Questions to ask

Information for the public

These questions may help you discuss your condition or the treatments you have been offered with your healthcare team.

Can you tell me more about psoriasis?
Are there any support groups my local area?
Can you provide any information or advice for my family or carers?
Is there anyone I can talk to about my feelings about psoriasis?
Do I need to see a specialist?
Can you provide information for my child's teachers?
Is there some other information (a leaflet, DVD or website) to help me understand my psoriasis? Is there any information designed for children?

Can you tell me why you have decided to offer me this particular type of treatment?
What are the risks and benefits of this treatment? Can you give me figures about how many people' psoriasis will clear up (for example out of 100 people treated)?
Are there any serious side effects associated with this treatment?
I am worried about a particular side effect. Can you tell me how likely I am to get this side effect (for example out of every 1000 people treated, how many will get that side effect?)
What other treatment options are available?
Is there any other treatment that I should not use while using this treatment?
If I am unwell should I stop this treatment?
What I can do to help improve my skin condition?
How will it help me? What effect will it have on my symptoms and everyday life? What sort of improvements might I expect?
How long will it take to have an effect?
What should I do if there is no improvement?
Are there different treatments that I could try?
Does the length/dose of my current treatment need to be changed?
Is there some other information (like a leaflet, DVD or a website I can go to) about the treatment that I can have?
Can I get help with the cost of prescriptions?

How do I apply the topical treatment you have prescribed?
How much of the topical preparation prescribed should I use for each application? Can you show me?
Do I have to wash off or remove the treatment?
Should I wash my hands after applying the treatment? What should I do if my hands are being treated?
How much (in grams) should I use over a month to fully treat my psoriasis? How long should this tube/bottle last for?
How many days will I have to apply the treatment for? How will it affect my plaques and surrounding skin?
How do I get further supplies of my topical treatment?
When should I stop applying the treatment?
When should the treatment be reviewed?
Should my child take treatment to school to use after games or swimming lessons?
Is it OK to use the treatment if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? If it isn't, what else can I use?
How can I avoid side effects from corticosteroids?

How often and for how long will I need phototherapy treatment?
How long will my psoriasis stay away after the treatment?
How many courses of phototherapy can I have?
Should I use topical treatments at the same time as receiving phototherapy treatment?
Can you give me a letter for my employer/teacher so I can arrange to attend appointments?
What are the possible side effects of this treatment?
Is it safe to have phototherapy if I am pregnant?
Can I sunbathe on holiday if I have just had a course of phototherapy?

What are the possible side effects of this treatment?
Who will monitor my safety while taking the medicine?
How will I know if the treatment is working?
How often will I be reviewed?
How long can I use it for?
Is it safe to use if I'm pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or becoming a father? If not, when can I plan for a baby after using the treatment?

What should I do if I get any side effects? (Who should be my first point of contact, for example, should I call my GP, my dermatology nurse specialist or go to the accident and emergency (A&E) department at a hospital?)
Are there any long-term effects of taking this treatment?

What can I/we do to help and support the person with psoriasis?
Is there any additional support that I/we as carer(s) might benefit from or be entitled to?