Even though psoriasis can not be cured, you can manage it by using one or a combination of topical treatments, phototherapy and medications. Keeping an eye on changes in your skin and initiating treatment at the earliest start of a flare-up can reduce the severity and duration.

Psoriasis can be challenging to diagnose and is best left to your dermatologist as he/she can make an accurate assessment to ensure that it is psoriasis and not another skin condition that would require a different course of action.

Classic symptoms include thick, red patches of skin (plaques) and scaly skin that is dry and silvery. In the absence of these 'classic symptoms' your dermatologist is likely to use the following questions when evaluating if you have psoriasis: