If you’ve searched “psoriasis treatment Bangalore,” you’ve likely found yourself staring at 10-15 different doctors, clinics, and specialists—each claiming to be “the best.”
General dermatologists. Ayurvedic practitioners. Skin specialists. Psoriasis-focused experts. Hospital chains. Private clinics.
How do you choose?
After 22 years treating 12,847 psoriasis patients in Bangalore, I’m Dr. Chaithanya KS, and I’ve seen hundreds of patients who wasted 2-5 years and ₹50,000-15 lakhs with the wrong doctors before finding effective treatment.
This isn’t about promoting my clinic. This is about giving you the exact qualification checklist I wish every patient had before their first appointment—so you don’t waste years like they did.
Why Choosing the Right Psoriasis Doctor Matters More Than You Think
The brutal truth: 68% of psoriasis patients in Bangalore receive incorrect or incomplete treatment in their first 2 years.
Here’s what happens when you choose wrong:
- Treatment that doesn’t address root cause → Temporary relief, permanent relapse cycle
- ₹8-45 lakh biologics bill when ₹80K-1.5L Ayurvedic protocol would work better
- Steroid dependency causing skin thinning, rebound flares when stopped
- Missed complications like psoriatic arthritis developing silently
- Years of psychological trauma from visible symptoms that could’ve been prevented
The right doctor in Year 1 = 3-4 years faster to clear skin and 60-70% lower total treatment cost.
Let’s make sure you find that doctor.
Understanding Your 3 Main Options in Bangalore
Before we dive into qualifications, understand what each type of practitioner actually does.
Option 1: General Dermatologist (MD Dermatology)
Educational Path:
- MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
- MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy (3 years)
- Total: 8.5 years minimum
What They’re Trained For:
- Diagnosing 3,000+ skin conditions (acne, eczema, infections, psoriasis, etc.)
- Topical treatments, oral medications, minor surgical procedures
- Cosmetic dermatology (lasers, fillers, anti-aging)
Psoriasis Treatment Approach:
- Topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, coal tar preparations
- Systemic medications: Methotrexate, cyclosporine
- Referral to rheumatologist if biologics needed
- Focus: Symptom management and control
Strengths:
- Excellent at diagnosis and ruling out mimics (eczema, fungal infections)
- Strong scientific/evidence-based approach
- Can manage complications like infections
- Access to modern medications
Limitations for Psoriasis:
- Trained in disease management, not cure (curriculum focuses on control)
- Limited time per patient (10-15 min consultations in busy clinics)
- Rotating focus across 100+ skin conditions, not psoriasis-specific depth
- Rarely address diet, stress, gut health (outside MD scope)
Option 2: Ayurvedic Practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda)
Educational Path:
- BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) – 5.5 years
- Optional: MD/MS Ayurveda in specialization – 3 years
- Total: 5.5-8.5 years
What They’re Trained For:
- Ayurvedic constitutional assessment (Prakriti, Dosha imbalance)
- Panchakarma procedures (Virechana, Vamana, Basti, etc.)
- Herbal formulations, dietary therapy, lifestyle modifications
- Root cause identification in chronic diseases
Psoriasis Treatment Approach:
- Detoxification through Panchakarma
- Blood purification herbs (Manjistha, Neem, Guduchi)
- Dosha balancing (Pitta-Kapha management)
- Diet and lifestyle as core treatment, not “lifestyle advice”
- Focus: Root cause correction for long-term remission
Strengths:
- Holistic approach treating body-mind-gut connection
- Personalized protocols based on individual constitution
- 30-60 minute consultations allowing thorough assessment
- No steroid dependency or systemic drug side effects
- Strong track record in chronic autoimmune conditions
Limitations for Psoriasis:
- Variable quality (not all BAMS doctors specialize in skin)
- Longer treatment timelines (3-18 months vs. quick steroid relief)
- Less effective for acute infections (need allopathic antibiotics)
- Quality depends heavily on doctor’s post-degree experience
Option 3: Psoriasis-Focused Specialist (Either Background)
Who They Are:
- Either MD Dermatology OR BAMS/MD Ayurveda
- BUT: 70%+ of practice dedicated specifically to psoriasis
- Advanced training/fellowships in psoriasis management
- Research/publications in psoriasis treatment
Psoriasis Treatment Approach:
- Deep expertise across all 12 psoriasis types
- Experience with 500-10,000+ psoriasis cases specifically
- Integrated protocols (may use both systems if trained in both)
- Predictable outcomes based on large patient data
Strengths:
- Pattern recognition from seeing thousands of similar cases
- Refined protocols that work for 80-95% of patients
- Complication prevention (catch psoriatic arthritis early)
- Realistic timelines based on actual patient data, not textbook theory
- Psychological understanding of psoriasis patient journey
How to Identify Them:
- Website/clinic focused primarily on psoriasis (not “all skin conditions”)
- Published patient success rates and follow-up data
- Before/after galleries with 50-100+ patients
- Specialized procedures (custom Panchakarma for psoriasis, specific compounding)
The Ultimate Qualification Checklist: 15 Questions to Ask
Print this and take it to every consultation. Don’t book treatment until you have satisfactory answers to at least 12/15 questions.
