Ped PsO can significantly affect your child's life, but a number of different healthcare professionals can help you manage your child's Ped PsO. They include:
Team of Healthcare Professionals
▶
Family Physician (FP), General Practitioner (GP) or Pediatrician
Your child's family doctor, GP, or a pediatrician may be able to answer most of your questions and monitor your child's condition, and will probably be the member of the treatment team with whom you will have the most contact.
▶
Dermatologists
Specialize in skin conditions. Your family physician may refer your child to a dermatologist if your child's Ped PsO is particularly difficult to diagnose or treat. See https://dermatology.ca for more information about dermatologists or to find a dermatologist practicing in your region.
▶
Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
Assist your doctor with your child's care, and can be helpful to you in many ways. Nurses play an important role in patient education. They can explain or clarify what your doctor has told you, and answer questions you may have about your or your child's treatment. They may also offer suggestions on lifestyle changes that may make living with Ped PsO easier. A nurse can be an invaluable source of advice and support.
▶
Psychologists
Can help with severe psychological distress that psoriasis can cause in some people, particularly if patches are very obvious. A psychologist can help your child find ways to cope emotionally with their psoriasis and can also provide family counselling.
▶
Pharmacists
Can be a good source of information about the medications your child takes. Pharmacists can tell you how different drugs work, what side effects they may cause, and how different medications interact with each other.
