PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT
If you have atopic dermatitis, you know that time with your doctor is precious. Below are strategies on getting the most from that time, so you and your doctor can more effectively treat your atopic dermatitis.
Getting the Most From Healthcare Appointments
Good communication with your doctor is one of the most important ways you can take an active role in managing your atopic dermatitis.
Remember your doctor is an expert on medical care, and you are the expert on yourself. By sharing your unique experience, you and your doctor can work together to make the best decisions for your care. You’ll feel more in control of your atopic dermatitis, plus good communication can actually have a positive effect on your health.
Other tips that may help
Be open and honest. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but without the full story, your doctor is working at a disadvantage.
Tracking can help. Between appointments, record the number and severity of your flare-ups, and any possible triggers.
Plan to share. Take time to consider how atopic dermatitis is affecting your quality of life, and plan to share this information with your doctor.
Prepare for appointments. Before you go, decide what you want to discuss. Jot down any questions you have, and gather any information you may want to share.
Ask again, if necessary. If you don't understand your doctor's explanation or are unclear about what the next steps are, ask. Unless you speak up, your doctor won’t know there's a problem.
Plan ahead
Living with atopic dermatitis may trigger many different emotions: loss of control, confusion, wondering if things could be better or feeling alone. This activity is designed to help you start thinking about things you may want to discuss with your doctor. Each of the following topics includes suggested information to share with your doctor and examples of questions you may want to ask.
- Health goals
- Anything new you've tried since your last visit
- Frequency and severity of your flare-ups, and their effect on your daily life
- What causes atopic dermatitis?
- What else can I do to better manage my atopic dermatitis?
- What can I do to help prevent skin infections?
- How can I understand what my triggers are?
- The symptoms that are currently bothering you
- How often they occur
- How you manage symptoms now
- Any recent changes in your symptoms
- If your sleep is impacted by the symptoms
- How have other patients dealt with the emotional aspect of living with atopic dermatitis?
- What changes to my environment might help?
- Is my current skin-care routine the best option for me?
- How can I create a treatment routine I can keep?
- If your atopic dermatitis is making you feel anxious or depressed
- Specific examples of how your life is affected by atopic dermatitis
- Any steps you’re taking to manage the impact of atopic dermatitis on your life
- If you feel like you are out of options
- What are some local resources, like support groups, I could participate in?
- Are my feelings common among people with atopic dermatitis?
- What could I change to help me better manage my atopic dermatitis?
- How can I help get ahead of my skin flares?
Being well-informed, understanding the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and their possible causes, and developing a partnership with your healthcare team all contribute to improving your overall quality of life.
What to share
What to ask
Explain your current treatment plan to your healthcare provider to help determine if it's the right one for you.
What to share
What to ask
Atopic dermatitis has a high impact on patients' quality of life. Tell your healthcare provider what your needs are. Feeling supported can make it easier to manage life with AD.
What to share
What to ask
Health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.
