Psoriasis Diagnosis

Psoriasis typically displays textbook symptoms, so a diagnosis can usually be made upon examination by a trained professional.

The presence of red, inflamed skin in key areas is usually enough to determine the presence of psoriasis during a physical examination. This exam may include the entire body, including the groin. 

However, symptoms of psoriasis may be difficult to determine if a person has atypical symptoms or if they are combined with other skin conditions. In this case, other tests may be administered.

A diagnosis typically involves viewing a patient’s entire medical history, including medications, previous illnesses, and other important distinguishing factors. If your doctor or dermatologist has doubts regarding a diagnosis, he or she may view a skin sample under a microscope. This is called a skin biopsy.