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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. However, in many cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a skin disease specialist (dermatologist).
It's a good idea to prepare for your appointment. Here's some information to help you.
What you can do
Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your appointment time. For rosacea, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What might be causing the signs and symptoms?
- Do I need tests to confirm the diagnosis?
- What is the best course of action?
- Is this condition temporary or chronic?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
- I have other medical problems; how can I manage them together?
- Can I wait to see if the condition resolves on its own?
- What are the alternatives to the approach that you're suggesting?
- What skin care routines do you recommend I use?
Don't hesitate to ask any other questions that come up during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, including:
- When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
- How often do you experience these symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to trigger or worsen your symptoms?
References
- Goldstein BG, et al. Rosacea. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 7, 2010.
- What is rosacea? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rosacea/rosacea_ff.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2010.
- Rosacea. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_rosacea.html. Accessed Sept. 21, 2010.
- Information for patients. The National Rosacea Society. http://www.rosacea.org/patients/faq.php. Accessed Sept. 23, 2010.
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