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:

• 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.