It’s always wise to consult with your GP if you observe any changes in your skin that are unusual for you. Don’t let worry delay you from seeking medical advice. Ignoring the issue won’t make your concerns disappear, and early detection is key, especially when it comes to conditions like skin cancer. Remember, seeking help is never a waste of your doctor’s time.
You should schedule an appointment with your doctor, your “Doctor Skin” expert, if you experience any of the following:
- A spot or sore that shows no signs of healing after four weeks.
- A persistent spot or sore that is painful, itchy, crusty, scabby, or bleeds for more than four weeks.
- Areas where your skin has broken down, forming an ulcer, that doesn’t heal within four weeks, particularly if you can’t identify a clear cause for the skin change.
Your GP is your first point of contact and can determine if further tests are necessary or if you should be referred to a skin specialist.
Making the Most of Your Doctor’s Appointment for Skin Concerns
Preparing for your GP appointment can help ensure you get the most out of your consultation. It’s easy to forget details when you’re in the doctor’s office, so these tips can help you communicate effectively with your “doctor skin” and address all your concerns:
- Document your symptoms: Write down all the skin changes you’ve noticed, including when they first appeared and how they’ve evolved.
- Express your worries: If you are particularly concerned about skin cancer, explicitly mention this to your GP. Addressing your anxieties directly is important.
- Share your medical history: Inform your GP about any family history of cancer or other relevant medical conditions you have. This information is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.
- Bring a support person: Consider taking a friend or family member with you. They can provide emotional support, ask questions you might forget, and help you recall the doctor’s advice.
- Seek clarification: Don’t hesitate to ask your GP to explain anything you don’t fully understand. Clear communication is essential for your peace of mind and treatment adherence.
- Request written notes: Ask your GP to write down key information or instructions if you think it would be helpful for you to remember and follow the plan.
- Bring visual aids: If you have taken photos of your skin changes over time, bring these pictures with you to show your doctor the progression.
What to Expect During Your “Doctor Skin” Consultation
Your doctor will need to understand the full picture of your skin issue. They will ask you questions about your overall health and any existing medical conditions you have.
Depending on your specific skin symptoms, your GP might:
- Provide reassurance: In some cases, your doctor may be able to reassure you that your skin changes are benign.
- Conduct a close examination: Your GP may use a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying device with a light, to examine the area of concern more closely. This helps in detailed skin assessment.
- Perform a skin biopsy: If necessary, your doctor might take a small skin sample (biopsy) to be examined under a microscope for a more definitive diagnosis.
- Refer you to a specialist: If your condition requires specialized care, your GP will refer you to a dermatologist or another appropriate specialist.
- Diagnose and treat skin cancer: Some GPs have specialized training in dermatology and can diagnose and treat certain types of skin cancer directly.
Some GPs are trained to perform minor surgical procedures or offer treatments like light therapy or cryotherapy (freezing) to remove skin cancers.
Always feel comfortable asking your GP to explain their reasoning if they decide against a referral or further tests. It’s also important to return to your GP if you notice any new changes in your skin or if your existing symptoms worsen.
Questions to Ask Your GP About Your Skin
It’s helpful to prepare questions to ask your “doctor skin” during your appointment. Here are some examples to consider:
- “I’m concerned about this skin patch and whether it could be cancerous. Can you remove it here, or will I need to go to the hospital for removal?”
- “How often do you perform minor surgeries for skin conditions in your practice?”
- “Is a referral to a skin specialist necessary in my case? If so, how urgent is it?”
- “If I need to see a specialist, what is the expected timeframe for getting an appointment?”
- “Where will my specialist appointment likely be located?”
- “How will I be informed about my appointments – by mail or phone?”
- “Are any tests required? If so, what will these tests involve?”
- “What is the typical waiting period for these tests?”
- “Where can I find reliable information about the tests you’re recommending?”
- “Do I need to do anything to prepare for the test?”
- “When and how will I receive the test results, and who will communicate them to me?”
Keep in mind that your GP might not have immediate answers to all your questions, but they will provide as much information as possible at that stage. Dealing with uncertainty can be stressful, so clear communication is key.
If Your GP Doesn’t Recommend Tests or Referral
If your “doctor skin” advises that you don’t need tests or a referral at this time, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask for clarification:
- “Could you explain the reasons why you don’t think tests or a specialist referral are necessary for my skin condition?”
- “Do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment with you regarding my skin?”
- “Who should I contact if my skin symptoms persist or worsen in the future?”
What to Do After Your GP Appointment
Ensure you clearly understand the next steps after your consultation. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact your GP’s office for clarification.
Make a follow-up appointment with your GP if your skin symptoms get worse, if new skin changes appear, or as advised by your doctor.
How to Find a GP for Your Skin Concerns
If you don’t currently have a GP, you can easily find a doctor’s surgery in your local area by searching online through the NHS website or your local health authority directory.
Scheduling Your Appointment
Making an appointment to see your “doctor skin” is usually straightforward:
- Phone your GP surgery: This is the most common method.
- Book online: Check if your GP surgery has a website offering online appointment booking.
- Use the NHS App: The NHS App may allow you to book appointments with your GP.
- Visit in person: Some surgeries allow you to book appointments directly at the reception desk.
If you find it difficult to get through by phone, try calling at different times of the day or on different days, as mornings and Mondays are often busier. Persistence is key. Some GP surgeries offer a call-back service if you’re in a phone queue.
While some surgeries allow in-person booking, it’s not universally offered. Checking your GP surgery’s website is the best way to find out the most efficient method for booking an appointment.
You are not obligated to tell the receptionist the details of why you need to see the doctor, although sometimes providing a brief explanation can help them direct you to the most appropriate healthcare professional.
Receptionists are trained to help you see the most suitable healthcare professional at the right time. Depending on your symptoms, you might initially be offered an appointment with another healthcare professional, such as a nurse practitioner or physician associate.
You may be asked to come in for a face-to-face appointment, especially if a physical examination is needed. Alternatively, you might be offered a telephone or video consultation first. If your GP needs to see you in person after a remote consultation, they will arrange a follow-up appointment. The receptionist will provide you with the date and time.
Accept the appointment offered, even if it seems like a long wait. You can always inquire about cancellations if you are available at short notice. Ensure the surgery has your correct contact details, including phone number and email address.
Contact your GP surgery again if your symptoms change or worsen while you wait for your appointment.
