Walking into the doctor’s office to talk about your eczema can be overwhelming. To help you make the most of your visit time, we outlined seven steps you can do before you even begin your doctor appointment. By preparing and getting your thoughts and information in order beforehand, you’ll be able to have a more productive conversation with your healthcare provider.
1. Prepare a brief history of your eczema
At the start of your appointment, you should be able to briefly summarize your eczema history to your healthcare provider. Think of it like your two-minute elevator speech on your eczema. Here are questions you should have prepared answers for:
- When were you diagnosed?
- Where on your body do you typically experience symptoms?
- What are your most recent symptoms and how severe are they?
- What has helped your eczema, and what triggers your flares?
- Has your condition changed over the last 6–12 months?
2. Make a list of all your current and previous medications
Write down a list of all your current medications and supplements, even if it’s not related to your eczema. For each medication or supplement, include:
- Dosage (how many milligrams, etc.)
- How often you take it
- Brand name (or generic name)
- How long you’ve been taking it
While you’re making your list, note which ones have helped your eczema and which ones didn’t, including any side effects you experienced. This will allow you and your provider to make a tailored treatment plan.
3. Provide previous biopsy and lab work results
Bringing in past lab work and biopsy results can be very helpful for your healthcare provider. It may help your provider decide if any additional tests are needed based on your past results. Plus, it may also save you time and money by avoiding having to order a lab test you’ve already had done.
4. Gather and organize photos
Pictures of your eczema can help your provider see what your eczema flares look like, especially if you’re not flaring at the time of your visit. Before your appointment, organize recent photos of your eczema that you want to show your doctor into a clearly-labeled album or folder on your phone. This way you can easily find them and avoid wasting time scrolling for them during your visit.
Download and print our guide to taking great eczema photos for your doctor
5. Identify the goal for your visit
Try to identify your top three most important concerns or goals for your appointment so you and your provider can make the most of your time together. These may include:
- How to manage bothersome symptoms like itch, skin dryness, inflammation, etc.
- A new health concern
- Medical tests
- New treatment options
Download and print our discussion guide for having productive conversations with your provider
6. Write down questions before you arrive
Before you head to the doctor’s office, write down your questions in a notebook or in your phone so you don’t forget them. You can use the goals you identified above to inform your questions.
7. Be ready to discuss treatment options and alternatives
Think about whether or not your current eczema treatments are working so you and your doctor can discuss other options if necessary. What kind of eczema treatments have you tried? Which eczema treatments do you want to learn more about?
Download and print these helpful guides, which include overviews of treatment options ranging from bleach baths to biologics:
Now you’re ready to head to your appointment!
Bring all of the information you gathered to your next eczema visit. By coming prepared, you and your healthcare provider will make the most of your appointment time. You’ll be able to make more informed decisions about your eczema care together.
Download and print this checklist to help you prepare for your eczema appointments
