First dermatology appointment, what to expect?

I have heard some disparaging comments from some GPs directed at dermatologists, along the lines of " a dermatologist will just try one treatment and if it does not work they try another, and so on. It is simply trial and error". To an extent it might be true. One of the issues with psoriasis is that a treatment that gives excellent results for one patient might not give such good results for another, and virtually no improvement for a third. As far as I know, the essential treatment options are: topical treatment non-steroid (eg coal-tar based), topical treatment steroid, photo/light treatment, drugs (injections and tablets, biologics). Another aspect of psoriasis is that different people suffer different severities and different effects on their life. I developed psoriasis during my third year at university in Jan 1980. Within a few weeks I had it all over my body, scalp, but almost nothing on my face, and nothing on hands or feet. It itched like mad, it bled and stung in the shower after every rugby match, but amazingly my girlfriend, who I had only started a relationship with 2-3 weeks before, supported me and used to apply my ointment to my back or anywhere I could not reach.. But some people suffer a lot more emotionally or mentally than I did. And some people have it on feet and hands where it can impact their ability to walk and to work or do things. My general impression is that a dermatologist would tend to try to treat at the lowest level first, and escalate the treatment if insufficient progress or "success " is observed. I think I would suggest to your partner: - make clear any detrimental affects on your daily life and quality of life (including mental health), - discuss expectations . . . do you expect to be "cured" or symptoms to gradually reduce to a point where you feel that you can cope with the condition? What does the dermatologist feel that you should expect? I think having correct and realistic expectations is very important. - whatever treatment is suggested, get a clear idea of how long you follow it before a follow up appointment, or at least a review over the phone eg would the dermatologist expect to see improvements after 2 weeks, 4 weeks etc etc - or how long before you say "this is not working, I need to try something else" - if drugs are suggested, ask about initial effects, side effects and whether you need regular blood tests or other screening to monitor effects on your liver etc? - before you leave the dermatologist, ask how you can contact them to get answers if questions arise later, eg can you email, can you phone? I am sure that this is not an exhaustive list, but I hope it might help. Best Wishes.