How is Psoriasis Detected?

Detecting Psoriasis: Key Symptoms, Imaging Methods & Lab Tests

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease driven by IL-17/IL-23 pathway, with genetic predisposition (PSORS1 locus) and environmental triggers, resulting in irritation and itching. The most prevalent form is plaque psoriasis, characterized by thick, scaly areas on the skin. Although a permanent cure does not exist, numerous treatments can help alleviate symptoms and keep the condition under control.

Usually, your regular doctor or a dermatologist (a specialist in skincare) can diagnose psoriasis simply by examining your skin. However, sometimes, it can be challenging to diagnose, as it may resemble eczema or other skin conditions.

Continue reading to learn about the diagnostic procedures that help detect psoriasis.

What are the Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Psoriasis?

Psoriasis can resemble other skin conditions, making it challenging to diagnose promptly. Doctors generally use different tests and methods to make sure they find the correct cause of your symptoms, including:

1. Skin Check (Visual Examination)

A dermatologist or your primary healthcare doctor usually starts by closely examining your skin. They look for symptoms such as red, scaly, or thick patches that are common in psoriasis.

They may also ask if the symptoms come and go, in case the stress and weather changes make it worse, or if you have a family history of psoriasis. A careful observation of your scalp and nails may also help in spotting hidden symptoms.

2. Skin Biopsy

If the doctor isn’t entirely sure from just looking at your skin, they may do a skin biopsy. This mainly involves taking a small piece of affected skin and sending it to a lab, where it is examined under a microscope.

The results help distinguish psoriasis from eczema or other similar skin issues, offering a more precise diagnosis. This approach is particularly helpful in cases that are uncommon or difficult to diagnose.

3. Psoriatic Arthritis Tests

When psoriasis affects the joints, it can lead to psoriatic arthritis. It is a condition that mainly causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected areas. To check for this, your doctor might ask for MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), X-rays, or blood tests to look for inflammation and rule out other kinds of arthritis.

Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term joint damage and initiate the appropriate treatment promptly. You might also be referred to a rheumatologist (joint specialist) if joint symptoms are severe.

Diagnosing psoriasis isn’t just about spotting skin problems—it also involves understanding the person’s overall health and experience. Identifying it early makes a huge difference in managing symptoms and getting the proper care. It’s also essential to have a good health insurance plan since it helps cover emergency medical costs without depleting your savings.

At Star Health, we offer coverage for psoriasis under most of our health insurance policies. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.