Contents
Biologic Therapies for Psoriasis: A Game-Changer in Treatment
Published: Oct 04, 2024
Biologic therapies have revolutionized the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. This article explores how these innovative drugs work and their impact on psoriasis management.
What Are Biologic Therapies?
Biologic therapies are drugs made from living organisms that target specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis. They include TNF-alpha inhibitors, interleukin inhibitors, and T-cell inhibitors. These medications can be highly effective in clearing psoriasis plaques and improving quality of life.
How Do Biologics Work?
Biologics work by blocking specific inflammatory pathways in the immune system that contribute to psoriasis. For example, some biologics target TNF-alpha, while others block interleukins like IL-17 or IL-23. By interrupting these pathways, biologics can reduce inflammation and slow down the rapid skin cell growth seen in psoriasis.
Benefits and Risks of Biologic Therapies
Biologics can provide rapid and significant skin clearance for many patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. They may also have fewer side effects than traditional systemic therapies. However, they can increase the risk of infections and require careful monitoring. Long-term safety data is still being gathered for newer biologics.
Who is a Candidate for Biologic Therapy?
Biologic therapy is typically considered for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who haven't responded well to other treatments. Candidates should be screened for infections like tuberculosis before starting treatment. Your dermatologist will consider factors like psoriasis severity, affected areas, and overall health when recommending a biologic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most are given by injection or intravenous infusion.
Many patients see improvement within weeks to a few months.
No, but they can provide long-term disease control.
Yes, they're often used with topical treatments for optimal results.
Many patients use biologics long-term if they remain effective and well-tolerated.
A New Era in Psoriasis Treatment
Biologic therapies offer new hope for many with moderate to severe psoriasis, potentially providing clearer skin and improved quality of life.
References
- Menter A, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Section 6. Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Case-based presentations and evidence-based conclusions. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;65(1):137-74.
- Sbidian E, et al. Systemic pharmacological treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;1:CD011535.
- Strober BE, et al. Biologic therapy for psoriasis: the first wave. What have we learned? J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012;66(6):907-16.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?