Key takeaways
- There are three types of doctors who can work independently or collaboratively to manage psoriasis: dermatologists, primary care physicians, and rheumatologists.
- Some people benefit from working with multiple specialists while others may only need to see one doctor to manage their condition.
- It’s common for treatment needs to change over time, which is why having an accessible and trusted relationship with your providers can help you to get care when you need it.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, which is why many people benefit from ongoing care. Finding the right provider or team of specialists can have a meaningful impact on your day-to-day life, especially if your symptoms change over time.
Three of the most common types of doctors who can treat psoriasis include dermatologists, primary care physicians, and rheumatologists. Understanding the difference between them and the services they provide can help you find the right care for your needs.
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between the types of doctors who treat psoriasis, how care is usually coordinated, and what to expect from treatment.
There are three main types of doctors that can treat and manage your psoriasis symptoms. Depending on the type and severity of your symptoms, you may benefit from working with one or more of these specialists.
Dermatologist
A board-certified dermatologist is a doctor with specialized training in skin, scalp, hair, and nail health. They can diagnose and treat any skin condition, including psoriasis.
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
A PCP, sometimes called an internist or general practitioner (GP), does not specialize in skin health and has more generalized training in fields like internal or family medicine. However, they can often diagnose common skin conditions like psoriasis, and, in some cases, help to treat mild symptoms.
However, some PCPs may not be familiar with certain psoriasis treatments, like biologics or phototherapy.
Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other problems associated with the joints, muscles, and bones. They can treat psoriatic arthritis, a progressive inflammatory condition of the joints that occurs in about 20% of people with psoriasis.
Having a Coordinated Care Team for Psoriasis
According to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report from 2016, many people with psoriasis describe a complex process of trial and error when finding an effective, multimodal treatment approach to fit their changing needs.
Having a coordinated care team for psoriasis can help ensure that you successfully navigate this process throughout the different stages of your life.
A dermatologist will work with you to check-in on your psoriasis treatment and make adjustments or recommendations as needed when your symptoms change or new symptoms appear.
Your PCP will provide preventive screenings to check for common comorbidities of psoriasis, like heart disease and depression. They can also refer you to other specialists, like rheumatologists, as needed.
A rheumatologist will help you to manage psoriatic arthritis and any other problems of the joints, muscles, and bones.
Other specialists, like dietitians, can make complementary, non-medication treatment recommendations that benefit your overall treatment approach.
Do I Need to See a Doctor for Psoriasis?
If you’re experiencing psoriasis symptoms for the first time, or if you’ve never talked to a doctor about your psoriasis before, it’s important to reach out.
Working with a doctor on your psoriasis, whether they’re a dermatologist or PCP, can have a meaningful impact on your quality of life.
Can I Treat Psoriasis Online?
Yes, in most cases, it’s possible to treat your psoriasis symptoms by meeting with a board-certified dermatology expert online.
For many people, speaking with a provider online is the easiest, most affordable, and most accessible way to get the care they need.
At Zest, you get unlimited virtual access to our expert, specialized care for psoriasis. You can make an appointment within days or use our 24/7 chat messaging service to get relief faster, all covered by major insurers.
When to See a Professional for Psoriasis
Everyone should see a healthcare professional if they have psoriasis. Working with a PCP, dermatologist, or other licensed expert is the first step to finding safe and effective relief from your symptoms.
Many PCPs can help treat mild cases of psoriasis. PCPs can also be a helpful resource if speaking with a dermatologist or other specialist isn’t as accessible through your insurance.
However, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) recommends seeing a dermatologist experienced in treating psoriasis if:
- Your symptoms are worsening
- Your previous treatment is no longer working
- You’re interested in treatments like biologics, oral treatments, or phototherapy
Before meeting with a professional, consider keeping track of your symptoms for a few days leading up to your appointment. You may be asked to describe the intensity of each symptom on a scale from 0-10, so it’s a good idea to keep a log of each symptom’s intensity and how long each symptom lasts.
Your provider will use that information in addition to your health history and your experience with previous treatments to make new treatment recommendations. Keep in mind that finding the right treatment or combination of treatments can take time.
The Skin Deep Summary
Several types of healthcare providers can treat and manage psoriasis. In many cases, having a coordinated care team of different specialists can ensure that you stay on top of your care as symptoms evolve over time.
Finding psoriasis care doesn’t have to be complicated. Dermatology experts at Zest will help you manage your psoriasis symptoms with individualized treatment plans that work for your lifestyle and help to prevent future flare-ups. Connect with a qualified skincare provider online at Zest today. Or book a virtual appointment within days.
Get fast, expert-backed online eczema treatment and virtual dermatology care with Zest. Book a next-day appointment, message your dedicated care team 24/7, and get specialized support.
Learn moreGet fast, expert-backed online psoriasis treatment and virtual dermatology care with Zest. Book a next-day appointment, message your dedicated care team 24/7, and get specialized support.
Learn moreSources
- Psoriatic Arthritis. (2024, January 7). StatPearls.
- The Voice of the Patient: A series of reports from the U.S Food and Drug Administration's (FDA’s) Patient-Focused Drug Development Initiative, Psoriasis. (2016, November). Food and Drug Administration.
- Dermatologist. (n.d.). National Psoriasis Foundation.
FAQs
Zest Health is a virtual dermatology clinic specializing in psoriasis, eczema, and chronic inflammatory skin and joint conditions. Zest provides convenient, expert-led dermatology care for patients ages 9 to 99+. Our board-certified providers are licensed to treat patients in over 30 states, including AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, and WY. If you're located in one of these states, you can access our care team for virtual visits, 24/7 chat support, and personalized treatment plans to help manage your skin condition.
At Zest Health, we offer next-day appointments and on-demand chat messaging, ensuring you can receive timely care and support whenever you need it. Simply book an appointment online, and you’ll be connected directly via a virtual visit with one of our expert dermatology providers at the time selected.
Zest Health focuses exclusively on psoriasis and eczema—two of the most common and complex chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Our dermatology providers offer deep expertise and tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique symptoms, history, and lifestyle. We go beyond symptom relief to identify and address the underlying causes and triggers of flare-ups. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing a long-term condition, Zest can serve as a second opinion or works alongside your existing care team.
Yes! At Zest, we can prescribe or refill medications, just like any other dermatology clinic. Our providers will assess your condition and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, including prescriptions when necessary.
The cost of your first visit depends on your insurance. Zest Health is in-network with most national insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Medicare. We will bill your insurance directly, so your standard copay will apply. This includes your first visit and continued care through appointments and 24/7 messaging with our medical team.
Zest Health treats patients ages 9 to 99+ across AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MI, MT, NV, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA and WY.
