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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. You may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist).
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and to know what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do to prepare, such as modifying your diet.
- 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 and supplements you're taking.
- Ask a family member or friend to come with you. It can be difficult to remember all the information during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For anhidrosis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- Why don't certain parts of my body sweat?
- Do I need any tests?
- What caused this condition?
- Will I always have this condition?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- How can I best manage this condition with my other health conditions?
- Should I restrict any activities?
- Are there brochures or other printed material I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask any other questions you have.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
- When did you first notice you weren't sweating?
- What parts of your body don't perspire?
- Are you aware of others in your family with similar symptoms?
- Are you experiencing any other symptoms?
- Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- Did you first notice symptoms when you changed a medication or were diagnosed with another illness?
References
- Fealey RD, et al. Disorders of the eccrine sweat glands and sweating. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2985825. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
- No sweat? It's not always a dream come true. International Hyperhydrosis Society. http://www.sweatsolutions.org/SweatSolutions/Article.asp?ArticleCode=26497017&EditionCode=87373635. Accessed Oct. 14, 2011.
- More III JG. Disorders of the sweat glands. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164330502-2/899438951/1608/1544.html. Accessed Oct. 25,2011.
- Extreme heat: A prevention guide to promote your personal health and safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
- Advice for older adults on staying safe in hot weather. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080731hyperthermia.htm. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
- Cheshire WP, et al. Drug-induced hyperhidrosis and hypohidrosis. Drug Safety. 2008;31:109.
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