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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you have signs and symptoms of dermatitis, make an appointment with your doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions (dermatologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and know what to expect from your doctor.

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. Also list any irritants or triggers that seem to cause your symptoms.
• Write down your key medical information, including other conditions for which you've been treated and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you're taking, including vitamins and supplements. Also note whether you or anyone in your family has a history of allergies or asthma.
• List possible sources of skin irritation, such as dust and chemicals used on your job or as part of hobby work. Also note the types of soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and detergents you use.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

Below are some basic questions to ask your doctor about dermatitis. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.

• What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
• Are there any other possible causes?
• What tests are needed to make a diagnosis?
• What treatment options are available for this condition?
• What are the most common triggers for my type of dermatitis?
• What self-care steps are likely to improve my symptoms?
• What products or ingredients should I avoid?
• Do you have any written materials about this condition that I can bring home? Can you recommend any websites?

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you first develop these signs and symptoms?
• Does anything in particular seem to trigger your symptoms?
• Do your symptoms come and go, or are they fairly constant?
• How often do you shower or bathe?
• What products do you use on your skin, including soaps, lotions and cosmetics?
• What household cleaning products do you use?
• Are you exposed to any possible irritants from your job or hobbies?
• How much do your symptoms affect your quality of life, including your ability to sleep?
• What treatments have you tried so far? Have any treatments helped?
• Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions, including skin conditions?
• What medications are you currently taking, including those you take by mouth as well as creams or ointments that you apply to your skin (topical treatments)?
• Do you have a family history of allergies or asthma?

What you can do in the meantime
In the time leading up to your appointment, try these tips to help manage your dermatitis.

• Resist the urge to scratch itchy areas on your skin. Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is a key part of healing dermatitis.
• Try a nonprescription topical cream that contains at least 1 percent hydrocortisone. It may provide some relief.
• Consider taking a nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) to reduce itching. Antihistamines can cause significant drowsiness, so be sure to read the label and use a nondrowsy formula during the day.
• Avoid products that seem to trigger your rash and protect yourself from contact with them. Wearing nonlatex gloves while washing dishes, shampooing your hair or handling other products that irritate your skin may help. In addition, try to shower or bathe only once every day or two, using warm water and mild soaps.

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• See Also

Hand Scheduled
Section Focus
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Poison ivy rash

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