Patients searching for a psoriasis doctor online may not be the best approach.
What is the Best Way To Find Doctors for Psoriasis?
When looking for doctors that treat psoriasis, most patients start by searching online for a doctor that specializes in treatments for psoriasis.
The top search result will usually be a dermatology practice website that offers a list of cosmetic therapies for treating psoriasis and other skin conditions, but just becasue the dermatology clinic is listed first, doesn't mean it's a good option.
A dermatologist is the first type of physician you will need to see.
Dermatologists are the first specialists that come to mind when you have a skin rash on a sensitive area like your elbows, knees, or other body part.
Dermatology clinics and dermatologists are typically a good place to start becasue they can help you get the correct diagnosis.
Understanding that dermatology, and specifically a dermatologist with experience working with psoriasis is the right type of medical physician and specialist to begin with is critical to getting the right type of help.
There are a number of skin diseases that affect similar body parts as psoriasis.
Dermatologists are excellent physicians at performing a differential of skin diseases, and they can help you rule out skin cancer, determine the type of psoriasis you have, and even help identify psoriatic arthritis.
You also will want to make sure that the dermatologist you find specializes in working with psoriasis and in psoriasis treatments.
Working with a dermatologist is critical. You have to get proper identification of your condition.
A dermatologist and the treatments they recommend, even new therapies, do not treat the root cause, and the medicine often has unwanted side effects, especially topicals and UV in sensitive areas.
You should have other specialists on your health team help to make sure the treatments and medicine don't make your overall health worse in the long run.
Dermatology, Primary Care, Functional Medicine Practice Therapies and Treatments for Psoriasis
What Doctors, Specialists, and Physicians Should Help Develop Your Psoriasis Treatment Plan?
You need more than one doctor when you have psoriasis if you want the most effective treatment approach for your general health, that helps avoid negative side effects.
Let's discuss each doctor you should consider as part of your health team.
Dermatology Practice / Clinic
Medical Dermatologist
As I mentioned earlier, the first doctor that you need to see is a dermatologist.
Dermatologists will make sure that psoriasis is correctly identified, and they will recommend treatments.
Bottom line, visit a dermatology practice first, you have to rule out other skin pathologies like skin cancer so that you can be sure you are on the right path.
Primary Care Physician - Medical Practice / Clinic
Primary Care Medical Physician
Primary care clinicians can help determine your problem, and will refer you to a dermatology clinic, but you will need to make sure they specialize in psoriasis to get the latest treatments.
Patients searching for a psoriasis doctor online may not be the best approach.
Functional Medicine Doctor Specializing In Psoriasis
A functional medicine doctor can help psoriasis by taking a systems biology approach whicih considers the interactions between the systems of the body (i.e. gastrointestinal system, immune system, integumentary system) and lifestyle factors to support psoriasis by addressing root drivers of the condition.
A functional medicine doctor can recommend dietary changes, natural supplements, and lifestyle modifications to treat the cause and improve your overall health.
Other Specialists
Rheumatologist
Patients with psoriasis may also want to see a rheumatologist becasue they specialize in treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, which can include psoriasis.
Orthopedic Surgeon
Patients with psoriasis may need to see an orthopedic surgeon for treatment because the condition can progress to psoriatic arthritis.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist may be able to provide psoriasis patients with strategies to help manage the condition, reduce pain and discomfort.
Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. The most common symptoms of psoriasis are red, raised patches of scaly skin, known as plaques.
These may appear on any part of the body but are most often found on the elbows, knees and scalp.
Some people also experience burning or itching in the affected areas due to their dryness.
Psoriasis can also cause swollen and stiff joints, as well as pitting or discoloration of nails.
In some cases, psoriasis can be accompanied by fatigue or depression due to its psychological effects.
Psoriasis Treatment
Biologic Medications
Biological medications work by blocking specific parts of the immune system that drive inflammation and skin cell overgrowth.
It is thought that these medications help to improve skin appearance, slow down disease progression, and prevent flare-ups.
Light Therapy
Also known as phototherapy, light therapy used for the treatment of psoriasis.
It works by exposing the affected area of skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation helps to slow the rapid growth of skin cells that causes psoriasis flares..
Oral Medications
Steroids
Oral steroids are usually prescribed in the form of tablets or capsules, and work by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow down the growth of skin cells.
Anti-inflammatories
NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system, which can reduce the itching, pain and swelling of psoriasis.
Topical Medication
Steroid Cream
Antiinflammatory Steroid Cream is a common and popular treatment for psoriasis.
It works by reducing inflammation in the skin, which can reduce the severity of psoriasis lesions.
- You may also want to read:
- Learn Dr. Shook's Functional Medicine Approach
- Need Help? We work with people virtually across the US and in other countries.
About the Author:
Dr. Shook has psoriasis and Hashimoto's disease and has trained extensively in functional medicine, epigenetics, and human performance optimization. DrBradShook.com is a resource to help people with Hashimoto's disease, thyroid dysfunction, and other autoimmune conditions learn more about how they can complement their current medical care and support their thyroid and autoimmunity naturally.
Pingback: Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis connection & how functional medicine helps
Pingback: Psoriasis and eczema are two of the most common skin conditions among adults. Root cause treatments using Functional Medicine for Psoriasis lead the way.
Pingback: Psoriasis vs. Rosacea: Differences, Treatment, and Other Conditions