Choosing the best dermatologist for psoriasis is important for people with this chronic condition. Psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder that involves skin cells that multiply up to ten times faster than normal, leaving overgrowths of raised skin plaques, skin scales, blisters, and more. Patients who find psoriasis dermatologists can get access to the latest and most effective treatment options to treat existing symptoms while preventing further flare-ups. Not only can these specialized dermatologists prescribe medications, but they have access to other treatments such as phototherapy. Patients with psoriasis should approach all medical professionals with a ready list of questions, especially when searching for the best dermatologist for their needs. These FAQs can help you find the right dermatologist for your psoriasis.
The easiest way is to ask your primary care physician for a referral. The American Academy of Dermatology also has lists of highly-qualified and trained psoriasis dermatologists. It's important for insurance purposes to make sure that visits to this dermatologist will be covered by your policy, and insurance companies often have lists of dermatologists participating on their plans.
Like other specialities, dermatology can have many areas of expertise. Ask different dermatology clinics about any psoriasis specialists on their full-time staffs. You don't want to settle on a clinic that doesn't have specialized experience in dealing with psoriasis.
A dermatologist with more experience dealing with psoriasis may be a better choice for your needs, depending on the severity of the skin condition.
The best forms of psoriasis treatment vary from person to person. A dermatologist should have an overall treatment plan that benefits your specific case and not a one-size-fits-all strategy. This is why it's so helpful to find a dermatologist with specialized psoriasis experience. You need a healthcare professional who knows about the latest treatments and which existing treatments might work best for you.
Medications that treat psoriasis may be best for your needs but also have the risk of side effects. The best dermatologist for psoriasis will warn you of the side effects and adjust medications as needed.
Most dermatologists recommend topical treatments and anti-inflammatory medications for mild psoriasis. For moderate to severe psoriasis, a specialized dermatologist will be able to prescribe the newest psoriasis medications such as Humira or Taltz. It is important to know from the beginning if the dermatologist can offer these treatment options or if you'd have to go to a different office.
The dermatologist office should work closely with patients and insurance companies to streamline the billing process. Patients should be able to find out easily how much their treatment costs.
Psoriasis is a challenging diagnosis and condition, and patients may need some additional support. The dermatologist office should have contacts with psychologists and other professionals that can offer more support during treatment.