Psoriasis Diagnosis: An Overview
A
psoriasis diagnosis is usually made by examining the area of affected skin. Occasionally, doctors may find it difficult to make a psoriasis diagnosis because it often looks like other skin diseases.
Psoriasis Diagnosis and Skin Biopsy
In some cases, it may be necessary to confirm a psoriasis diagnosis by examining a small skin sample under a microscope. This is called a skin biopsy.
Different Types of Psoriasis Diagnosis
In making a psoriasis diagnosis, the doctor will also identify the psoriasis type.
- Plaque psoriasis. Skin lesions are red at the base and covered by silvery scales.
- Guttate psoriasis. Small, drop-shaped lesions appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by upper respiratory infections (for example, a sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria).
- Pustular psoriasis. Blisters of noninfectious pus appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals.
- Inverse psoriasis. Smooth, red patches occur in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. The psoriasis symptoms may be worsened by friction and sweating.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis. Widespread reddening and scaling of the skin may be a reaction to severe sunburn or to taking corticosteroids (cortisone) or other medications. It can also be caused by a prolonged period of increased activity of psoriasis that is poorly controlled.
- Psoriatic arthritis. Joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis in patients who have or will develop psoriasis.
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