Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. You may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist).

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if you need to do anything to prepare, such as modifying your diet.
• Write down your symptoms, including ones that seem unrelated to your reason for scheduling an appointment.
• Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.
• List all medications, vitamins and supplements you take.
• Ask a family member or friend to come with you to help you remember information you're given.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For anhidrosis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• Why don't certain parts of my body sweat?
• What tests do I need?
• What caused this condition?
• Will I always have this condition?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• How can I best manage this condition with my other health conditions?
• Should I restrict activities?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material for me? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• When did you notice you weren't sweating?
• What parts of your body don't perspire?
• Are you aware of others in your family with similar symptoms?
• Do you have other symptoms?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Did symptoms begin when you changed a medication or were diagnosed with another illness?