Speak Up

About Your
Psoriasis

Ready to talk to your dermatologist?

This is your discussion guide to help you talk to your
dermatologist about your goal(s) during your next appointment

1. Evaluate past options

This section shows your current and previous treatments and how satisfied you were with each of the
therapies. (5= worked very well, and 1 = did not work).

Treatment type Ranking Notes

Alternative/non-medical
treatments ●●●●●

Light therapy –
phototherapy ●●ooo

Injectable therapies
●●●●o

Note: You can also bring pictures of the treatments that you currently use (medical and alternative) with you to your next
appointment.

How to prepare before your appointment with your dermatologist

Be ready to explain how your psoriasis and your symptoms have developed over time, this information can
help pinpoint why previous treatments may not have been right for you.

● Do you have any pictures that you can show?

● Has there been an increase or change in the number of areas affected or levels of pain/discomfort?
● Have you had any chronic diseases and when did they begin?
● Have you experienced any recent flares?
2. Questions I want to ask my dermatologist about treatment options
Use the information in this section to ask questions about treatment options. Your dermatologist will help
you to work through concerns that you may have, and help find the treatment that is most suited to you.

Research before your appointment:

●Most recent options

●Concerns about treatments

Notes:

Ask during your appointment:

● Are there new treatment options that may better suit me, and how do they compare with those that I've already
tried?
● What option would most likely help me with my… plaques/itch/redness/scalp flaking?

Notes:

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about treatments. Be honest – especially if you have any
concerns:

● How quickly will the treatment start working?

● How long will the effect work for?

Notes:
Ask about any reliable sources of information around new treatments, or any other patients that you can talk
to such as patient advocacy groups or anonymous online forums.
3. Treatment goals that I want to discuss and share with my dermatologist
Be clear with your dermatologist about what your treatment goals and expectations are.
Be confident that by working with your doctor, you can find a treatment that will help you reach your
treatment goals.
It’s important to let your dermatologist know what your priority goals are and what you want to achieve.

Top priority physical treatment goals

1 I want to reduce the number and size of my plaques

2 I want to stop being constantly itchy

3 I want to have skin clearance that will last for a long time

4 I want an option that works best for someone with my medical history

5 I want to be able to participate in physical activities without any pain from my psoriasis

6 Other (Your guide will contain a space for you to add details)

Notes:
Top priority psychological health goals

1 I want to improve my confidence and self-esteem in social situations

2 I want to be able to wear short sleeves and go to the beach—I don’t want to feel like I need
to cover up and hide behind my psoriasis

3 I want the confidence to engage in an intimate relationship and not be embarrassed by my

psoriasis

4 I want to be able to feel confident in my workplace

5 I want to be able to go to the hairdressers without feeling embarrassed about my psoriasis

6 Other (Your guide will contain a space for you to add details)

Notes:
4. Additional topics I would like to discuss with my dermatologist
Psoriasis can cause you to cover up more than just your skin, and can impact your relationships, lifestyle
and mental well-being. It’s important to share the true impact of psoriasis on your day-to-day life, and how it
makes you feel, with your dermatologist so they can give you the best support.

TEST Relationships and intimacy

TEST You don’t have tell your dermatologist in-depth details of how psoriasis is impacting your relationships
and intimate situations, you only need to let them know that it is negatively affecting you.

● TEST Don’t feel ashamed talking about how significantly your psoriasis affects your intimate relationships and
physical activities which are physically and emotionally hurtful.
● If you feel that your intimate moments are being affected by the presence of your psoriasis, make sure you tell
this to your doctor
● Be empowered to demand more from your current treatment experience

Notes:

Lifestyle

It is important to let you dermatologist know if psoriasis is impacting your day-to-day life. This is just as
important as the physical appearance of your plaques, such as:

● Not to feel self-conscious at work

● Stopping you from achieving your ambitions
● Not feeling comfortable playing sports due to either physical pain or embarrassment)
● If you do not feel confident wearing swimwear, certain types of clothing
● Avoiding social situations

Notes:
Mental wellbeing

If you feel like your psoriasis is starting to make you feel more unhappy than usual, tell your doctor.

● If you feel like your psoriasis is starting to make you feel more unhappy than usual, tell your doctor.
● Feel confident in being honest and open with your doctor, especially around the psychological impact of
psoriasis, your doctor will understand that this can be as hurtful as the physical impact
● Describe how psoriasis emotionally impacts you? (e.g. your confidence, your mood etc.)
● You are not alone. Do not be ashamed with the doctor about your deepest worries when being affected by
Psoriasis. Being open about this can help your doctor to find a management plan which is best suited to you

Notes: