The Lies You Tell Your Dermatologist (And Why You Shouldn’t)

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This post has been sponsored by the Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics and written by a guest writer on their behalf. Dallas Moms Blog only promotes businesses and products we feel would be beneficial to moms!

Most of us are pretty honest with our doctors, even when they ask us somewhat uncomfortable questions. However, I bet you aren’t quite so open with your dermatologist. “What can it matter?” you wonder. “This person is only treating my skin.” Let’s take a look at some of these fibs, omissions, and outright lies — and their potential consequences.

Lies To Dermatologist

1. “I don’t smoke.”

Although smoking is much less common than it used to be, the CDC still estimates that there are more than 42 million active smokers in the United States today. That means that at least some the patients who visit doctors and check “no” on the box next to “Do you smoke cigarettes?” are probably lying. Unless you’ve been stuck in a well for the last 50 years, you already know that smoking is bad for you — so it’s unlikely that you’ll get a lecture from your dermatologist. Instead, he or she can make recommendations for treatments and products that can help mitigate some of the aesthetic effects of smoking. It’s also important to tell your dermatologist if you smoke if you’re planning on undergoing any treatments or surgeries, because these can be unsafe for smokers.

2. “I’m not taking any medication.”

You may not be taking heavy-duty prescriptions, but when your dermatologist asks about your current meds, he or she means all of them — including herbal supplements, vitamins, and birth control. That’s because some of these products can affect your skin, even if you’re taking them for other reasons. For example, St. John’s wort, which many people take for depression and anxiety, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, boosting your risk of sunburn even during everyday activities. And hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill or the vaginal ring, can help clear up acne. If you take something every day, even if you get it over the counter, make sure your doctor knows. It can help him or her plan a more effective treatment regimen for you.

3. “I wear sunscreen every day.”

Although you may put on foundation or tinted moisturizer with SPF every morning, these products don’t really provide adequate protection on their own. To really shield your skin, you should be wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 under your makeup every single day, even when it rains. Unfortunately, many of us still don’t do this, and we all have our reasons. Some people complain that sunscreens make their skin too shiny, while others are sensitive to their ingredients. If you don’t wear sunscreen, tell your doctor why. There’s a good chance that he or she can make a product recommendation that suits your needs, even if your skin is very finicky. Many practices, such as the Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics, offer professional skin analysis to help their patients choose the right products for their particular needs.

4. “That mole? I’ve had it forever.”

Don’t assume that you’ve got every one of your moles and freckles mentally mapped. Growths, discolorations, and lesions come and go throughout our lives, and if they’re in especially hard-to-see places, we may not know about them at all. If your doctor points out something that you’ve never noticed, don’t fib. Just say you don’t know. In many cases, moles and freckles are benign. But in some cases, they could indicate that something serious is brewing. Err on the side of caution and have your marks checked out, especially if they’re new to you.

5. “I’m not pregnant.”

Unlike gynecologists and primary care doctors, dermatologists don’t typically perform routine pregnancy tests. But it’s still important for them to know, especially if you plan on having a treatment, such as injectable fillers. Pregnancy can also cause many dermatological changes, including a brown rash called melasma. If there’s even a chance that you could be pregnant, take a test before your appointment so you know for sure.

If you’re looking for a dermatologist you can trust and feel comfortable discussing your skin concerns with, we highly recommend that you consider Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics and their team.  You’ll speak with qualified professionals and will feel much safer seeking treatment and using products from a physician-supervised spa.  You can request a consultation online or call them at (214) 631-7546 to schedule your appointment with a skin care specialist or dermatologist at our Dallas practice. When you schedule a consultation for cosmetic procedures, you will also receive a customized “Total Skin Rejuvenation” plan to help you achieve your best complexion.

 

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by the Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics and written by a guest writer on their behalf. Dallas Moms Blog only promotes businesses and products we feel would be beneficial to moms!

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