At Compassion Dermatology, we treat skin conditions of all types. Our board-certified dermatologist can help you understand this complex condition that affects your skin. Learn more about what psoriasis is, symptoms that you haven’t, and what you can do to prevent it from getting worse.
Scheduling a consultation can help prevent flare-ups and control your psoriasis. Feel free to reach out to our staff regarding any questions you may have regarding psoriasis and other skin conditions. In the meantime, check out the information below to learn more about what your dermatologist can do to alleviate your discomfort.
How We Diagnose Psoriasis in Southlake, TX?
When you come in with concerns regarding psoriasis, our dermatology team starts with a thorough examination of your nails, scalp, and skin. Some of the questions we may ask you include the following:
- Do you have itchy skin?
- Are you experiencing problems with your joints including stiffness or swelling? Is it worse when you first wake up?
- Do you have relatives with psoriasis?
- Are you currently under increased stress due to emotional or health issues?
Depending on what they find, your dermatologist may take a skin sample for further testing. They will look at the sample under a microscope to confirm whether or not you have psoriasis. The good news is that we have a variety of treatment plans that can help alleviate the discomfort associated with psoriasis.
We also understand that many clients are concerned about the appearance of their skin when they have psoriasis flare-ups. Rest assured that we will do what we can to help you maintain healthy skin.
How Does a Dermatologist Treat Psoriasis?
If it turns out that you have psoriasis, there are a number of dermatological treatments our professionals might recommend. Your treatment will depend on many conditions, including the following:
- Type of psoriasis being treated
- Where psoriasis occurs on your body
- How severely you have the condition
- Whether it’s disruptive to your life
- Co-occurring medical conditions that can complicate psoriasis treatment
It’s important to call our office whenever you have a flare-up to receive advice on how to keep your condition under control. Medication and light treatments sometimes help keep psoriasis under control, for example.
Importance of Follow-Up Treatment
Unfortunately, even with proper treatment, psoriasis often involves periodic follow-up appointments to ensure that your condition doesn’t become too severe. However, you may find these appointments helpful because your dermatologist can often tell you when there are warning signs of worsening symptoms.
During follow-up appointments, your doctor will review the treatment plan with you and find out what’s working and what needs adjusting. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask any questions you have regarding lifestyle, habits, and skincare. If necessary, you may receive advice on lifestyle, diet, and skincare routines that can help your psoriasis stay under control.
Between follow-up visits with our medical professionals, you can watch out for signs of more severe conditions associated with psoriasis. This includes psoriatic arthritis, which is a serious disease affecting your joints. The earlier you can detect psoriatic arthritis, the more effective treatment may be.
Working with a skincare specialist can help you assess the risk of developing related diseases common in those who have psoriasis. Your dermatology professional can also help you learn to manage your condition.
Questions Your Dermatologist May Ask During an Appointment
Writing down questions and concerns you have can help you remember to ask everything you need to know during an appointment. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask your dermatologist:
- How long do flare-ups last for my type of psoriasis?
- Do I have nail psoriasis?
- How will you treat my psoriasis?
- What is the likely outcome of my psoriasis?
- Will psoriasis go away or will I always have it?
Scientists and doctors are making progress ineffective care for psoriasis every day. It’s important to understand what you can do to keep your condition in check. However, it’s equally important to understand that there is currently no cure for psoriasis. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have a full life and feel confident in the appearance of your skin. You may just have to work a little harder at it than other people!
While psoriasis does not have a cure, most people find ways to live with it without disrupting their lives. Your dermatologist can help you obtain the knowledge you need to keep your skin healthy and control outbreaks.
Schedule a Dermatology Appointment Today
Compassion Dermatology offers a broad range of services designed to promote healthy skin for a lifetime. If you would like to learn more about our team members or services, feel free to contact us at any time. You can even stop by our office in Southlake, TX!
We will carefully examine your skin, perform any necessary tests and give you a proper diagnosis in a fast turnaround time. If you do end up with a psoriasis diagnosis, there’s no need for concern. With the help of our dermatologists, you can learn how to protect your skin and minimize the symptoms of psoriasis.
Before you use any over-the-counter products to treat your symptoms, it’s important to speak with a professional. the labels on these products are designed to sell the products but it’s more important to pay attention to the ingredients and benefits, which aren’t always obvious. More importantly, without the assistance of a trained professional, you might not understand the possible implications of using the wrong products, which can aggravate your psoriasis or other skin conditions.
Contact Compassion Dermatology in Southlake, TX, today to make an appointment to discuss whether or not you may have psoriasis.