With the weather turning cold recently (not entirely sure that’s the cause), I developed eczema on several parts of my body, so I went to see a doctor for the first time in a while.
First time seeing a doctor since moving to Tokyo. And honestly, even back in Nagoya I’d barely been to a doctor since university — only an optometrist to pick up contact lenses. I was a bit nervous.
I went to a small neighborhood clinic — the kind run by a grandmother doctor.
Based on local preconceptions, dermatology always seemed like it would mean a stern doctor. I went in slightly apprehensive.
But it was the complete opposite — a very kind and gentle doctor.
She explained the symptoms in detail, walked through each medication being prescribed, and explained the difference between the prescription and over-the-counter alternatives.
…By the way, apparently these days doctors give you a prescription and you pick up the actual medication at a nearby pharmacy. I didn’t know that.
The pharmacist also gave a thorough explanation of each medication.
Things have changed from when I was a kid.
And these days you can look up medication information online at home.
Okusuri 110-ban (Drug Information Database)
This time I was prescribed a topical steroid, so I read through the important notes. Steroids have 5 strength levels, and stopping suddenly can cause rebound symptoms — it needs to be tapered off gradually under a doctor’s guidance.
Good to know.
Being able to understand what I’m taking before using it makes me feel much better about the whole thing.
…Looking back, this was a clinic visit where I was somehow genuinely impressed by things that probably seem completely normal to everyone else.