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Managing Your Psoriasis

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This content is created or selected by the Healthgrades editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to the Healthgrades medical review process for accuracy, balance and objectivity. The content is not edited or otherwise influenced by the advertisers appearing on this page except with the possible suggestion of the broad topic area. For more information, read the Healthgrades advertising policy.
At Your Appointment

Psoriasis Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • Have you experienced any joint pain or arthritis along with your psoriasis skin symptoms?
  • What areas of your body are affected by psoriasis?
  • Measuring with the palm of your hand, how many palms would it take to cover all the affected areas of your skin? (Each palm is about 1% of your body surface area.)
  • How many psoriasis flares have you had? Did you notice anything that seemed to trigger those flares?
  • Is your psoriasis negatively impacting your quality of life, such as limiting your ability to do activities or socially interact with others?
  • Are you taking your psoriasis medications as directed?
  • How long ago did you first start experiencing skin problems?
  • Describe the skin problem. For example, do you experience itching, pain, redness, or thick, raised areas of skin?
  • Have you experienced any joint pain or arthritis along with your skin symptoms?
  • Do you have a family history of any of the following conditions: psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other auto-immune diseases?
  • Do you notice anything that triggers your symptoms and makes them worse?
  • On what areas of the body are your skin problems located?
  • How well is your medication controlling your symptoms? Do you feel it is effective?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • How satisfied are you with your current psoriasis treatment and management?
  • Do my symptoms mean I have psoriasis?
  • Could my symptoms be caused by another medical condition?
  • What medications are available to improve my skin symptoms?
  • What should I do if my skin symptoms get worse?
  • Are there lifestyle changes I can make to improve my symptoms, such as exercise or dietary changes?
  • Are there specific activities I should avoid?
  • What are the best psoriasis treatment options for me?
  • How would you categorize my psoriasis: mild, moderate or severe?
  • How will I know if my treatment plan is working well or if it needs to be changed?
  • How well am I doing with managing my psoriasis?
  • How often do I need to make appointments for follow-up? What are you looking for when I have follow-up appointments?
  • What should I do if my plaques, itching and other symptoms get worse?
  • Are there other medications that would do a better job of controlling my symptoms?
  • Do my new or different symptoms indicate that my psoriasis is getting worse?
  • Am I getting the best results I can from my psoriasis treatment plan?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Jul 17
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Psoriasis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845
  2. Your Role in Treatment. National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/access-care/informed-patient/your-role
  3. Psoriasis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-psoriasis