Psoriasis - When To Call a Doctor

Ask Glen!

Q.When should I call a Doctor?

A. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of psoriasis, such as:

• Bright red areas of raised patches (plaques) that are covered with loose, silvery, scaling skin.
• Thick, crusted patches on the scalp.
• Tiny pits or yellowish discoloration in the nails, separation of the nail from the skin, or buildup of skin debris under the nail.
• Signs of developing bacterial infection. These include:
• Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
• Red streaks extending from the area.
• A discharge of pus.
• Fever of 100.4 F or higher with no other cause.

If you are currently being treated for psoriasis, call your doctor if you:

• Have severe and widespread psoriasis and your skin is more irritated or inflamed than usual, especially if you have another illness.
• Are taking medication for psoriasis and have serious side effects, such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea, chills, or fever.

Watchful Waiting

If you have symptoms of psoriasis, talk to your doctor, because treatment when symptoms are first noticed may help stop the condition from progressing.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnose and treat psoriasis include:

• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Family medicine doctors.
• Internists.
• Dermatologists.
• Rheumatologists (if joints are involved).

Skin Conditions: Skin Care Doctors (Dermatologists)

Dermatologists, or skin care doctors, have expertise in the care of normal skin as well as in the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions, including skin cancers.

Dermatologists also diagnose and treat people with disorders affecting the hair and nails. In addition, dermatologists are knowledgeable in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin (for example, hair loss and scars).

Where Can I Find a Dermatologist?

If you are looking for a dermatologist, start by asking your general practitioner which dermatologists he or she would recommend. You also may want to check with the American Academy of Dermatology, which maintains lists of board-certified doctors. Another resource may be the medical school at a university near you. Many faculty members also have private practices in your area.

Tips to Consider When Choosing a Dermatologist

When considering a dermatologist, here are some questions to ask:

• Does your office accept my insurance?
• If I notice a problem, how quickly can I get an appointment?
• Do you have patient references available?
• Do you have evening or weekend hours?
• Does the doctor have a particular area of interest?
• How many times have you performed this specific procedure?

Psoriasis Symptoms

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type you have. Some common symptoms for plaque psoriasis -- the most common variety of the condition -- include:

· Patches of red, inflamed skin, often covered with loose, silver-colored scales. These patches may be itchy and painful and sometimes crack and bleed. In severe cases, the patches of irritated skin will grow and merge into one another, covering large areas.

· Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails. The nails may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.

· Patches of scales or crust on the scalp.

· Small areas of bleeding where the skin is scratched.

Psoriasis can also cause psoriatic arthritis, which leads to pain and swelling in the joints. The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that between 10% to 30% of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.

Any personal health questions or problems mental or physical. Please consult your physician !

Wishing You Great Health!

Glen Edward Mitchell

Any questions? Ask Glen!