Biologic Advancements for Psoraisis

Biologic agents over the past 15 years have offered new freedom to people living with psoriasis. These protein molecules administered under the skin decrease the inflammatory response that is created in the skin and cause psoriasis.

Written by Dr. Jerry Bagel

Two treatments in particular Humira and Stelara can improve an individual's psoriasis by75%, 75% of the time.  Furthermore it can improve psoriasis 90%.  Half of the time Humira is administered every other week at home by the patient, whereas Stelara is administered every 12 weeks in the office. 

The most common risk associated with the administration of biologic agents is a 1-2 % increase in infections requiring antibiotic therapy.  Although there has been fear that biologic agents increase the frequency of cancer, both short and long term safety data do not reveal an increase in cancer when biologic agents are used.  

If you are interested in learning more about biologic agents, how they work and what type might be best for you call our office at 609-443-4500.

Localized Psoriasis and How to Treat It

 

Psoriasis affects 2% of the U.S. population. This translates to about 7.5 million Americans, the most common chronic inflammatory disease.

Psoriasis seems to be in some way related to a hyper activity in the immune system. In particular in the dermis there is an increase in T cells which produce excessive proteins that induce the epidermis to grow to rapidly and hence into the red, scaly,thickened plaques that are hallmarks of psoriasis.

 

About two thirds of people affected with psoriasis have it localized such as elbows, knees, and scalp. However, the remaining third plaques can be quite excessive involving over 10% of the body and may or may not include the palms, soles, axillary, and genital areas.

 

Common treatments for localized psoriasis include topical steroids.Topical steroids however require caution because prolonged use especially in sensitive areas is face, neck, axillae, infra-mammary, groin can result in skin thinning, in some cases causing irreversible stretch marks.

 

Localized phototherapy has also been utilized effectively in the treatment of localized psoriasis.

 

 

By: Dr. Jerry Bagel

 



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.