Psoriasis Support Group

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease which affects the skin and joints. When it affects the skin it commonly appears as red scaly elevated patches called plaques. Psoriasis plaques frequently occur on the elbows and knees, but can affect any area of skin including the scalp and genital area. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints. This is known as...

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How effective is seeing a dermatologist?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I have had psoriasis since I was 14 (I'm almost 25). It wasn't until this year that a doctor finally called it psoriasis. She sent me to a dermatologist who put me on Dovanex.

When I went to see the derm., I literally sat in the little room waiting for him for an hour. When he finally came in, he sat down and opened his prescription pad and said, "what do you have?" I (his brand new patient) said psoriasis and flashed my elbows at him. He wrote the prescription for Dovanex and walked me to the front office to check out.

I was with him for less than 2 minutes and he barely even looked at me.

I know his "bedside manner" was obviously bad.... but I am sure I have psoriasis, and the medication works (the Betamethasone works better than the Dovanex though).....

My question is, does anyone think I should still see a new dermatologist? or do you think since I know what it is and the medication works I should be all set?

I really don't have feelings one way or the other.

I do have curiosity though, as it would have been nice for the doc to spend more than a minute with me...
deleted_user
deleted_user
i have never seen a dermatologist. i knew i had p because both my parents have it. my gp has been wonderful and attentive. seeing a dermatoloist is probably a good idea but (as you already know) you should try to find a new one.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It makes me sick that a lot of doctors these days are no more than drug dealers... I hate western medicine.
mgs1
mgs1
Not. $$$$$
deleted_user
deleted_user
My doctor won't even discuss my psoriasis. It is so frustrating.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have seen many derm doctors and they are all very nice, but by far Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI have been the very best, they each spent more time than they had to talk to me and to go over options with me. so, yes I think it is very important to see a Dermatologist, find one that is the kind you want, it may take a couple of times but they are out there. Hope you find a good one.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have seen two different dermatologists. The first one was a pervert and the second one was so high up on his pedistal I couldn't even see what he looked like. Waste of time. They think they are god don't think you have it bad enough and don't do any more for you than your family doctor.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I live in Scotland so i've been to a few dermatologists through the NHS. I've also had the long waiting times to go in for 5 mins and come out with virtually no help. All i basically keep getting told is that they don't know what to give me to help except phototherapy. So it's pretty much been a waste of time for me!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I saw a derm 5 years ago - he did a biopsy and called me a week later to tell me he had no idea what I was afflicted with (I thought derms specialized in skin problems). Gave me some cortisone cream and said come back in 10 days. WHY? if you don't know what it is why shouold I come back?? Never went back but a year later he sent me card telling me to come for a follow-up visit - to follow-up WHAT?????
deleted_user
deleted_user
i recall my personel MD referring me to a Derm...fancy office and all, apparently his dad and grandfather were also zitpoppers...he does a biopsey,tells if've got IT...that its heredity..that theres no known cure..he gives me a pamplet and a prescription for $1200, the shit just imflames it more! i go to a walk-in clinic,he gives me a $9 prescription,it all clears up(well,for about 2 months....then it never works again)...F@###^$& them ALL! i need some ancient Chinese VooDoo treatment i think
deleted_user
deleted_user
Derms have done a lot for my husband and kids but we have been fortunate to find a good one here. Not all derms are created equal. My husband is leaving for India next month I will ask him to try a homeopath there. If he finds a magic bullet (other than turmeric) I will post it on the boards.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have a dermatologist I really like. He is extremely good at diagnosing things and prescribing things (typical of most US physicians). But he is not so good in telling me how I got things and how to prevent them. He is a very visual person so he'd rather look at my rash than talk to me but he's good so I put up with his quirks. When I want more information I see my other physician who specializes in diet and supplements because once I have the diagnosis he can usually help me.
I think you need someone with the same philolosphy and if you're not getting enough face time (even my derm spends time examining me) then you should keep trying. There are lots of drs out there. Good luck!
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