Department

Snap photos of product ingredient lists—for skincare washes, soaps, oils, serums, and lotions—especially if you have rashes or areas of irritation. Do the same for laundry detergents.

You should also bring a list of questions so that you can ensure nothing is forgotten during your appointment.

Be prepared for a full-body skin check. You might be asked to change into a gown. The dermatologist may use a magnifying device called a dermoscope to examine certain areas closely and may ask to photograph moles and growths for your medical chart to compare size and appearance at future appointments.

To make it easier for a dermatologist to inspect your skin:

Remove nail polish so that the dermatologist can thoroughly examine your nails and nail beds, which are regions where skin cancers can occur.

Wear your hair down or in ties or clips that are easily removed so that the dermatologist can thoroughly check your scalp.5

Don't wear makeup or pack makeup remover that you can use prior to the appointment so that all areas of your face and around your eyes are clearly visible.

Don't wear jewelry since it can cover areas of skin.

A Word From GVMC

If you have health insurance, don't assume that a dermatologist accepts insurance—some don't, so it's important to ask.

If you are visiting a dermatologist for cosmetic reasons, it's important to get detailed information from their office about costs, since insurance often doesn't cover cosmetic procedures.