Loading...The diagnosis is made by dermatologist or therapist. Patients are often concerned about the tests which they need to take for making correct diagnosis for psoriasis.
Psoriasis refers to a group of autoimmune non-communicable pathologies. It is not transmitted through ordinary contacts or any other typical ways. The disease occurs under the influence of internal and external factors.
It is impossible to cure the disease completely. The treatment of this pathology is aimed only at eliminating acute symptoms and observing preventive rules to prevent relapse. The correct diagnosis of the disease requires help from competent specialist and taking all necessary tests. An important aspect is the type of doctor to address. When the ailment concerns the eyes and a red rim appears around the pupil (rare type of the disease), the patient needs to visit the ophthalmologist. When joints and ligaments are affected, a rheumatologist or orthopedist are the first doctors to visit. The dermatologist will help to diagnose psoriasis in case there are plaques and papules on the skin.
The diagnosis of pathology should be entrusted exclusively to a qualified specialist. Many signs of the disease are very similar to various dermatosis, eczema, seborrhea. The specialist will be able to make a diagnosis based on external manifestations of the disease as well as based on the results of the tests.
Types of tests to diagnose psoriasis
When examining the patient, the doctor always explains what tests are required for psoriasis diagnosis and why it is necessary to make them. All tests can be divided into standard and additional ones.
General tests
The standard set of tests includes the following:
- General blood test for psoriasis. The blood is examined for general and biochemical analysis and composition. Different parameters are being examined including the level of leukocytes, the reaction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the presence of allergic reactions to certain medications, the exclusion of anemia, salt balance, the amount of uric acid and some other parameters.
- Urine examination. This test gives a clear picture of water-salt balance of the body.
- Test of stool for parasites.
Additional tests
The doctor may order additional tests for psoriasis in the form of special examinations that help not only to diagnose the disease, but also form a clear picture of the possible causes of the disease in a particular patient. The following tests may be required:
- Biopsy of dermis samples. With the help of special equipment, samples of patient’s skin are being examined. Pathomorphology specialist makes medical report about the disease. If the first tests fail to diagnose the disease, the repeated biopsy is ordered.
- It is mainly used to diagnose psoriasis of the joints. X-ray makes it possible to understand the degree of damage to the joints and ligaments.
- Microflora tests. If mucous membranes are damaged, this test helps to exclude the presence of pharyngitis and other infectious diseases.
- Tests for fungal infections.
- Sometimes it is required to make tests for syphilis.
- Pregnant women are often required to make tests for prolactin. It allows to learn more about patient’s psychosomatic state and stresses he/she experienced recently.
Laboratory tests during pregnancy
It is a well-known fact that psoriasis is a non-contagious disease, so there is no risk for the baby in mother’s womb. The only danger of this pathology is the possibility of transmission from mother to child at the genetic level. Scientists have discovered that the risk of developing a disease in a child is 20% if mother or father suffers from this disease. In cases when both parents suffer from psoriasis, the risk may be more than 70%.
During pregnancy, the disease most often develops under the influence of hormonal imbalance, as well as weakening of woman’s immune system.
If manifestations of pathology in a woman are found in this period, the specialists order the following tests:
- blood tests;
- stool test;
- urine test;
- prolactin level test.
Additional examinations will help to make the diagnosis and find possible causes of the disease, which will help to cope with psoriasis more quickly and without complications.