The physician or doctor can recognize Psoriasis by just looking at the lesions and the typical history and symptoms.
No special blood tests or diagnostic tools exist to diagnose psoriasis. However, the following tests may be done:
- Biopsy: If it is hard to diagnose the condition by looking at the skin, the doctor may remove a small skin sample and send it to a lab for analysis.
- X-rays: In persons with joint pain, X-rays may be taken to look for psoriatic arthritis.
- Blood tests: They can help rule out other forms of arthritis or joint affections.
- Throat culture: The doctor may check for strep throat if he suspects guttate psoriasis.
- KOH test: This skin test is done to rule out a fungal infection.