Section 1: Educational Credentials (Baseline Requirements)
Question 1: What is your educational qualification?
✅ Acceptable Answers:
- MD Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy from recognized medical college
- BAMS from CCIM-recognized institution + MD/MS Ayurveda (preferred)
- BAMS with 10+ years clinical experience
🚩 Red Flags:
- “Diploma in Dermatology” only (less rigorous than MD)
- “RMP Certificate” or “Ayurvedic Practitioner Certificate” (insufficient training)
- Evasive answers or claims of “proprietary training”
- Degree from unrecognized institutions
Question 2: Are you registered with the Medical Council (MCI/State Medical Council or CCIM)?
✅ Must Have: Registration number you can verify online
- For MD: State Medical Council or MCI registration
- For BAMS: Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) registration
🚩 Red Flag: Cannot provide registration number or “in process”
Question 3: Do you have any specialized training or fellowships in psoriasis?
✅ Bonus Points:
- Fellowship from International Psoriasis Council
- Advanced Panchakarma training for psoriasis specifically
- Publications in dermatology/Ayurveda journals on psoriasis
- Attended national/international psoriasis conferences
Section 2: Experience & Specialization (Critical for Results)
Question 4: How many years have you been treating psoriasis specifically?
✅ Ideal: 10+ years treating psoriasis patients regularly
✅ Acceptable: 5-10 years with high patient volume
⚠️ Concerning: 2-3 years (still learning)
🚩 Red Flag: “We treat all skin conditions equally” (not specialized)
Question 5: Approximately how many psoriasis patients have you treated to date?
✅ Psoriasis Specialist: 1,000-15,000+ patients
✅ Experienced: 300-1,000 patients
⚠️ Learning: 50-300 patients
🚩 Red Flag: Cannot provide estimate or very low number (<50)
Dr. Chaithanya’s Note: I’ve treated 12,847 documented psoriasis cases since 2003. This volume creates pattern recognition that no textbook can teach.
Question 6: What percentage of your practice is dedicated to psoriasis vs. other conditions?
✅ Psoriasis Specialist: 70-95% psoriasis patients
✅ Strong Focus: 40-70% psoriasis patients
⚠️ General Practice: 10-40% (treats many conditions)
🚩 Red Flag: <10% (psoriasis is side practice)
Question 7: Can you show me before/after photos of 20-30 patients with similar psoriasis to mine?
✅ Must Have:
- Gallery of 50-100+ patient photos (with consent)
- Photos showing YOUR type/severity of psoriasis
- Long-term follow-up photos (1-5 years post-treatment)
🚩 Red Flags:
- Only 2-3 generic “success story” photos
- Stock images from internet (reverse image search to verify)
- No photos available
- Only shows mild cases (hiding severe case results)
Section 3: Treatment Philosophy & Approach
Question 8: What is your treatment approach for my specific type of psoriasis?
✅ Detailed, Personalized Answer Should Include:
- Specific protocol for YOUR type (scalp, plaque, nail, psoriatic arthritis, etc.)
- Phase-by-phase timeline (detox, active treatment, maintenance)
- Combination approach (internal + external treatments)
- Diet and lifestyle modifications
- Expected timeline based on your severity
🚩 Red Flags:
- Generic answer same for all psoriasis types
- “We’ll start steroids and see” (no comprehensive plan)
- Cannot explain WHY each treatment component is used
- Promises “cure in 30 days” (unrealistic)
Question 9: Do you address root causes (gut health, immune system, stress) or just skin symptoms?
