Beauty
Experts break down the importance of dermatology in transitioning and lists ways to find inclusive clinics.
It’s been a journey to get my skin to where it is now.
When I first started taking [hormones], my skin just went wonky, Hernandez tells Bustle.
It was hormonal and I was breaking out back to back.
It was literally just a painful time because you’re lowering the testosterone and raising the estrogen.
(I loved every moment with [my doctor], Hernandez says.
She made me feel so comfortable in my skin [and] did not make me feel judged.
It was just like talking to a friend.)
Others are oftentimes not as lucky.
While her doctor was great, she says the staff couldve been more inclusive.
Theres still more work to be done when it comes to talking about gender and improving patient care overall.
The scalp may even get oilier and can cause dandruff.
Any severe acne should be looked at by a dermatologist in case a prescription or stronger treatments are required.
If undergoing estrogen therapy, looking at more hydrating and gentle products is beneficial.
But each individuals HRT journey is different.
Everyones experience, he says, is unique.
All in all, trans skin is still skin and should be treated as such, Anthony says.
A Rise In Psychodermatology
More and more clinics want to do more than just treat skin concerns.
My skin suffered tremendously as a result, and subsequently my skin suffering made my anxiety and depression worse.
My psychiatrist had to increase my medication dosage and frequency just so I could function on a day-to-day basis.
Skin conditions may seem trivial when compared to other health concerns, but the two are linked.
Studies show that acne, alopecia, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis can lead todepression and suicidal ideation.
This is our goal at Skin Wins.
Skin Wins is changing that to allow for full inclusivity in the skin care and psychiatry fields.
Nowaskie emphasizes the importance of making trans patients feel comfortable.
These disparities arent going to resolve overnight.
Gaslighting and refusal of care is another major concern when it comes to trans health management.
Njoroge says health care providers need to work on eliminating that entirely.
Run tests that they request without making it a daunting and incredibly difficult process for them.
Trans patients whove had negative experiences in the past may not be as open or trusting of new doctors.
Its all about making that personal human connection.
A lot of things were very antiquated, he says.
A lot of the topics were very stereotypical and discriminatory, always about HIV and nothing else.
Each provider listed in its directory, called the Out List, is thoroughly vetted.
Providers are found through partnerships with medical institutions, nonprofits, and user recommendations.
Its not enough for a dermatologist or any primary health care provider to be trained in proper care.
Everyone on staff at the clinic from the nurses to the receptionists should be trained as well.
How can we solve it together?
Hernandez encourages any transgender patient to read the reviews on doctors before booking an appointment.
Find what works for you [and] just do your research, she says.
