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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou'll likely start by seeing your family doctor, general practitioner or dentist. Depending upon the symptoms, you may be referred to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist), a specialist in gum and dental diseases (periodontist) or a specialist of the upper gastrointestinal tract (gastroenterologist). The following tips can help make the best use of your time with your doctor.
Prepare a list
Make a list that includes the following to share with your doctor.
- 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 lesions or sores appear in your mouth?
- Have you found lesions anywhere else on your body?
- Do you feel any pain, burning sensations or other discomfort in your mouth?
- How would you describe the severity of the pain or discomfort — mild, moderate or severe?
- Have you recently started new medications?
- Have you recently had immunizations?
- Do you take supplements or vitamins, or do you ingest other nonprescription herbs or medicines?
- Do you have any allergies?
- Have you experienced any new or unusual stresses in your life?
- Lichen planus. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch116/ch116g.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Eisen D. The clinical manifestations and treatment of oral lichen planus. Dermatologic Clinics. 2003;21:79.
- Lehman JS, et al. Lichen planus. International Journal of Dermatology. 2009;48:682.
- Farhi D, et al. Pathophysiology, etiologic factors, and clinical management of oral lichen planus. Part I: Facts and controversies. Clinics in Dermatology. 2010;28:100.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2010.
- Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Psoriasis/default.asp. Accessed April 18, 2010.
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