Q. How is psoriasis diagnosed by a healthcare professional?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Diagnosing psoriasis typically involves a combination of a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and sometimes additional tests or procedures. Here's how healthcare professionals typically diagnose psoriasis:
1. Physical Examination: A healthcare provider, often a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions), will examine your skin for the characteristic symptoms of psoriasis, including red or silvery scales, plaques, and other skin abnormalities.
2. Medical History: Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history, including any family history of psoriasis, previous skin conditions, and your overall health. This information can help in the diagnosis.
3. Skin Biopsy: In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed. During a biopsy, a small sample of the affected skin is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of psoriasis and rule out other skin conditions.
4. Psoriasis Severity Assessment: Your healthcare provider may use a standardized tool, such as the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), to assess the severity of your psoriasis. This helps guide treatment decisions.
5. Consideration of Other Conditions: Psoriasis can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions, such as eczema, so your healthcare provider will consider these possibilities.
6. Rule Out Infections: In some cases, your healthcare provider may test for infections or perform other diagnostic tests if there is a concern that an infection is contributing to your skin symptoms.
A diagnosis of psoriasis is typically based on the combination of these factors. Once diagnosed, your healthcare provider will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and the severity of your psoriasis. Treatment options can include topical creams, light therapy, oral medications, and biologic drugs. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and while it can be managed effectively, it is not curable. Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional is often necessary to monitor and adjust your treatment plan as needed.