Psoriasis is a chronic (ongoing) inflammatory skin condition that causes red, flaky patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Read more about psoriasis.
Psoriasis apps have the potential to help you manage your condition better.
- They can help you keep track your symptoms and triggers, and monitor or set reminders for your medicines.
- The information recorded by the apps can help your doctor or specialist to understand your triggers and review the impact of medications on your condition.
- Living with a chronic, visible skin disease can affect your quality of life. Some apps can provide information and advice about living with psoriasis, and some provide an online community to connect with other people with psoriasis.
- It's important not to rely on the app for a diagnosis – this is a condition which must be diagnosed by a doctor (usually a GP or dermatologist).
Here are some tips on how to use psoriasis apps safely.
How to use psoriasis apps safely
Do (✔)
- Always use psoriasis apps under the supervision of a healthcare provider so they can guide you on whether the app is suitable for your needs and can direct you to appropriate treatment options for your condition.
- Use an app to keep track of your symptoms as part of your management plan. Use graphs and reporting for a discussion with your healthcare provider.
- Be careful when reading information on discussion boards or group chat rooms. Some apps have interactive features where users can share their experiences. Be cautious because in most cases these aren't monitored by a health professional so the advice or suggestions may not be safe or effective.
- Know when to seek help.
Don’t (✘)
- Rely on apps to make a diagnosis of your condition.
- Use treatments without first seeking medical and professional advice.
- Make changes to your medicines based on the recommendations from the app.
