Psoriasis - When To Call a Doctor
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 (38°C) or higher with no other cause.
If you are currently being treated for psoriasis, call your doctor if you:
Psoriasis in Spring and Summer
If you’re among the vast majority of psoriasis sufferers, you’ve probably found that your psoriasis symptoms improve in the spring and summer. Doctors believe the improvement comes from increased exposure of your skin to the sun’s ultra-violet light, which suppresses the rapidly multiplying skin cells that are the hallmark of psoriasis. An increase in the amount of moisture in the air may also provide some relief, because dry skin can make psoriasis symptoms worse. But some people find that warmer...
Read the Psoriasis in Spring and Summer article > >
- Have severe and widespread psoriasis and your skin is more irritated or inflamed than usual, especially if you have another illness.
- Are taking medicine 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).
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
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