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PSORIASIS 101 part two by Wayne Emineth,  PA-C

It has been known for years that psoriasis affects not only skin but joints, known as psoriatic arthritis.  In the last twenty years, it has become clear that psoriasis is a full body inflammatory condition that increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and metabolic syndrome which includes a risk of diabetes.

The new class of drugs which is such a miracle for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is a systemic treatment and has been found to decrease the risk related to the full body inflammation. These drugs are called biologics and include several which you have heard about on TV.  The research in this area is exploding and it seems like every few months another drug becomes available to treat psoriasis.  They are becoming more focused on the causes of psoriasis and risks and side effects will continue to decrease.

We don’t know exactly what causes psoriasis. We know it is genetic and will run in families. We also know it can be triggered by a strep infection in some people. We know stress makes it worse and time at the beach will make it better.

Proper treatment with a biologic can liberate people with psoriasis from years of self-consciousness and allow them to wear short sleeves and shorts. They ultimately free people from self-imposed seclusion and extend their lives. I really enjoy helping my patients with psoriasis find the right treatment for them.