Punch Biospy
Do you know what a punch biopsy is? I'm sure most of you do. It's something they do to diagnose our psoriasis. Many people only need to get one of these in their lifetime. I have had to have six.
You're wondering why so many - right? Well, let's see, a doctor told me that black people don't get psoriasis, why is your skin purple, or this doesn't look like psoriasis to me, or are you sure this isn't scabies??? I could go on and on about some of the nonsense things that have been said to me.
Have you ever had to have more than one biopsy done or any treatment that you didn't feel was necessary?
We would love to hear from you.
Hi
I have had 3 punch biopsies done. The first one was for the initial diagnosis of psoriasis. The second one was for a clinical trial that I was in and then the 3rd one was for a doctor that tried to give a lame reason like you got of me not having psoriasis at all. I will not agree to any more punch biopses at this point unless they can give me a real good reason for it. Vickie W., Team Member Hello
, If I knew what I do now; I would have stopped at that first one. I grew up in an era where you did what "the man" said. I will never do another one. Thanks for sharing that with us. 
, I'm so sorry that you faced this ignorance from doctors. There's really no excuse for that. I'm sure it was very unpleasant having to have six punch biopsies too! Believe it or not, I have never had a biopsy of my psoriasis. I'm not sure if this is because I'm over in the UK (biopsies for psoriasis don't seem to be that common over here, at least in my experience and from what I've heard from others) or because my doctors just knew what it was from the start. I have mentioned before that my grandad had psoriasis and was also a doctor, and he was the one who first told my parents what was going on with my skin, so perhaps that played a role in it too. I'm curious to hear whether others have had a biopsy or not! Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator Hello
, Thanks for sharing this information. I think they kept giving biopsies because my psoriasis kept changing colors and different types. I baffled them.
Since your granddad was a doctor and had psoriasis was probably good enough to diagnose you. Did your grandfather have psoriasis in his family before him? Diane (Team Member), it's surprising how many doctors aren't aware that there are different types of psoriasis, and that they all present differently. I hope you never have to have another biopsy again! You've certainly had enough over the years. That's a good question about my grandad and I'm actually not sure if anyone before him had psoriasis! I never thought to ask. I'll have to try and look into this and see if I can find out. I'll keep you updated! Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator
