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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou'll likely start by seeing your primary care doctor if you have blisters, hives or other skin irritation. You may be referred, however, to a specialist in skin disorders (dermatologist).
You may want to bring a friend or relative to your appointment. This person, in addition to offering support, can write down information from your doctor or other clinic staff during the visit.
Prepare a list
You should make a list to share with your primary doctor or dermatologist. This list should include:
- The name and contact information of any physician you have seen recently or see regularly
- Prescription medications and dosages
- Over-the-counter drugs or dietary supplements you take regularly
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will likely ask you a number of questions. Be prepared to answer the following:
- When did the blisters, hives or other skin problems appear?
- Where are they located?
- Do the blisters, hives or other areas of your skin itch?
- Have you observed any oozing, draining of pus or bleeding?
- Have you recently started new medications?
- Have you had a fever?
- Bullous pemphigoid. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch112/ch112b.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Goldstein BG, et al. Bullous pemphigoid and other pemphigoid disorders. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 15, 2010.
- Stanley J. Bullous pemphigoid. In: Wolff K, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2950538. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Kirtschig G, et al. Management of bullous pemphigoid: Recommendations for immunomodulatory treatments. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2004;5:319.
- Patton T, et al. Bullous pemphigoid treatment review. Expert Opinion in Pharmacotherapy. 2006;7:2403.
- Glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/gi-osteoporosis.asp. Accessed April 15, 2010.
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