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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist) or one who specializes in allergies (allergist).
Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as not take antihistamines for several days beforehand.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Preparing a list of questions for your doctor will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important. For dermatographia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
- What is the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there restrictions I need to make?
- Should I see a specialist?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
- When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
- Were your symptoms preceded by an illness or a new medication?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- Do your symptoms cause you to restrict your activities or interfere with your lifestyle?
- Do you have allergies? To what?
- Do you have dry skin or any other skin conditions?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
What you can do in the meantime
Keep your skin moisturized and try not to scratch.
- Dice JP, et al. Physical urticarias. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Urticaria — Hives. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Urticaria-Hives.htm. Accessed April 25, 2010.
- Bhute D, et al. Dermatographism. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Vereology and Leprology. 2008;74:177.
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