It has been estimated that only one in 20 dermatologists will diagnose or treat pityriasis rubra pilaris during their professional careers. While that estimate may be totally bogus, we can say without fear of contradiction that very few dermatologists will consider themselves PRP savvy.

There are at least four reasons to seek out a PRP-savvy dermatologist:

• To obtain a second opinion and ask the question: “Do I really have PRP?”
• To find a local dermatologist who has prior experience treating PRP
• To find a more inquisitive dermatologist who wants to become PRP-savvy
• To find a dermatologist more supportive of your needs as a patient with PRP

While the best case scenario is a referral from a fellow PRP patient or caregiver to their PRP-savvy dermatologist. the next best step in the U.S. is Find-A-Derm. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has a great feature on their website. “Find-a-Derm” can help PRP patients and caregivers identify dermatologists who have the potential for PRP savviness.

• Enter your ZIP Code
• Select “psoriasis” in the SPECIALTY pull-down menu. Dermatologists who self-identity themselves as specializing in psoriasis keeps you prospect list more manageable.
• Click SEARCH

The resulting list provides basic information:

• Distance from your ZIP Code
• Name of the dermatologist with a link to more information, e.g., clinic name, full address, office hours, medical training of the dermatologist
• City/State
• Telephone number

MAKING THE CALL

When you call the dermatology clinic’s telephone number, it is unlikely that you will speak to the dermatologist. You will probably be routed to a person or THE person responsible for signing up new patients. That person may or may not be a healthcare professional, e.g., receptionist. Remember that you have an über rare skin disorder. When it comes to PRP, the person at the other end of the phone is predictably clueless. They are, however, the gatekeeper to the dermatologists that treat patients with skin disorders. Here is one version of a PRP inquiry with one statement and four questions..

Start with a statement

“I have a very rare skin disorder and want to find a dermatologist who feels capable of treating pityriasis rubra pilaris.

Set your search criteria with a question

“Are there any dermatologists at your clinic who have treated a patient diagnosed with pityriasis rubra pilaris?

Accept the fact that the staff person on the telephone will NOT know the answers to your question and will be FORCED to check with the dermatologist(s). In all likelihood the new patient gatekeeper will be instructed to call you.

“The Close”

“When you confirm their PRP experience, will you call me or should I call you back? My phone number is 555-555-1212?

IMHO — A failure to respond to your questions is both unprofessional and rude. Food for thought — A lack of experience treating PRP does not automatically disqualify a dermatologist. Ginny M (South Carolina), a PRP patient with Juvenile Onset PRP and mother of three PRP children, believes that the best dermatologist is one who wants to learn. “A dermatologist who thinks they know it all is not as effective as a dermatologist who wants to know it all.”