You’ve had your first virtual visit with a dermatologist. You finally have a diagnosis for your acne or eczema, a personalized treatment plan in hand, and a feeling of relief and hope. The first step is a huge one, but the journey to long-term skin health doesn’t end there.
In fact, the most critical step often comes next: your follow-up appointment.
It can be tempting to skip this visit, especially if your skin is starting to improve. But that follow-up is where a good plan transforms into a great, lasting outcome. Here’s why it’s so important.
Your Skin is Dynamic. Your Care Plan Should Be, Too.
Think of your initial treatment plan as the perfect starting point. It’s based on a snapshot of your skin’s condition at that moment. However, skin is a dynamic organ that is constantly changing and adapting.
“The goal of a follow-up isn’t just to see if a treatment is working—it’s to see how it’s working and to make the adjustments necessary for long-term success,” says Dr. Emily Shaugnessy, a board-certified dermatologist. “Your first appointment addresses the immediate concern, but the follow-up is essential for fine-tuning your routine and transitioning to a maintenance phase that protects your progress.”
For chronic conditions like acne and eczema, this is especially true. Factors like seasonal changes, stress, and your skin’s own adaptation can all influence how effective your initial plan remains over time.
The Follow-Up Advantage: What the Data Shows
For any chronic condition, consistency is key. But staying on track with a daily skincare regimen can be challenging. This is where the power of structured support makes a clear, measurable difference.
A recent randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology looked at patients with psoriasis, another chronic skin condition. The results were striking: after 12 months, patients who received regular, structured support from dermatological nurses saw a 50% greater improvement in their disease severity and quality of life compared to those who only received standard care.1
While the study focused on psoriasis, the principle is universal for conditions like acne and eczema: consistent, expert support drives better results. Your follow-up appointment is your dedicated touchpoint for that support.
What Happens During Your Follow-Up?
Your follow-up visit is a quick but powerful 15-minute investment in your long-term health. During the appointment, your provider will:
- Review your new photos, comparing them to your initial visit to visually track your progress and celebrate your improvements.
- Fine-tune your treatment plan, adjusting prescriptions or your routine to ensure you overcome plateaus and continue improving.
- Answer your questions and provide you with a clear, updated plan for the next phase of your care journey.
The Takeaway
Your first visit is about getting a diagnosis and a plan. Your follow-up visit is about making that plan work for you for the long haul. It’s the difference between a temporary fix and a lasting solution.
Don't let your progress fade. If your provider recommended a follow-up, it’s because they see it as the essential next step in your path to healthier skin.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your follow-up appointment with a Piction Health provider today.
1Augustin, M., et al. "Regular support provided by dermatological nurses improves outcomes in patients with psoriasis: results from a pragmatic randomized controlled trial." Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2022.