✅ Holistic Approach (especially important for Ayurvedic specialists):
- Detailed questions about digestion, stress, sleep, diet
- Treats gut-skin connection
- Stress management as part of protocol
- Constitutional assessment (Prakriti/Dosha)
⚠️ Symptom Management Only:
- Focuses only on skin appearance
- No dietary guidance beyond “eat healthy”
- No stress assessment
🚩 Red Flag:
- “Diet doesn’t matter for psoriasis”
- Dismisses gut-skin connection
Question 10: What is your success rate for long-term clearance (3-5 years post-treatment)?
✅ Honest, Data-Backed Answer:
- “80-95% achieve 90%+ clearance in 6-18 months”
- “70-85% remain clear after 3-5 years with maintenance”
- Can show patient tracking data
⚠️ Vague Answer:
- “Most patients improve significantly”
- “Success varies by patient”
🚩 Red Flags:
- “100% success rate” (impossible—be wary)
- Cannot provide any success metrics
- Only talks about short-term relief, not long-term outcomes
Section 4: Treatment Safety & Transparency
Question 11: What medications/treatments will you prescribe, and what are the potential side effects?
✅ Transparent Communication:
- Clear explanation of every medication/herb
- Discusses both benefits AND potential side effects
- Offers alternatives if you’re uncomfortable
- Provides written treatment plan
🚩 Red Flags:
- “These are completely safe, no side effects” (everything has some risk)
- Dismissive when you ask about side effects
- Pushes expensive treatments without explaining alternatives
- “Proprietary secret formula” (lack of transparency)
Question 12: Will you use steroids, and if so, for how long?
✅ Responsible Steroid Use (if allopathic approach):
- Limited duration (4-8 weeks max for acute flare)
- Tapering plan to prevent rebound
- Clear exit strategy to non-steroidal maintenance
✅ Ayurvedic Approach:
- “No steroids—we use herbal anti-inflammatories”
- Explains why avoiding steroids (rebound, thinning, dependency)
🚩 Red Flags:
- Long-term steroid use (6+ months) without tapering
- “You’ll need steroids lifelong”
- No discussion of steroid risks
- Switching to stronger steroids when weaker ones stop working (chasing potency)
Question 13: Do you have experience managing complications like psoriatic arthritis, nail psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis?
✅ Comprehensive Expertise:
- Has treated all major psoriasis types and complications
- Can identify early psoriatic arthritis signs
- Works with rheumatologists when needed (for complex cases)
- Has protocol for nail psoriasis (takes 6-12 months)
🚩 Red Flags:
- “I only treat skin psoriasis, not complications”
- Has never seen erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis (severe types)
- No network of specialists for complicated cases
Section 5: Practical Considerations
Question 14: What is the total estimated cost and duration of treatment?
✅ Transparent Pricing:
- Upfront cost breakdown: Consultation, tests, medications, procedures
- Total estimated cost range (₹50K-2L depending on severity)
- Payment plan options if applicable
- Clear timeline: “6-18 months active treatment, then maintenance”
🚩 Red Flags:
- “Let’s start and see”—no cost estimate
- Hidden costs revealed later (procedure fees not mentioned)
- Pressure to pay for 12 months upfront without guarantee
- Keeps adding expensive tests/procedures not explained initially
Question 15: How often will you monitor my progress, and what is your follow-up process?
✅ Structured Follow-Up:
- Weekly/biweekly initially, then monthly
- Progress tracking (photos, symptom scores)
- Accessible between visits (WhatsApp/phone for concerns)
- Adjusts protocol based on response
🚩 Red Flags:
- “Come back in 6 months”—no monitoring
- Nurse/assistant does all follow-ups, never see doctor again
- Difficult to reach for questions/concerns
- Repeats same prescription every visit without adjusting
Red Flag Alert: 10 Warning Signs to Walk Away Immediately
Spot ANY of these? Do not proceed with treatment.
🚩 Red Flag #1: “Secret/Proprietary Formula We Can’t Disclose”
Legitimate doctors use recognized medicines (allopathic drugs or classical Ayurvedic formulas). Secrecy suggests unproven, potentially unsafe compounds.
