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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 to a skin specialist (dermatologist) or a doctor who specializes in treating rectal and anal problems (proctologist).
Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
- 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 anal itching, 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?
- Should I see a specialist?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home? What Web sites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment at any time.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
- When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- Have you had recent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or loose bowel movements?
- What type of soap or other cleansers do you use on your body?
- What, if anything, such as a change in diet, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
What you can do in the meantime
Cleanse the area gently immediately after bowel movements and dry thoroughly. Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. And do your best not to scratch.
- Breen E, et al. Approach to the patient with anal pruritus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2010.
- Pruritus ani. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/pruritus_ani/. Accessed March 30, 2010.
- Pfenninger J, et al. Common anorectal conditions: Part I symptoms and complaints. American Family Physician. 2001;63:2391. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010615/2391.html. Accessed March 30, 2010.
- Pruritis ani. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch020/ch020j.html?qt=Pruritus%20Ani&alt=sh#sec02-ch020-ch020h-1370. Assessed March 30, 2010.
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