Psoriasis diagnosis and treatment - Warsaw

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with an immunological basis, characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. It is characterized by excessive keratinization of the epidermis and the formation of erythematous scaling lesions. It can appear at any age, and its severity varies. Thanks to modern diagnostics and therapies available at OpenMed, it is possible to effectively control skin lesions and improve the patient's quality of life.

If you want to find out which treatment methods will be best for your situation, we invite you for a consultation at OpenMed. During the visit, you will receive a detailed assessment of skin lesions and an individual treatment plan prepared by an experienced dermatologist.

Psoriasis treatment from diagnosis to remission - OpenMed Medical Centre offer

The treatment process begins with a detailed clinical assessment and selection of a therapy method appropriate to the severity of the disease. The goal is to limit inflammation, alleviate scaling, reduce itching and extend periods of remission. Depending on the disease picture, topical treatment, phototherapy, systemic therapies are used, and in more advanced cases, modern biologic drugs.

Psoriasis diagnosis

The most important symptom is sharply demarcated erythematous lesions with layered, silvery scales. Typical locations include elbows, knees, scalp, lumbar areas and nails. Lesions are often accompanied by the candle wax sign, Auspitz sign and excessive keratinization. Some patients also develop nail changes in the form of pitting or nail plate detachment.

Psoriasis diagnosis and severity assessment: PASI and DLQI scales

Diagnosis is made based on the characteristic clinical picture, however, diagnosis at OpenMed in Warsaw includes a full differential assessment, as many diseases can mimic psoriasis. If necessary, we perform dermoscopy, which allows precise assessment of the structure of lesions, and in ambiguous cases, a skin biopsy.

We determine the severity using scales:

PASI assesses the extent and intensity of lesions, taking into account infiltration, redness and scaling.
DLQI assesses the impact of the disease on daily functioning, work activity and psychological well-being.

Differential diagnosis of psoriatic lesions

To select appropriate treatment, precise differentiation of lesions is necessary. During the consultation, the doctor takes into account, among others:

seborrheic dermatitis, which gives oily, yellowish scales and less distinct borders
fungal lesions, often asymmetrical and usually more itchy
atopic dermatitis, located mainly in flexures and associated with chronic dryness
lichen planus, giving bluish-purple papules with a reticular pattern
pustular psoriasis and variants requiring urgent dermatological intervention

Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as different diseases require completely different treatment methods.

Rheumatological aspect: psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

Some patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling, tendon pain and changes in their shape. Early diagnosis of PsA allows to stop the inflammatory process and prevent permanent joint damage.

At OpenMed we have very experienced rheumatologists who care for patients with suspected PsA, perform in-depth diagnostics and implement systemic treatment supporting dermatological therapy.

Impact of psoriasis on mental health

Psoriasis affects not only the skin. Due to its chronic nature, visibility of lesions and possible pain or itching, the disease often causes psychological burden, leading to low mood, shame, social isolation or anxiety. GIS emphasizes that some patients may need psychological help, and some require parallel antidepressant treatment. gov.pl

At OpenMed we pay special attention to the mental well-being of patients with psoriasis. We provide access to psychological and psychiatric consultations that can help cope with stress, low self-esteem or emotional difficulties resulting from the disease. A comprehensive approach supports both better well-being and more effective dermatological treatment.

Psoriasis treatment: topical therapies, phototherapy and systemic treatment

In mild forms of the disease, topical preparations are used, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D derivatives and keratolytics that remove scales. In more advanced lesions, UVB 311 nm phototherapy and PUVA are effective, which inhibit the inflammatory process and normalize the rate of epidermal keratinization.

If topical methods and phototherapy do not bring improvement, systemic treatment is introduced, including methotrexate, retinoids or cyclosporine. Therapy is selected individually and monitored for safety.

Biologic treatment of psoriasis - when and for whom?

Biologic drugs are the most modern form of therapy for moderate and severe psoriasis. They act very precisely, blocking selected pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to rapid reduction of skin lesions and stabilization of the disease.

Biologic therapy is indicated in patients who do not respond to systemic treatment or cannot use it due to side effects. Qualification is based on clinical assessment and test results.

Our specialists

When you need a professional diagnosis or want to consult your current treatment, take advantage of a visit to OpenMed in Warsaw. Our specialists will help you determine the cause of the lesions and plan therapy that will bring lasting effects. Psoriasis diagnosis and treatment at OpenMed is provided by dermatologists with experience in skin and scalp disease therapy:

Ewa Piekarczyk, MD, dermatologist, venereologist
Katarzyna Małkińska, MD, PhD, dermatologist, venereologist
Natalia Gabzdyl, MD, dermatologist, venereologist

In the diagnosis of patients with suspected psoriatic arthritis, we cooperate with rheumatologists, and in situations requiring additional emotional or psychological support, we also provide care from our psychologists and psychiatrists.

📍 OpenMed Warsaw Wola, ul. Wschowska 8

Contact: 22 100 45 20 or 22 100 46 20.

You can check the cost of psoriasis diagnosis and treatment in our price list.

Medical sources:

European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology – psoriasis guidelines: https://eadv.org
American Academy of Dermatology – Psoriasis Clinical Guidelines: https://www.aad.org
National Psoriasis Foundation – therapeutic recommendations: https://www.psoriasis.org
Medycyna Praktyczna – Dermatologia: https://www.mp.pl/dermatologia
https://www.mp.pl/pacjent/dermatologia/choroby/chorobyskory/74363,luszczyca
https://www.gov.pl/web/gis/oswiadczenie-gis-w-sprawie-osob-chorych-na-luszczyce
https://luszczycowezapaleniestawow.pl/wsparcie/
https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/psoriasis-treatment-market-2769