You're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. He or she may treat you or refer you to a specialist in skin disorders (dermatologist).
What you can do
Preparing a list of questions beforehand can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For tinea versicolor, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- How did I get tinea versicolor?
- What are other possible causes?
- Do I need any tests?
- Is tinea versicolor temporary or long lasting?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- What side effects can I expect from treatment?
- How long will it take for my skin to return to normal?
- Can I do anything to help, such as avoid the sun at certain times or wear a specific sunscreen?
- I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- Do you have brochures or other printed material I can take home? What websites do you recommend?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
- How long have you had these discolored areas on your skin?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- Have you had this or a similar condition in the past?
- Do the affected areas itch?
- Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?