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Prepare For Your Appointment

Your physician needs reliable feedback from you on your symptoms to ensure that you receive the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Before your visit, take a few minutes to write down some information regarding the symptoms you have been experiencing.

  • What symptoms are you experiencing?
  • How are these symptoms affecting your daily life?
  • What are you doing differently since the symptoms have developed?
  • Are you avoiding certain clothes or social situations because of your symptoms?

In addition to physical symptoms, other important information you should share with your physician include:

  • Impact on your daily life
  • Impact on your emotions and mental health
  • Any aspect of the condition that is worrying you or causing you anxiety
  • If applicable, family planning and concerns regarding fertility

Additional Tips

  • Do your research before your first appointment and write down any questions that you have.
  • If possible, bring someone with you to the appointment who is prepared to support you.
  • Make sure to bring a pen and paper so you (or your support person) can write down all of the information and next steps from the provider during the appointment.
  • If you need time or further information to decide on a course of action, take the time you need and gather the information you need to make an informed choice. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you think it will help.
  • Check out this toolkit for more tips

What to expect at your first appointment with a doctor or dermatologist

Your doctor will first ask you questions about your symptoms and health history.

  • He/she will examine your skin, nails, scalp for signs of psoriasis.
  • If it still isn’t clear, then a dermatologist with an expertise in psoriasis should be consulted. There are no blood tests or skin biopsies that can confirm the diagnosis of psoriasis.  The diagnosis can only be made by a person who is skilled and who has expertise in dermatology.

It is important for people living with psoriasis to get a medical consultation for a proper diagnosis and to ask about the best options available.

Psoriasis can be mistaken with other diseases which may also affect the skin, including:

Remember, while there is no cure for psoriasis, there are a variety of treatments that can control the disease. With these treatment options, the majority of patients are clear or almost clear.