How can I find out if I have psoriasis?

To diagnose psoriasis, all a dermatologist usually needs to do is look at your skin. If your skin is very dark, the psoriasis can be hard to see. A dermatologist may need to remove a bit of skin to find out if it’s psoriasis.

If you have psoriasis, a dermatologist can tailor a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. A dermatologist’s medical training gives this doctor in-depth knowledge of psoriasis and its treatments. Dermatologists know which psoriasis treatments can be:

• Used to treat a patient and for how long

• Safely used when a patient has another medical condition

• Used to treat both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

• Safely combined—and which can be risky when used together

• Combined to reduce side effects

A dermatologist can also:

• Watch for early signs of psoriatic arthritis, a disease that you want to catch as early as possible

• Recommend lifestyle changes that can reduce psoriasis flares

• Tell you what can reduce your risk of developing other diseases that are more common when you have psoriasis

• Help you set realistic expectations for managing your psoriasis

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