Speak Up About Your Psoriasis
Personalise your discussion guide
Time with your dermatologist can be limited. Preparation is the key to a meaningful conversation.
Be honest:
- Let your dermatologist know exactly how psoriasis is affecting you. It's easier than them having to guess. By giving some real-life details about situations where psoriasis gets in your way, they can understand your condition a lot better. And that may make it easier to find solutions that are right for you.
- If your psoriasis isn’t getting better, speak up. If you’re not seeing any improvement in your condition, or you’re not completely satisfied, this is the time to talk about it.
Be proactive:
- Ask for the first appointment of the day. The office is likely to be less busy and the doctor may not be so rushed.
- Write down questions ahead of time. Bring a list with you, so you won’t forget your concerns when you get there.
- Keep track of your symptoms. It will help you remember and help your doctor understand. Be as specific in your details as you can.
- Set and share goals with your doctor. This way you’re working as a team. Some example goals are achieving an improved PASI score, feeling comfortable to wear short sleeves and reducing the number of work sick days due to psoriasis flare-ups.
- Know your options ahead of time. The next chapter will go over these, but you can also find more helpful information on reliable websites such as psoriasisaustralia.org.au and psoriasis.org (US based). It’s a good idea to do your homework before your appointment, so that you are ready for a detailed discussion.
- Keep your eyes and ears open and try to use reputable resources when doing your research. The more you’re able to discuss various aspects of the disease with your doctor, the closer you can reach your goals.
- Share your goals
- Know your possibilities
- Evaluate past options
- Prepare your conversation
Share your goals
What are your treatment goals? Be clear with your dermatologist about your expectations.
Be confident that by working with your dermatologist, you can reach your treatment goals.
Let your dermatologist know what managing your psoriasis would really mean for you.
What do you want to achieve?
Physical treatment goals: drag the items below to rank in order of priority. Click on view button to remove a goal from your list if it isn’t a priority.
Psychological health goals: drag the items below to rank in order of priority. Click the view button to remove a goal from your list if it isn’t a priority.
Know your possibilities
Don't give up.
Be confident that you can take control of your psoriasis. Talking to your dermatologist may help you solve potential worries, and find what works best for you.
Other patients found it useful to discuss any of the following topics. Select the questions you want to ask your dermatologist:
Evaluate past options
Treatment experiences can differ for everyone, and this will help your dermatologist identify what may work best for you.
Please rank your satisfaction with each of the types of treatment you have tried so far
(5 = worked very well, 1 = did not work).
Prepare your conversation
It is important to let your dermatologist know how psoriasis impacts all aspects of your life.
Selecting from the items below will add useful discussion topics for your consultation to your personalised discussion guide:
Your personalised discussion guide
Click the button below to download your personalised discussion guide and take it with you to your next dermatologist visit.
Download your discussion guideAlternatively, you can email yourself your personalised discussion guide and take it with you to your next dermatologist visit.
For further information please talk to your doctor. Information displayed on this site is intended for Australian residents only and is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional. Use of and access to the information on this site is subject to the Terms and Conditions set out in our Terms of Use.