On a first visit, the dermatologist will need to get an understanding of your skin’s microbiome. They might begin by asking questions about your personal and medical history. Personal history includes information about your diet, exercise, sleep, and daily activities. Medical history is just as important when it comes to skin health. A medical questionnaire may include topics covering current medical conditions, medications, health history. family health, smoking, and suntanning habits. Once the dermatologist has a better understanding of your skin history and any concerns you may have, they’ll conduct a full-body examination by thoroughly examining your skin from head to toe. It may feel a little awkward, but they are trained professionals who do this daily. Let them know if you feel nervous, and they will do their best to meet your level of comfort. If the dermatologist finds something unusual during the examination, they may ask to take a biopsy, which is a simple investigative procedure where a small sample of the skin is removed to diagnose possible skin conditions.