Symptoms and Diagnosis of Psoriasis
From Dean Goodless, M.D., former About.com Guide
Psoriasis has specific symptoms that allow physicians to diagnose most cases during a simple clinical examination -- even without further testing. Other cases, however, can be a little trickier.
Psoriasis Basics
If you suspect you have psoriasis, or were just diagnosed it, here's a primer.
- Overview of the 5 Main Types of Psoriasis
- When Psoriasis and Arthritis Are Linked
- The Genetics of Psoriasis
- Psoriasis as an Autoimmune Disorder
- Just What Causes Psoriasis?
- Psoriasis Type: Inverse Psoriasis
- Psoriasis Type: Guttate Psoriasis
- Psoriasis Type: Pustular Psoriasis
- Psoriasis Type: Erythrodermic psoriasis
- Psoriasis Type: Plaque Psoriasis
- Psoriasis Type: Childhood Psoriasis
Do You Have Psoriasis?
A few classic features -- red and scaly rashes, nail pitting, joint pain -- make psoriasis easier to identify. The nature and location of the rash often give the condition away. Who may eventually develop these symptoms, however, is not a simple question to answer.
Diagnosis of Psoriasis
While doctors can quickly spot psoriasis in some patients, testing is sometimes needed to rule out other similar rash-producing conditions, such as eczema. After a diagnosis is made, the next step is determining just how severe your case is, so that the best treatment can be selected.
