Questions to ask to optimize your dermatology appointment

People living with atopic dermatitis (AD) may be prescribed a variety of treatments. People with mild to moderate AD typically start with skin care routines and topical treatments to manage inflammation, and those with more moderate to severe forms may move on to systemic treatments (i.e. those take by pill, by injection, or light therapy).

Topical treatments can include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and topical PDE4 inhibitors. When AD is more severe and cannot be managed with skincare routines and topical medications, systemic medications may be prescribed by a dermatologist. These include phototherapy, biologic drugs, and oral JAK inhibitors.

However, it can be an ongoing challenge to get these treatments in a timely manner. Eczema sufferers in Canada can often experience long wait times to see a dermatologist. Many worry that their dermatologist won’t be available to see their condition at its worst or during flare, and this delay can impact treatment plans.

Having an open conversation with your dermatologist can help bridge this gap and optimize AD management.

Questions you can ask your dermatologist or health care provider include:

• What treatments have you prescribed me?
• Why did you prescribe this?
• How, how much, when, and for how long do I use/take this medication?
• How do I know if the treatment is or isn’t working, and what comes next?

If you have questions, or are unsure how your treatment is going, don’t be afraid to reach out to the prescribing physician for clarity. As Calgary-based dermatologist Dr. Kirk Barber tells ESC: “The most important appointment is the follow up appointment,” so don’t forget to book that next visit to review your plan, see how things are going, and know what to do if things get worse.