10 Signs You've Found the Right Dermatologist to Treat Your Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes an area of skin cells to grow faster than it should. This excessive growth of skin cells leads to red, itchy, and scaly skin.

There are several types of psoriasis, and each person's affected areas will vary in severity, location, and size. Your psoriasis is unique to you, and you need a dermatologist who will work with you to find the best treatment options. Still, how do you know that your new dermatologist will be the right one for you?

This may seem obvious, but you want a dermatologist with the best training possible. There are many organizations out there that can certify a dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) trusts dermatologists certified by these three organizations:

• American Board of Dermatology
• American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Your insurance may limit what dermatologists and treatments you can pursue. Even if you have a flexible insurance plan, you may end up footing parts of the bill for your visits to the dermatologist. 

Most dermatologists study psoriasis and are familiar with its traits. However, each case is unique. A dermatologist with extensive psoriasis experience can provide insight into your specific symptoms and possible treatment options. 

Since psoriasis is so varied, there are many treatment options available. A dermatologist with experience treating psoriasis will know about these treatments and educate you on them. 

Suppose that your dermatologist prescribes a treatment plan without much flexibility or consideration. In that case, you may be missing out on an effective treatment option. 

Finding time for and getting to appointments are two of many barriers to receiving help. Consider the following when you're seeking out potential dermatologists to treat your psoriasis:

• Is their practice reasonably close to your home or work?
• Do their typical hours fit into your daily schedule? If not, can you schedule appointments in the evening or on the weekend?
• What are their cancellation or rescheduling policies?
• Do they have telemedicine, phone, or other virtual options for appointments?
• How frequent and long are the appointments? Will you need to miss work for any treatments?

Finding a doctor who listens to you is crucial. Psoriasis can lead to several other chronic conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and other autoimmune diseases. When you have concerns about psoriasis, you will want your dermatologist to listen carefully to them and offer appropriate treatment. 

You want your dermatologist to see you as a real person with psoriasis, not just a name on a piece of paper. When they respect you, you can work as a team to make sensible judgments about your health. 

Psoriasis often flares up due to environmental factors. Your dermatologist should be interested in your life—specifically, potential triggers for your psoriasis. 

Stress is a common trigger. So, your dermatologist should ask about what stressors you may have, how you handle them, and so on. 

Your health is their concern. Your dermatologist should want you to be curious about everything concerning your psoriasis. 

By asking questions, you can both make educated decisions about psoriasis treatment. If your dermatologist doesn't create an encouraging environment that facilitates questions, then they may not be suitable for you. 

Once you ask your questions, your dermatologist needs to answer them understandably. Medical jargon and abstract ideas won't give you the power to manage your treatment.