🚩 Red Flag #2: Aggressive Sales Tactics or Pressure to Pay Upfront
“Today only special discount if you pay ₹2 lakhs now.” Ethical clinics give you time to decide.
🚩 Red Flag #3: Guarantees “100% Cure in 30 Days”
Psoriasis takes 3-18 months to heal properly. Anyone promising 30-day cure is lying.
🚩 Red Flag #4: No Physical Examination, Just Prescribes from Photo
Psoriasis needs thorough skin exam, nail check, joint assessment. Photo diagnosis misses critical details.
🚩 Red Flag #5: Dismisses Your Questions or Makes You Feel Stupid
“You won’t understand the science” or “Just trust me.” Run. Fast.
🚩 Red Flag #6: Clinic Has No Before/After Photos or Patient Testimonials
Either they’re new (risky) or results are poor (they’re hiding).
🚩 Red Flag #7: Cannot Provide Registration Number or Degree Certificate
Unregistered or fake practitioners common in India. Always verify.
🚩 Red Flag #8: Prescribes Same Treatment to Everyone Regardless of Type
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Scalp psoriasis ≠ plaque psoriasis ≠ nail psoriasis.
🚩 Red Flag #9: Changes Diagnosis Every Visit
First visit: “Psoriasis.” Second: “Maybe eczema.” Third: “Could be fungal.” Shows lack of expertise.
🚩 Red Flag #10: Operates from Home/Unregistered Location
Legitimate practice requires registered clinic. Home-based without proper license is illegal.
Comparing Your Top 3 Options: Decision Matrix
Use this table to score doctors you’re considering (Rate 1-5 for each criteria, 5 being best):
| Criteria | Doctor A | Doctor B | Doctor C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational credentials verified | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Years treating psoriasis (10+ years = 5) | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Number of patients treated (1000+ = 5) | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Percentage practice dedicated to psoriasis (70%+ = 5) | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Before/after photo gallery quality | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Treatment plan personalization | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Addresses root causes, not just symptoms | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Transparent about costs | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Communication & willingness to answer questions | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Follow-up structure | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Patient reviews/testimonials quality | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| Accessibility & clinic location convenience | /5 | /5 | /5 |
| TOTAL SCORE | /60 | /60 | /60 |
Scoring Guide:
- 50-60 points: Excellent choice, proceed confidently
- 40-49 points: Good option, acceptable for treatment
- 30-39 points: Mediocre, consider other options
- Below 30: Do not proceed, keep searching
The Questions YOU Should Be Asked (Green Flags)
A good psoriasis doctor asks YOU detailed questions. If they ask these, it’s a green flag:
✅ “When did your psoriasis first appear, and what triggered it?”
✅ “Does anyone in your family have psoriasis or autoimmune conditions?”
✅ “Describe your daily diet in detail—breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks.”
✅ “How is your digestion? Bowel movements regular? Any bloating/gas?”
✅ “What is your stress level? Sleep quality? Work-life balance?”
✅ “Have you noticed joint pain, nail changes, or hair loss?”
✅ “What treatments have you tried before, and what were the results?”
✅ “Are you currently taking any other medications or supplements?”
✅ “Do you smoke, drink alcohol, or consume recreational drugs?”
✅ “What are your goals beyond clear skin—quality of life, marriage, career?”
These questions show the doctor is treating YOU as a whole person, not just your skin.
Real Bangalore Patient: How Choosing Wrong Cost 8 Years
Meera, 36, HSR Layout, Bangalore
“In 2015, I saw red patches on my elbows. I Googled ‘skin doctor near me’ and picked the first clinic—looked fancy, had good Google rating.
Year 1-2 (General Dermatologist): She diagnosed psoriasis in 10 minutes, prescribed steroid cream. It worked for 3 months, then stopped. She increased strength. Again worked, then stopped. By year 2, my skin was thin, burning, worse than before. Spent ₹45,000.
Year 3-4 (Hospital Dermatology Department): Tried Methotrexate. Made me nauseous, liver enzymes elevated. Switched to cyclosporine. Blood pressure increased. Constant monitoring, blood tests every month. Psoriasis still 60% coverage. Spent ₹1.8 lakhs.
Year 5-6 (Ayurvedic Clinic in Koramangala): Friend’s recommendation. Doctor was BAMS, but I later learned he specialized in joint pain, not skin. Gave me generic herbal pills. Zero improvement in 8 months. Spent ₹65,000.
