Dermatology: Patient Empowerment

Patient empowerment is the buzzword of the moment. But what does it actually mean? In short, it’s about encouraging each of us to take a more active role in our well-being—and that includes the health of our skin. 

While this might sound somewhat challenging, there are some simple ways to integrate this into your lifestyle. Doing so can provide real insight into ways we might improve our skin and health, as well as provide your healthcare provider with more information to personalize any treatments.

Embracing Patient Empowerment in the Dermatology Field

• Why patient empowerment is important
• Easy ways to track and monitor your health (and how it relates to your skin)

Why patient empowerment is so important

As the largest organ in the body, the skin (which includes the hair and nails) is the only one—apart from the eyes—that we can see without any diagnostic imaging. Therefore, it makes sense that it can give us some great visual clues about how well the rest of the body is functioning.

Understanding any body challenges you might have—and that includes issues that can show on your skin—is one of the most powerful ways to get truly personalized treatments. From regular self-checks to noting how certain foodstuffs might exacerbate a problem, we can gain valuable clues about the dynamics of your unique bodily functions.

Skincare—in similarity to any aspect of your health—isn’t just a case of going for treatments once in a while. Yes, this can have dramatically positive results, but when you combine it with a personal understanding of your body’s nuances, such treatments can become even more effective.

Easy ways to track and monitor your health (and how it relates to your skin)

There are many ways you can track your skin and internal body health. This includes:

• Keeping a food diary: The link between what we eat and our skin is vital. From allergies and intolerances to providing the body with the right building blocks for cellular renewal, keeping a nutrition diary and noting any changes in skin condition or health issues provides valuable insight for you to share with your dermatologist.
• Keeping a mood diary: Stress, anxiety, and other emotions have a direct impact on our health—and, therefore, our skin. For example, too much stress causes the body to release cortisol, which can have a detrimental effect. It can also impact blood sugar regulation, energy levels, and the desire to reach for the cookie tin or other unhealthy snacks.
• Hormone tracking: Important for both men and women, the body’s hormone regulation changes on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Big life events, such as perimenopause, menopause, and andropause will also cause huge hormonal fluctuations.
• Wearables and tech: Watches, rings, and other health trackers provide valuable information about aspects, such as heart rate, levels of fitness, how much movement we undergo daily, sleep patterns, etc.
• Using sun protection: Without a doubt, one of the easiest and most important parts of skin care that each of us should ensure. In addition, keep a note of how much time you spend outside in the daylight.  This has a direct correlation with mental and physical health, as well as ensuring that the skin is exposed to enough natural light each day to produce adequate levels of vitamin D.
• Getting regular skin checks: Annual skin checks with a dermatologist allow for any anomalies to be picked up at the earliest opportunity and any necessary treatment put into place.

At Bayou City Dermatology, Patient Empowerment has Always Been at the Forefront of Treatment

Our dermatologists have always considered that the best skincare comes from a partnership between patient and doctor. Personalized treatments begin with understanding your unique requirements—and no one knows your skin and health better than you do. 

Your input provides vital support, allowing us to better understand your unique requirements and target treatments that truly bring results.

Ready to find out more about the Bayou City Dermatology difference? Head to https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/ and call our team today.