Preparing for an appointment

You'll probably first visit your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist).

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

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may free up time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• What are your symptoms, and when did you first notice them?
• Is this the first time you've had these symptoms, or have you had them before?
• How severe are your symptoms? Are they about the same all the time, getting worse, or sometimes better and sometimes worse?
• Have you tried any at-home treatments, such as creams, gels or shampoos?
• How often do you use these treatments?
• Does anything seem to help?
• Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
• What medications, vitamins or supplements are you taking?
• Have you been under stress lately or experienced major life changes?

What you can do in the meantime

An over-the-counter (nonprescription) antifungal cream or anti-itch cream can be helpful. If your scalp is affected, a nonprescription antifungal shampoo may ease your symptoms. Try not to scratch or pick at the affected area, because if you irritate your skin or scratch it open, you increase your risk of infection.