go to a dermatologist

I went this morning, saw the doctor and had a short conversation with her about my itchy legs. It’s apparently just eczema, which is a catch-all diagnosis for nasty, dry itchy skin. She prescribed me a steroidal cream, gave me a handful of trial sized moisturizers and checked my back for moles and other bad things. Unlike every dermatologist appointment I had as a kid, I felt pretty comfortable there. When we were discussing the soaps and skin treatments that I use, she said she could prescribe me some things that were more hard core, but it looked like I was doing fine and should just stick with that if it was working.

I started having itchy legs after my trip to the Galapagos. I got a bad sunburn on the first day and that burn and my itchy skin could be related. Wear your sunscreen folks!

I have an appointment!

Aug 14th at 10:15 am.

Of all the dermatologists that my friends recommended, only one took my insurance and was in walking distance. They’re out until the 11th, but my PCP is back and I called his office today to ask. I took a late lunch yesterday, but the receptionist [totally nice! I forgot that], will ask and get back to me. I just have to call her back today…

I’ve had these itchy bits along one of my legs for far too long. Keeping it moisturized has not helped and it’s just not going away. I’ve known that I should go to a dermatologist, but I haven’t quite gotten my act together. Yesterday I asked a bunch of friends for recommendations to a dermatologist. My friend E’s mom had used someone nearby, and I’ll have to call on Monday.

Searching for a dermatologist is kinda frustrating. My PCP is out of town and I didn’t want to use the emergency number for his understudy. At least with any other doctor, you’re unlikely to get pressured into doing any bizarre extra procedures. It’s not like a cardiologist is going to recommend that you get an extra heart installed. It’s very clear when you’re looking at their websites and reviews that most people go to dermatologists as just a hard-core spa and that that’s where they make their money. The online reviews are all “Dr. X helped me look ten years younger!” I even found one that was “Dr. X didn’t take enough time to look at my weird mole but suggested Botox for my laugh lines. Luckily I went to Dr. Y who figured out that I had skin cancer.” Yikes! I just want to not be itchy. Being itchy sucks. I would rather have the worst possible conversation with my mother than go into a doctor’s office and be told that I could look ten years younger while the guy ignores my itchy leg.

it was painful. i can’t go back. to clear up my face, i’ll just have to stop being lazy washing it even when i’m already super sleepy and maybe i can start getting rid of junk food as i eat more and more vegetables and fruit. let’s hope it works :)

Apparently I’m allergic to metals! Now that I know that I can find pants that won’t kill my stomach! JOY!