The silvery scales, red lesions, pustules and itchiness that accompany psoriasis can sometimes look like other skin conditions, including dermatitis and other types of skin rashes. The diagnosis method for psoriasis is pretty straightforward, without the need for numerous tests and procedures. Recording your symptoms and visiting the doctor can help you diagnose and treat your specific form of psoriasis.
Step 1
Learn about the different types of psoriasis that exist and how to recognize the skin symptoms. The most common form of the disease, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, is plaque psoriasis. Plaques or raised red lesions appear on the skin, and may contain silver-colored flakes. Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small red spots on the trunk of your body and your arms and legs. Inverse psoriasis occurs mainly in skin folds and is flat, red and shiny. The pustular form of the disease involves small blisters on the skin. Erythrodermic is one of the most serious forms of the skin condition, with red skin covering most of your body and an elevated body temperature.
Step 2
Record your symptoms, including the skin eruptions and any joint pain you may have. Psoriatic arthritis affects the joints and may accompany skin symptoms. Let your doctor know if you experience flare-ups after eating certain foods or participating in particular activities. This information can help him rule out other skin conditions, such as exercise-induced hives.
Step 3
Allow your doctor to take a biopsy of your skin lesions. Examining the characteristics of the scales or blister contents can help her confirm a diagnosis of one of the forms of psoriasis.
Things You'll Need
- Biopsy
