Speak Up About Your Psoriasis

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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.

Be empowered. Be open to additional help. You may need to rely on several healthcare professionals with various specialties to address all aspects of your health. A dermatologist has in-depth knowledge of the relationship between diseases and the skin. A psychologist can help with emotional aspects of your condition. It may also be a good idea to see your doctor if you have joint pain—since people with psoriasis are more at risk for psoriatic arthritis.¹ Your GP or dermatologist can advise if this may benefit you.

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.

I want to reduce the number and size of my plaques

I want to reduce itchiness

I want to have less psoriasis flares

I want an option that works best for someone with my medical history

I want to be able to participate in physical activities with less pain from my psoriasis

Other (Your guide will contain a space for you to add details)

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.

I want to improve my confidence and self-esteem in social situations

I want to be able to wear short sleeves and go to the beach—I don’t want to feel like I need to cover up and hide behind my psoriasis

I want the confidence to engage in an intimate relationship and not be embarrassed by my psoriasis

I want to be able to feel confident in my workplace

I want to be able to go to the hairdressers without feeling embarrassed about my psoriasis

Other (Your guide will contain a space for you to add details)

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:

What option would most likely help me with my… plaques/itch/redness/scalp flaking?

Is it possible to achieve clearer skin?

What are the side effects?

How is it administered?

When will I start to notice a difference?

How long will the effect work for?

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).

Treatment Type

Ranking

Treatment 1

1 2 3 4 5

Treatment 2

1 2 3 4 5

Treatment 3

1 2 3 4 5

Treatment 4

1 2 3 4 5

Treatment 5

1 2 3 4 5

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:

Relationships and intimacy: To what extent does your psoriasis impact your relationships with your family, and intimate relations with your partner?

Lifestyle: To what extent does your psoriasis impact your ability to concentrate on and participate in day-to-day activities such as work, sports, social situations etc.?

Mental well-being: To what extent does your psoriasis impact how you feel; your emotions and confidence?

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 guide

Alternatively, you can email yourself your personalised discussion guide and take it with you to your next dermatologist visit.

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