George Woodbury MD 12/30/2022
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Psoriasis is a common and often aggravatingly itchy rash which flares more commonly with the change of seasons, affecting 3% of the population. Let’s take a look at some of the important new treatments, my perspective being that of a Memphis Dermatologist, practicing in Cordova TN at Rheumatology and Dermatology (www.Rheumderm.com: 1-901-753-0168) since 1993.
Psoriasis often develops on the arms and legs, with dry often red itchy patches, but can also affect the groin and the scalp, sometimes even the face. About a third of people with Psoriasis develop joint involvement or types of arthritis that can be managed by Rheumatologists. Most often starting between the ages of 10 and 40, Psoriasis affects all racial groups, and is now understood to be a type of autoimmune condition.
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In 2022, Dermatologists now have a growing arsenal of medications to put the itching and/or rash of Psoriasis to rest. We have the topical steroids, of which there are over 30 available, most of which are by prescription only. Topical steroids must be used carefully, to minimize thinning of the skin, and stretch marks. Dermatologists also in a pinch sometimes use oral agents like prednisone or injectable steroids like methylprednisolone to help people dealing with severe flares.
The good news is that Dermatologists now also many new Psoriasis treatment options to help patients with stubborn or more widespread skin involvement:
*Dermatologists sometimes recommend light treatments like Narrow Band UVB therapy for severe psoriasis.
*Oral Methotrexate tablets or Methotrexate injection can sometimes put Psoriasis into what’s called “remission,” whereby it party or completely resolves, at least while on treatment.
*Oral Cyclosporine pills or Acitretin (etretinate) can sometimes give patients relief from Psoriasis.
Starting in the early 2000s, a growing list of oral medications, intravenous medicines, and injectable medicines became available to help control Psoriasis:
*Oral Otezla® (apremilast) is what’s called a PDE4 inhibitor medication that can at times bring Psoriasis under control.
*Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors include iv Remicade® (infliximab), and injectable Cimzia® (certolizumab), Enbrel® (etanercept), and Humira® (adalimumab).
*Biologic therapies include over five injectable medications, called Biologic Therapies, using antibodies to suppress the immune system: Skyrizi® (risankizumab), Cosentyx® (secukinumab), Stelara® (ustekizumab), Tremfya® (guselkumab), Taltz (ixekizumab), and Siliq® (brodalumab).
*Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) is a promising new non-steroid JAK-1 inhibitor medicine newly approved by the FDA for management of stubborn Psoriasis.
*Vtama® (taparinof) Cream is a new steroid-free topical agent (meaning for use on top of the skin)
In 2016, I became President of Big River Silk Skincare Inc., to manufacture and distribute three lines of helpful lubricating anti-wrinkle moisturizers with Alpha-Hydroxy (AHA) Glycolic Acid:
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GLYCOSHEA® Hand&Body Cream/Standard Strength (1 oz: $19.95; 2 oz: $29.95; 8 oz: $89.95);
GLYCOSHEA® Hand&Body Cream/High Strength (1 oz: $29.95; 2 oz: $44.95; 8 oz: $139.95);
and GLYCOSHEA® Facial&Neck Cream (1 oz: $39.95/2 oz; $59.95; 8 oz: $179.95).
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GLYCOSHEA is helpful in both moisturizing the skin and decreasing the appearance of fine lines in the skin, promoting skin smoothness, making it into an Anti-Wrinkle Cream (www.Bigriversilkskincare.com)
Big River Silk also manufactures a special gentle moisturizer for babies, senior, and those with especially sensitive skin, a hypoallergic moisturizer:
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HypoShea™ Moisturizer Cream (1 oz: $12.95; 2 oz: $18.95; 8 oz: $39.95).
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We also distribute a gentle body and face fragrane-free lubricating oil:
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Robathol® (16 oz: $29.95).
So, if you or family members are suffering from what might be Psoriasis, or looking for Psoriasis treatment Memphis TN, or Scalp psoriasis Memphis, or if you have Plaque psoriasis Memphis, consider getting your condition properly diagnosed. Since 2010 Dermatologists have developed medications that hold promise in alleviating Psoriasis. My own Cordova Dermatology practice – with Rheumatology and Dermatology – is in Cordova TN (www.Rheumderm.com;
1-901-753-0168; 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018).
Or you can find a Dermatologist closer to you by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site, then plugging your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.
George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (12/29/2022)