Psoriasis: Differentiating Fact from Fiction

 In honor of National Psoriasis Awareness Month, Windsor Dermatology recently issued a press release announcing our list of top myths about psoriasis. Here is an excerpt from that press release below. Do you have psoriasis? Let us know what other myths you have come across and help us uncover the truth behind this disease...

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S., affecting nearly 7.5 million Americans. Dr. Jerry Bagel, a leading provider in medical dermatological care for over 25 years and member of NPF’s Medical Board, dispels the myths about psoriasis and urges residents to help spread awareness and find a cure.

“People affected with psoriasis often feel emotional, psychological and physical strains that take a significant toll on their well-being,” said Bagel, who is Medical Director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey. “We need to make the public aware of psoriasis facts to help ease the fear brought on by fiction.”

The most common psoriasis myths are:

1.     Myth: Psoriasis is contagious.
Fact: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, not an infection, meaning you can’t contract the disease by being in contact with it.

2.     Myth: Poor hygiene causes psoriasis.

Fact: Psoriasis is a genetic disorder and is not caused by hygienic practices.

3.     Myth: There is no treatment for psoriasis.

Fact: The fact is, there is no cure for psoriasis but many different treatments are available to help lessen the symptoms. Biologic agents developed over the past 15 years have improved quality of life for patients significantly.

4.     Myth: Psoriasis is a skin or cosmetic condition.

Fact: Psoriasis has significant cosmetic concerns, however it is more significantly associated with systemic involvement such as arthritis, diabetes, obesity, depression and cardiovascular disease.

5.     Myth: Red patches on your skin mean you have psoriasis

Fact: Red patches can be a symptom of eczema and other skin disorders. The only way to diagnose psoriasis is to consult with a dermatologist who will conduct medical tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Psoriasis Awareness Month provides an opportunity for people affected by psoriasis to directly participate in spreading local and national awareness to help find a cure. As “Citizen Pscientists,” psoriasis patients are encouraged this year to participate in ongoing research on the disease. For more information about Psoriasis Awareness Month, visit www.citizenpscientist.org.

Dr. Bagel is board certified in dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. His practice in East Windsor, New Jersey is home to the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey, the only treatment center in the region. He has been named one of the top doctors in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine and a Top Doc in the Castle Connolly survey of physicians every year for the past 10 years. A Senior Attending Physician at the University Medical Center at Princeton, Dr. Bagel is regularly invited to speak across the country about the treatment of various dermatological conditions.

For more information about Windsor Dermatology, please visit www.windsordermatology.com.  

Psoriasis Success Stories

It's Psoriasis Awareness Month, so we'd like to share with you a few recent Windsor Dermatology success stories...

Bowler Gets Back to the Lanes

Recently a 47 year old male with psoriasis on 40% of body complained of hand stiffness and finger swelling secondary to psoriatic arthritis. He was depressed, stayed home, had difficulty working and couldn’t bowl anymore due to swollen fingers.

He was treated in a clinical trial with amazing results. His psoriasis cleared completely, his fingers improved and he could go work—and bowl again!

Jerry Bagel, M.D.

From Painful Psoriasis to Enjoyable Summer

One patient presented in our office suffering with over 20% of his body covered in painful psoriasis. He was treated three times a week with light treatments in combination with Humira. Within three months, he only has a small plaque on his lower back. The patient is so thankful to have regained his quality of life—pain free! He has since discontinued light treatments and is enjoying his summer. The patient is extremely happy, along with the physician and nurses.

Crystal Snyder, LPN

Research Trial Helps Fight Psoriatic Arthritis

A patient presented in our office with debilitating psoriatic arthritis. He had difficulty holding a pen and writing. Within four weeks of being on a Humira research trial, the patient was able to resume his normal daily living functions. He is extremely happy for the difference we made in his life.

Elise Nelson, Clinical Trials Coordinator

Patient Has New Outlook On Life

A 20 year old patient came in to our office with no insurance. She had severe plaque psoriasis covering 80% of her body surface. She was a definite candidate for the Enbrel clinical trial. Within 12 weeks, her psoriasis became 75% better. She has a new outlook on life.

Elise Nelson, Clinical Trials Coordinator

Welcome Our New Doctors – Dr. Brian Keegan and Dr. Wendy Myers

Not only are we celebrating 25 years of medical care this month, we are also pleased to announce the addition of two new physicians. Brian Keegan, Ph.D, M.D. and Wendy Myers, M.D. will join the practice this summer, creating an all-physician staff.

Dr. Brian Keegan received his M.D. and PhD from New York University School of Medicine. He completed his dermatology residency at University of Miami School of Medicine. He brings with him expertise in geriatric dermatology and, skin cancer.

Brian’s wife, Debbra, is an OB-GYN who specializes in in-vitro fertilization. Because of this, Dr. Keegan has developed an interest/expertise in "dermatosis of pregnancy,” mainly rashes that occur in women while they are pregnant. Also, having trained in Miami, he has developed expertise in chronic solar damage, skin cancer and caring for the skin of the elderly. He has extensive experience with laser rejuvenation of chronic solar damaged skin and will bring that to Windsor Dermatology.

Dr. Brian Berman, Dr Keegan’s mentor at University of Miami said Dr. Keegan is a "doctor's doctor." His calm demeanor, comfort with patients and clear communication will make him an asset to our practice.

Dr. Wendy Anne Myers grew up in central New Jersey and returned home to complete her M.D. from UMDNJ in 2004. She completed her dermatology residency at University of Vermont.

Patients may find this interesting—she is the only full time female dermatologist between Princeton and Freehold. We believe that due to the sensitive self-esteem issues that often accompany skin conditions, female patients may be more comfortable with a female dermatologist. Dr. Myers will also help us be more accommodating to our patients’ time limitations by seeing patients in the evenings and on Saturdays.

To amplify the capabilities of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey, Wendy has done clinical research in psoriasis under the direction of world-renowned psoriasis expert Dr. Alice Gottlieb.