Preparing for an appointment

Your primary care doctor is likely to refer you to a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of Sweet's syndrome. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Symptoms you've been having and for how long, including those that seem unrelated to your rash
• All medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

If you have symptoms of Sweet's syndrome, questions you may want to ask include:

• What might be causing my rash?
• What tests do I need to confirm the diagnosis?
• Is this condition temporary or long-lasting?
• What treatment options are available, and which do you recommend for me?
• What side effects can I expect from treatment?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
• What if I just wait to see if my signs and symptoms go away on their own?

What to expect from your doctor

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

• When did your skin symptoms start?
• Did they come on suddenly or gradually?
• What did the rash look like when it first appeared?
• Is the rash painful?
• Does anything make your symptoms better?
• Does anything make your symptoms worse?
• Were you sick before the rash started?
• What medical problems have you had?
• Do you have other symptoms that started about the same time?
• What medications do you take?
• Did the skin lesions start in the days or weeks after you started a new medication?