How to Choose the Right Dermatologist for Psoriasis Treatment: A Guide

How to Choose the Right Dermatologist for Psoriasis Treatment: A Guide

Psoriasis is a medical skin condition characterised by itchy rashes with scaly, flaking patches, mostly on the scalp, knees, trunk, and elbows. It is a non-curable, chronic skin disease that can make one feel miserable and lead to poor life quality. The condition goes through cycles, presenting flare-ups for a few weeks or months, and then clear skin for some time.

If mild psoriasis is left untreated for long, the condition can become serious and put one at risk of developing other conditions. Thankfully, there are best psoriasis treatments in Ludhiana available at Bliss Aesthetics to aid in the management of the symptoms of the condition. Throughout the life of the patient with psoriasis, ongoing care with different treatments for psoriasis may be needed. Furthermore, to live a better life with psoriasis, the patient can try some lifestyle habits and coping strategies.

As psoriasis is going to stay with someone for a lifetime, a dermatologist would have to be someone’s lifelong partner in the quest for skin clearance. Selecting the right dermatologist for your psoriasis treatment is very important. For this, you would need to take some extra time out. You can get some recommendations for skin specialist doctors or you can search over the internet for the best dermatologist near you.

In this guide, you can learn what needs to be done in choosing the right dermatologist for skin psoriasis treatment. But, before jumping straight to the topic, here is some information given on the types and causes of psoriasis by Dr. Shikha Aggarwal, dermatologist and psoriasis doctor in Ludhiana at Bliss Aesthetics.

Types of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis- This is the most common type. It leaves a few or many dry, itchy, plaques covered with scales on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. The raised skin patches vary in colour, based on skin colour.

Nail psoriasis- This type affects the fingernails and toenails by causing their unusual growth discoloration, and pitting.

• Inverse psoriasis- This type affects mainly the skin folds of the breast, groyne, and buttocks. It results in smooth, inflamed skin patches that may worsen with sweating and friction. It is triggered by fungal infection.
• Psoriatic arthritis- It is a condition wherein an individual suffers from both psoriasis and arthritis- joint swelling. The symptoms of this type include sausage-like inflammation of the toes and fingers, painful and stiff joints that are severe in the morning and after rest, and warm joints that may become discoloured. Psoriatic arthritis treatment may help control pain, inflammation, and disability. The options include medications, occupational/physical/massage therapy, steroid shots, or joint replacement.
• Scalp psoriasis- It is a common skin disease affecting the scalp. Mild scalp psoriasis may cause little, fine scaling while moderate to severe scalp psoriasis causes silvery-white or grey scales, red or purple raised patches, dry scalp, itching, soreness, burning, dandruff-like flaking, and sometimes temporary hair loss. Skin doctor does not know what causes scalp psoriasis.
• Guttate psoriasis- It is characterised by small, drop-shaped, scaling spots on the arms, legs, or trunk. This is primarily seen in children and young adults, usually triggered by strep throat- a bacterial skin infection.
• Pustular psoriasis- This is a rare type, characterised by clearly-defined pus-filled blisters. It can occur in small areas of the soles or palms or widespread patches.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis- It is the least common type that affects the whole body with a peeling rash that intensely burns or itches. This can be an acute or chronic condition.

Psoriasis Causes

To date, there is no complete understanding of the reason behind psoriasis. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition. Researchers believe both genetic and environmental factors can be put to blame.

Some potential triggers of psoriasis include:

• Weather, especially cool and dry conditions
• Stress
• Alcohol abuse
• Skin injury, such as a scrape or cut, severe sunburn, or a bug bite
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Active or passive smoking
• Side effects of certain medications including anti-malarial drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and lithium-based drugs
• Rapid withdrawal of oral or systemic corticosteroids.

Tips to consider while searching for the right dermatologist for Psoriasis treatment

• The dermatologist must hold a wealth of experience in successfully treating many psoriasis patients.
• The dermatologist’s office is close to your place of living.
• The schedule of the dermatologist should be aligned with the psoriasis patient.
• The dermatologist accepts the patient’s health insurance coverage and helps claim money for psoriasis treatment.
• The dermatologist should be easy to reach.
• The dermatologist should have updated knowledge about clinical trials and advanced treatments.
• The dermatologist’s practice should be aligned with the patient’s desired treatment approach.
• The dermatologist should understand that lifestyle factors contribute to psoriasis flare-ups and the condition itself can have a great impact on the patient’s life quality.

Some Other Things To Consider:

While choosing a dermatologist for psoriasis treatment in Ludhiana, it is even important to consider what the patient wants from a dermatologist. During an initial appointment with a dermatologist, the patient can ask a certain set of questions to know more about dermatologists. Some of the questions the patient can ask a dermatologist includes:

• Do you go for aggressive or less aggressive treatments for psoriasis?
• How many psoriasis patients do you treat every month?
• Do you treat arthritis or any other medical condition with psoriasis?
• Do you offer biological treatments?

The patients must inform the dermatologist what is bothering them and if they have any other medical issues. At any point, if the patient is not satisfied with a particular dermatologist, then the patient can switch to another dermatologist until they find the right treatment.

Psoriasis treatment in Ludhiana, India

Annoyed and embarrassed with itchy, red, scaly patches on your skin? Don’t be, your help for managing psoriasis is in sight! Dr. Shikha Aggarwal at Bliss Aesthetics can help you get your life back by providing the best psoriasis treatment in Ludhiana.

Dr. Shikha Aggarwal is the best dermatologist in Ludhiana who has a decade of experience in providing a unique and comprehensive approach that will manage Psoriasis. Schedule a consultation with her for more details about your psoriasis treatment cost and to receive a personalised treatment plan.