Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. Or when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a skin disease specialist (dermatologist). If your condition affects your eyes, you may be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).

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 treatment?
• 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?