1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Psoriasis

Do I Need to See a Doctor About My Psoriasis?

From About.com

Updated: October 22, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: Do I Need to See a Doctor About My Psoriasis?

There are certain times when you should get the help of a knowledgeable doctor (preferably a board certified dermatologist) instead of trying to treat your skin yourself.

Answer: You may. Does your psoriasis...
  • cover a good portion of your body (10% or more)?
  • involve your face, hands or genitalia?
  • involve very thick or scaly plaques that over-the-counter medicines have been unable to help?
  • seem to have suddenly worsened? (redness all over your body, or the development of white, pus-filled lesions)
  • accompany joint pain and/or swelling?
  • seem unresponsive to all the self-directed treatments you've already tried?
If so, it is time to visit a dermatologist for a stronger medication that can more specifically target your symptoms. Various treatment optionsare available.
More Psoriasis Q&A
Explore Psoriasis
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Psoriasis
  4. Psoriasis FAQs
  5. Do I Need to See a Doctor About My Psoriasis?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.