Your NHS journey

Your healthcare team can provide you with information and practical advice on managing your psoriasis. This will include information on the wide range of treatments available to treat your psoriasis, they can also provide you with access to counselling to help you cope with any worry you may be experiencing.

It is important that you work closely with the members of your healthcare team so that you get the best possible outcome to your treatment. Keep notes about your symptoms, treatment and concerns and share these with your healthcare team. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Who's who?

1. Your GP

   Your GP will probably be your first port of call when you think you have a skin problem. GPs see lots of people with skin disorders and receive training in this area, referred to as dermatology. Some practices include a GP with a special interest in dermatology who may help with your diagnosis and treatment. It is important to tell your GP about your symptoms as soon as possible. The earlier you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start receiving treatment to manage your psoriasis, if necessary. You should try to discuss your psoriasis openly, so that your GP can arrange the most appropriate treatment for you and offer any support that you may need.

2. Practice nurse

   For some of your routine check-ups you may see a practice nurse rather than your GP. It is important that you share details of your symptoms with the practice nurse, who can help you find the additional support or treatment you may require.

3. Dermatologist

   Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist – a specialist in treating skin disorders. Dermatologists have loads of experience in treating psoriasis and will be able to consider a wider range of treatments than your GP can, such as phototherapy, which may be more suitable for you.

4. Dermatology nurse specialist

   In the same way that GP surgeries may have practice nurses, dermatology centres may also have dermatology specialist nurses. These nurses can provide you with additional support or discuss any treatment you may need. For example, if you are prescribed phototherapy to treat your psoriasis, these procedures will most likely be carried out by a dermatology nurse specialist in a hospital.

5. Rheumatologist

   If you are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, your dermatologist may refer you to a rheumatologist, a hospital-based doctor who specialises in treating joint conditions such as psoriatic arthritis.

6. Counsellor, psychotherapist or psychiatrist

   Some people find that they feel distressed and worried because of their psoriasis, and sometimes this can lead to depression. If you feel anxious or depressed about your psoriasis, your healthcare team may recommend that you see a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychiatrist. They can help you cope with and overcome this depression or worry. They may also help you to reduce your stress levels, which may improve your symptoms of psoriasis.