Tips before your doctor's visit

Tips for those who are going to see a doctor

In order to get the most out of your doctor's visit, it is important that you are prepared and have thought through any questions.

Prepare for the visit. Decide in advance what you want to discuss. Write down any questions you have and gather all the information you want to share with the doctor.
Test your eczema and print the results. Take them to your doctor and discuss.
Keeping a journal can help. Between visits, you can note the number of eczema outbreaks (flares), how severe they are and any triggering factors. Feel free to take pictures and bring them to show your doctor.
Think carefully about how eczema affects your quality of life and plan how to explain this to your doctor.
Be open and honest. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you tell, the more opportunities you give the doctor to help you.
If you do not understand the doctor's explanation or are unsure of the next step: ask again until you understand.

Goals with your treatment
What you have tried since your last visit
How often you have had eczema and how severe it has been, and how it has affected your everyday life
The symptoms you have right now
How often they come
How to manage the symptoms now
Any changes in symptoms
If your atopic eczema makes you feel down
Specific examples of how your life is affected by your eczema
What you do to manage how eczema affects your life

If you suspect that you have atopic dermatitis, it is good to contact a doctor. Ask for a referral to a dermatologist.