Preparing for an appointment

You'll likely start by seeing your primary care doctor. But you may be referred to a specialist in disorders of the skin (dermatologist). The following tips can help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Bring a list of all medications you take regularly — including over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications and dietary supplements — and the daily dosage of each.

You may also want to list questions for your doctor, such as:

• What made the warts develop?
• If I have them removed, will they come back?
• What types of treatments are available to remove the warts, and which do you recommend?
• What types of side effects can I expect?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• If the growths aren't warts, what tests do you need to do?
• How can I prevent warts?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may also have some questions for you, such as:

• When did you first notice the warts?
• Have you ever had them in the past?
• Are you bothered by the warts, either for cosmetic reasons or for comfort?
• What treatments have you already used for your warts? If so, how long have you used them and what were the results?