How dermatologists diagnose and treat psoriasis

A board-certified dermatologist can tell whether you have psoriasis, and, if you do, develop an individualized treatment plan.

It’s possible you could have psoriasis. It’s is a common condition. People of all races get psoriasis. Learn if you could have psoriasis.

To treat psoriasis, most people apply medication directly to their skin. If you need stronger treatment, your dermatologist may prescribe light treatments or medication that works throughout the body.

If you are already treating psoriasis, it’s still important to tell your dermatologist if you develop psoriasis on your genitals, scalp, or nails. You’ll likely need a different treatment plan — and possibly different medication.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means you may treat it for life. As your body changes with age or you start a family, you may need to treat psoriasis differently.