Diagnosis
There are several forms of psoriasis, and each form has unique characteristics that allow dermatologists to visually identify psoriasis to determine what type, or types, of psoriasis is present. Sometimes a skin biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

To choose the most appropriate treatment method, dermatologists consider several factors:

• Type of psoriasis
• Severity (the amount of skin affected)
• Where psoriasis is located
• Patient's age and medical history
• Effects psoriasis has on patient's overall physical and emotional well-being

Types of Treatment
Psoriasis treatments fall into 4 categories:

• Topical (applied to the skin) - Mild to moderate psoriasis
• Phototherapy (light, usually ultraviolet, applied to the skin) - Moderate to severe psoriasis
• Systemic (taken orally or by injection or infusion) - Moderate, severe or disabling psoriasis
• Excimer Laser therapy which targets individual psoriasis areas.

At Spring Hill Dermatology and Columbia Skin Care we use ALL 4 types of therapies and stay on the cutting edge to provide our patients with the most current therapy.