Preparing for an appointment

You'll likely first see your primary care doctor. You might then be referred to a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin diseases (dermatologist). Depending on the severity of your condition, your care might also involve specialists in colorectal surgery, plastic surgery or digestive diseases (gastroenterology).

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

What you can do

Make a list of the following:

• Symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment
• All medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

For hidradenitis suppurativa, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• Do I need any tests?
• How long will my condition last?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend for me?
• What side effects can I expect from treatment?
• Is this condition related to another medical disorder?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed materials that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• What did the skin lumps look like when they started?
• Do they come back in the same spots?
• Are your symptoms painful?
• Have your parents or siblings ever had this problem?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to worsen your symptoms?
• Do you smoke or use tobacco products?