Don’t forget these essentials when preparing for your next trip to the dermatologist. The more organized you are, the more productive the visit can be.

Timeline and description of symptoms. Bring a list of any signs or symptoms you’re experiencing and/or how your skin has changed since your last visit. Make note of when symptoms or changes started and what, if anything, makes them better or worse.

Photos. Your skin can change from when you first make a dermatology appointment to when you actually arrive at the office. If possible, bring in photos from when your signs and symptoms are at their worst. This will help your dermatologist better understand your condition and create a treatment plan with as much relevant information as possible. Take photos from multiple angles and organize the photos so they are easily accessible and you don’t waste precious time searching for them on your phone.

List of products you’re using on your skin. The dermatologist will want to know what you’re putting on your skin no matter whether it’s an over-the-counter product, prescription therapy or the same moisturizer you’ve been using for 20 years. If you use a lot of products, snap a picture or put them all in a bag and bring them with you. It may be helpful to have the ingredient labels available for the dermatologist to review.

List of medications and supplements you’re taking. Anything that goes into your body can have an impact on your skin, including vitamins and other supplements. For each medication or supplement, include the dosage, frequency, brand and how long you’ve been taking it.

Questions. Once you get into the office, a number of things can distract you from remembering what you want to say. Write down your questions ahead of time so you don’t forget. You may also find that taking notes during or right after the examination will help you remember later what was discussed.