Psoriasis – The Path to Diagnosis

Psoriasis is generally diagnosed through a physical examination. Diagnosis of psoriasis is most commonly performed by a dermatologist.

Psoriatic arthritis is usually diagnosed by a rheumatologist. Diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis may involve imaging scans and blood tests.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Typically, the dermatologist will diagnosis psoriasis by looking at the affected skin. The doctor may ask about family history and other symptoms you are experiencing during your visit.

In some cases, the doctor may want to confirm the diagnosis by performing a biopsy – removing a small piece of the skin. The biopsy sample is sent to a lab where it is observed in more detail under a microscope.

While there is no one conclusive test for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), diagnosis may involve a physical examination, blood tests, or imagine procedures such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Scans allow the doctor to check for joint damage. Blood tests establish how much inflammation is in the body and help the specialist distinguish psoriatic arthritis from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Skin psoriasis makes a diagnosis of PsA more certain, but the presence of certain blood proteins may point to RA. If arthritis is found symmetrically on both sides of the body, this may also indicate RA.

What is the prognosis for psoriasis?

While symptoms may appear during disease flares and subside during remission periods, psoriasis itself does not go away. However, there are effective treatments for many symptoms of psoriatic disease.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (together referred to as psoriatic disease) are rarely life-threatening. However, people with psoriatic disease have a higher risk for developing diabetes and heart disease. It is important that people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis maintain a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet, and get regular exercise in order to avoid developing these dangerous conditions.

At what age does psoriasis start to develop?

In the majority of cases, psoriasis begins either between ages 20 to 30 or between ages 50 to 60. However, psoriasis may develop in people of any age, even young children and infants.

Resources

External resources

• About Psoriasis – National Psoriasis Foundation
• Everything you need to know about psoriasis – healthline.com
• Tests to Confirm Diagnosis – National Psoriasis Foundation
• Psoriatic Arthritis - Cleveland Clinic
• Psoriasis – American Academy of Dermatology

MyPsoriasisTeam resources

• Finding a New Normal: Living With Psoriasis (Infographic)
• Your Answers: The Worst Psoriasis Advice (Infographic)
• If I knew then what I know now...
• How long after being diagnosed with psoriasis were you diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis? (Q+A)
• How do seasonal changes affect your psoriasis? (Q+A)
• What lifestyle changes have you made since being diagnosed? (Q+A)
• How old were you when you got psoriasis? (Q+A)

FAQ

Can you die from psoriasis?

Two very rare types of psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis, can become life-threatening if they are not treated immediately.