Diagnosing psoriasis can be a challenge, because it can look like other skin problems. A dermatologist (a skin care doctor) can determine whether it is psoriasis and not another skin condition that might require different treatment.

Your doctor can usually diagnose psoriasis after talking to you about your symptoms, asking if you have a family history of psoriasis, and examining your skin for “classic symptoms.” Classic symptoms include thick, red patches of skin (plaques) and scaly skin that is dry and silvery.

Here are some other things your dermatologist may look for:

• Signs of psoriasis on your fingernails or toenails
• A pink rash in the crease of your buttocks
• Skin patches with well-defined edges

To make sure it is psoriasis, your doctor may take a small sample of skin (a biopsy) and examine it under a microscope.

Ask your doctor about Dermarest^®—over-the-counter medicated treatments that provide around-the-clock psoriasis relief.