Psoriasis Tests and Diagnosis.
Diagnosing psoriasis does not require any special tests. History of the disease and the signs and symptoms can give a fairly accurate diagnosis of psoriasis to the experienced dermatologist. Pictures of psoriasis shows images as to how the different types of psoriasis look. A skin biopsy is at times done. However, psoriasis can resemble some other skin conditions and they are explained further below.
Skin Biopsy for Psoriasis.
A biopsy or scraping of the affected part of the skin is taken after administering a local anesthetic and examined under the microscope by a trained pathologist. The biopsy will also help to determine the type of psoriasis. The findings will reveal a large number of dry skin cells without the presence of inflammation and infection. Another diagnostic sign of psoriasis will be pin point bleeding at the point where the plaques are scrapped. (Auspitz’s sign).
Differential Diagnosis of Psoriasis.
Certain other skin conditions can look like psoriasis and they have to be differentiated. Diagnosis of psoriasis depends on differentiating it from the following skin conditions.
1) Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Also called seborrhea, this is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, characterized by greasy, red, itching and scaly skin. There may be yellow crusts which are itchy. It is found in areas of the skin which are oily, such as the scalp (more commonly), face, upper chest and back. This condition is referred to as dandruff.
2) Lichen Planus.
This disease is characterized by pink or purple itchy spots, typically on the arms, legs, back and the genitalia. Hair loss will occur if the scalp becomes affected.
3) Tinea corporis or Ringworm.
Ringworm is fungal infection of the top of the skin, which causes an itchy rash with a ring like appearance and feels raised when touched. It usually appears on the groin area, scalp and feet.
4) Pityriasis rosea.
This is a common skin condition which begins as one large herald patch or spot on the central portion of the body such as the chest, abdomen or back. It may cause itching. The rash then spreads laterally and appears to have the appearance of the drooping branches of a pine tree. This condition usually clears off within two months.
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