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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by first 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 specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your appointment. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For lichen planus, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What might be causing my rash?
- What tests do I need to confirm the diagnosis?
- Is this condition temporary or chronic?
- What is the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary treatment approach that you're suggesting?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- What if I just wait to see if my signs and symptoms go away on their own?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to discuss more. Your doctor may ask:
- When did your symptoms first start?
- Did they come on suddenly or gradually?
- What did the rash look like when it first started?
- Is the rash painful?
- What, if anything, makes it better?
- What, if anything, makes it worse?
- What medications do you take?
