When should I call my doctor if I have psoriasis?

Call your doctor if you have:

• Symptoms of psoriasis. Early treatment may help keep the condition from getting worse. For more information, see Symptoms.
• Signs of developing bacterial infection. These include:
  • Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness or heat.
  • Red streaks extending from the area.
  • A discharge of pus.
  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher with no other cause.

If you are currently being treated for psoriasis, call your doctor if you:

• Have severe and widespread psoriasis and your skin is more irritated or inflamed than usual, especially if you have another illness.
• Are taking medicine for psoriasis and have serious side effects, such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea, chills or a fever.

• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Family medicine doctors.
• Internists.
• Dermatologists.
• Rheumatologists (if joints are involved).