new symptom or treatment option, “Five minutes of preparation before the appointment can really tee up the conversation you want to have,” says Dr. Rachel Day, MD, Lead Dermatologist at Zest. Here’s what to do beforehand:

• Get an overview of the typical treatment approach. If you’re not already aware of the current treatment landscape for eczema or psoriasis, gathering an overview can help you start to think about what you may or may not want. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Managing Eczema and our Ultimate Guide to Managing Psoriasis for a comprehensive look at treatment.
• Know that eczema and psoriasis are individualized conditions. Your unique symptoms and triggers are key to finding effective treatment. Consider all the relevant information to your unique experience so that you can relay it to your provider as you work toward a treatment plan that’s right for you.
• Consider what treatment options may or may not work for your lifestyle. For example, would you be more likely to stick to a weekly injection or a daily pill? What level of time, effort, and financial investment will allow you to be consistent with treatment? Consistency is key, so it’s important to be honest with yourself here.
• Consider what tradeoffs are important to you. Dr. Day says that the tradeoffs of any given treatment option are as important to consider as their outcome. “Most approved medications are going to work pretty well for most people, so it’s often less about efficacy and more about those tradeoffs.” Does one medication have less serious side effects than another? Is there one that will have a bigger impact on your immune system? How about the financial tradeoff? “You should think about which cons of treatment you’re okay with and which ones you’re not,” says Dr. Day.
• Know what you want to get out of your visit. You may have different goals for different visits. Do you want to discuss a new treatment option, or do you want to ask your dermatologist if they think your symptoms have improved? Do you want their product recommendations, or do you want to ask if a symptom you’re having is normal? It might sound obvious, but if there’s something specific you want to get out of your appointment, be sure to prioritize it.
• Write down your questions beforehand. Avoid forgetting the questions you have for your provider—like the ones listed below—by writing them down beforehand, either on your phone or a piece of paper

Ready to work with a dermatologist who takes the time to hear your concerns and gets to know your unique skin? Reach out to Zest today for personalized care, next-day appointments, and 24/7 messaging support.

Questions to ask your dermatologist about your eczema or psoriasis treatment

Establishing good communication with your provider can be an important component to positive health outcomes. 

Don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs and wants about what goes on or in your body. Remember, this is your health, and eczema or psoriasis treatment should work for you. Dr. Day notes, “Raising the concerns that matter most to you are critical factors in deciding the treatment plan.” With that in mind, here are some potential questions you might want to ask your provider:

Treatment options and effectiveness

1. What are the specific treatments you recommend for my condition?
2. What results should I expect, and how soon will I see improvements?
3. Do you think my condition could be managed without prescriptions?

Side effects and safety

1. What are the common side effects of this medication?
2. Is there another option that will work equally or almost as well with less serious side effects?
3. Will this treatment interact with my current medications or health conditions?

Cost and accessibility

1. Is this medication covered by insurance?
2. How often will I need it (especially relevant in the case of injectables)?
3. If I need to pay out-of-pocket, is there a treatment that will work equally or almost as well but costs less?

Lifestyle and support

1. Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to support my treatment?
2. How likely am I to benefit from lifestyle changes?
3. Can you refer me to a dietitian, therapist, or other specialists if needed?

Long-term considerations

1. How often will I need to follow up for this treatment?
2. What happens if this treatment stops working?

Sometimes, providers are highly limited in how much time they can spend with each patient. This might mean you’re not able to get all your questions answered. 

At Zest, we offer constant support via 24/7 messaging, meaning you never have to put your health concerns on hold. 

Book a free discovery call to learn more about Zest’s constant support and comprehensive approach.

What happens after the appointment?

When you leave your appointment, you should have a clear idea of where your treatment plan is at right now and where it might be headed. “I like to talk to patients about ‘the now and the next,’” says Dr. Day. “You should know what’s on the table and what the next steps are.” 

You should also understand how much improvement you can expect to see between now and your next appointment. 

Your dermatologist may also ask you to keep a symptoms journal to keep track of where your skin’s at on a day-to-day basis. “Then, next time, your provider can know whether your treatment plan improved the aspects that were most important to you.” If you’re not finding enough relief from your symptoms, that’s a clue that adjustments should be made to your treatment.