How Biologics Treat Psoriasis and Other Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Gonzalez says biologics can also treat other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. According to Lancer, doctors can also use biologics to manage other diseases, like diabetes and breast cancer. In the different conditions that biologics treat, Henry says they take a similar approach: reducing the disease by blocking specific receptors that trigger inflammation.

Lancer says one reason people like them is that they are taken less often than oral medications. Compared to daily doses, biologics can be taken weekly or even monthly for an extended period of time. And while search suggest While biologics can be effective and generally safe, they are best used for certain patients.

“Biologics work best for people with severe and widespread disease,” says Gonzalez. “However, some patients may not experience extensive damage, but sensitive areas that impair function or cause psychological distress, such as the hands and genitals, can be well treated. if not improved with first treatment.

Although doctors often prescribe biologics because they don’t affect a person’s immune system to the same extent as other medications, Gonzalez says they’re not without side effects. Biologics carry some risk of infection, she says, because of their effect on the immune system –– in general, these infections are less serious, including yeast infections and respiratory infections. above. According to Lancer, although biologics may have fewer side effects than other medications, they can also cause irritation, redness, or pain.

If a patient has psoriasis, dermatologists often try less invasive treatments, such as topical or oral medications, says Henry. In some cases, if the patient is not a candidate for oral medication, the doctor says the doctor may try a biologic first. “Every case and drug is different,” she said. “It’s important to find a true expert in the field to figure out what’s safest and what will work best.”

If you have psoriasis and you want to try a biologic, talk to your doctor about the options available to you. According to Henry, primary care providers can treat psoriasis, but dermatologists may feel more comfortable prescribing biologics. “Your primary care provider can make a diagnosis and send you to us,” she says. “If you have a strong feeling that you have psoriasis, talk to a dermatologist, who can provide a clearer direction with more specific treatments for the type of psoriasis that you have. you get it.”