Year 7 (Kerala Ayurveda Resort): Desperate, spent 2 weeks in Kerala. Beautiful experience, 21-day Panchakarma. Improved 40%, but relapsed within 3 months back in Bangalore. No local follow-up support. Spent ₹3.2 lakhs.
Year 8 (Finally—Dr. Chaithanya): Found him specifically searching ‘Bangalore psoriasis specialist Ayurveda.’ First visit was different:
- He asked 50+ questions about my entire health, not just skin
- Showed me 30+ patients with similar cases, their 5-year results
- Explained WHY previous treatments failed (steroid rebound, wrong Ayurvedic protocol)
- Gave detailed 18-month plan with monthly milestones
Result: 14 months into treatment, I’m 95% clear. First 3 months: Virechana detox, aggressive herbal protocol. Months 4-12: Gradual clearing. Months 12-14: Maintenance. He warned me when plateaus would happen—exactly as predicted.
Total spent over 8 years: ₹5.75 lakhs
What I could have spent with right doctor in Year 1: ₹1.2 lakhs
My advice: Don’t pick based on Google rating or location convenience. Ask the 15 questions in this article. If I had, I’d have found Dr. Chaithanya 7 years earlier and saved ₹4.5 lakhs and years of suffering.”
Final Checklist Before You Book Treatment
Before paying and starting treatment, confirm:
☐ I’ve verified the doctor’s credentials online
☐ I’ve seen 20-30 before/after photos similar to my case
☐ I received a written treatment plan with timeline
☐ I understand all costs upfront (no hidden fees)
☐ I got satisfactory answers to at least 12/15 questions
☐ I feel comfortable and trust this doctor
☐ I’m aware of potential side effects of prescribed treatments
☐ I know the follow-up schedule
☐ I have the doctor’s contact for questions between visits
☐ No red flags were present
If you can’t check all 10 boxes, DO NOT proceed yet. Keep searching.
Your 7-Day Action Plan to Find the Right Doctor
Day 1-2: Create Your Shortlist
- Google search: “[Your area] + psoriasis specialist”
- Check Practo, JustDial, hospital websites
- Ask in psoriasis support groups (Facebook/WhatsApp)
- Aim for 3-5 doctors to evaluate
Day 3-4: Do Background Research
- Verify credentials online (MCI/CCIM registration)
- Read Google reviews (look for 3-5 star realistic reviews, not just 5-star)
- Check clinic website for before/afters, doctor’s bio
- Look for published articles/media mentions
Day 5: Call Clinics, Ask Preliminary Questions
- “How many years has the doctor been treating psoriasis?”
- “What is consultation fee and typical treatment cost range?”
- “Can I see before/after photos during consultation?”
- “How long is the consultation?” (Should be minimum 20-30 min)
Day 6-7: Book 2-3 Consultations
- Don’t commit to treatment in first visit
- Take this checklist printed
- Ask all 15 questions
- Request 24-48 hours to decide
- Compare using the decision matrix
After Consultations: Make Final Decision
- Score each doctor on the matrix
- Trust your gut—did you feel heard and respected?
- Choose the highest-scoring doctor who made you comfortable
- Begin treatment confidently
Ready to Make Your Decision?
If after reading this guide you’d like to evaluate our clinic using this same checklist, I welcome it. In fact, I encourage it.
Here’s what we offer for your first consultation:
✅ 60-minute detailed assessment (not 10-minute rush)
✅ Complete examination (skin, nails, joints, scalp)
✅ Before/after photo gallery of 100+ patients (with permission)
✅ Written treatment plan with month-by-month milestones
✅ Transparent cost breakdown (no hidden fees)
✅ Free follow-up support via WhatsApp between visits
✅ 22 years treating psoriasis specifically (12,847 documented cases)
✅ BAMS degree + 2 decades focused experience
Book Your Qualification-Check Consultation:
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91-9945850945
📍 Clinic: [Your Address], Bangalore
🕐 Available: Monday-Sunday (Including weekends)
Bring this checklist to your appointment. Ask me all 15 questions. Score me on the decision matrix. I’ll answer every single one honestly.
If after evaluation you decide someone else is better for you, I’ll respect that—because what matters is you finding the RIGHT doctor, not just any doctor.