Psoriasis

For psoriasis patients, the most common comorbidity they may experience is psoriatic arthritis. Knowing how to identify and treat it can be critical.

Biologics certainly have shown to be an effective treatment in plaque psoriasis, but physicians should not discount more traditional therapies for treating psoriasis.

Understanding measures of psoriasis disease severity is critical for the patient. And, many payers, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service require an accurate PASI or PGA score on all psoriasis claims.

At the 20th annual National Psoriasis Foundation residents meeting recently held in Chicago, Dr. Abby Van Voorhees, said that phototherapy can improve psoriasis, but it is not in common practice today.

Nearly 80 percent of patients experience limited-to-moderate psoriasis disease, and topical therapies account for the majority, if not all, of their treatment. But the choice of topical treatment depends on the patient.

Two approved and two pending anti-IL 23 drugs offer an opportunity for moderate to severe psoriasis patients to regain their lives, according to researchers presenting at the 2018 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Reporting from Fall Clinical in Las Vegas, Dr. James Del Rosso reviews best practices for topical therapy uses in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

A novel tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor may provide efficacy comparable to that of currently available biologic agents for psoriasis, without the adverse effects associated with JAK inhibitors, a study shows.

A recent review by the National Psoriasis Foundation's medical board suggests that adults with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may use dietary interventions to supplement standard medical therapies to reduce disease severity.

Biologic efficacy may not wane under previous exposure to biologic treatments, study shows.

A review of complementary and alternative medicines used by more than 51 percent of patients with psoriasis, shows that indigo naturalis, curcumin, dietary modification, fish oil, meditation, and acupuncture may be effective in some patients, but proceed cautiously investigators say.

Patients who achieve complete skin clearance of psoriasis experience a noticeable difference in quality of life and work productivity.

Longer, more in-depth consultations with dermatologists, nursing staff, physician assistants could improve outcomes in psoriasis.

Obesity appears to be an important independent risk factor for children with psoriasis who go on to develop cormorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, a study shows.

Patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing new onset diabetes mellitus. It’s a risk that’s been described as statistically significant. So, in this article, we examine dermatologic care for diabetic foot infections.

Newer biologics that target interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 are changing the paradigm for psoriasis treatment, report physicians.

The August issue of Dermatology Times includes a supplement edition that focuses on a patient-centered approach in psoriasis management, including an article on the importance of longer consults in the doctor's office and recommendations for individualized therapy. Read more here.  

For psoriasis in difficult locations including the scalp, palms and soles, guselkumab outperformed adalimumab and placebo, shows a study published online in JAMA Dermatology.

A new methotrexate usage survey shows that most patients with arthritis do not discuss medication modification strategies with their doctors.

Reproductive age women with psoriasis could benefit from an endocrinologist or obstetrician referral before starting systemic therapy.

Gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia are higher in women with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Adalimumab may be effective for plaque psoriasis, but not heart disease and other inflammatory conditions associated with the condition. This study confirms that the inflammatory process is unique and that one treatment may not apply to other inflammatory conditions.

There are two important reasons why physicians should consider the role of diet in triggering psoriasis flares, says a leading expert.

Diet can affect skin conditions including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea. In a review that focuses on these four conditions, plus aging, Rajani Katta, M.D., and Mary Jo Kramer, B.S., writing in Skin Therapy Letter, highlight trigger foods that should be avoided.