Blog Article: Managing Psoriasis with Advanced Treatments
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide. At Village Dermatology in Katy and Memorial Houston, we frequently see patients dealing with persistent symptoms like flaking, itching, and discomfort. One such patient presented with moderate psoriasis on the trunk that had been present for years, primarily managed with Otezla. Despite efforts, the treatment was not controlling her flares effectively, prompting a new approach.
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis, specifically psoriasis vulgaris, is characterized by red, scaly patches that can appear on different parts of the body, including the trunk, scalp, and nails. It’s a lifelong condition with periods of remission and flares, often triggered by factors such as stress, infections, certain medications, or lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption. You can read more about psoriasis and its treatment options on our Psoriasis Overview page.
A Tailored Treatment Plan for our patient
This patient’s journey reflects the complexity of managing psoriasis. While Otezla, a systemic therapy, had been her primary treatment, its limitations in controlling her symptoms led us to explore other options. Following a consultation and clearance from an infectious disease specialist, we initiated treatment with Skyrizi. Skyrizi is a biologic therapy that provides targeted relief for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who haven’t responded well to other systemic treatments.
Skyrizi Counseling and Administration
We carefully discussed the potential benefits and risks of Skyrizi with the patient, including:
Risks: Increased susceptibility to infections and potential injection site reactions.
Monitoring: Annual tuberculosis testing and vigilance for any symptoms of infection.
The first dose of Skyrizi was administered during the visit, with follow-ups scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns.
Comprehensive Care for Psoriasis
In addition to systemic therapy, we emphasized the importance of supportive skin care to enhance treatment outcomes:
Skin Care Recommendations:
Use emollients and moisturizers to prevent dryness.
Incorporate shampoos with tar, selenium, or zinc pyrithione for scalp psoriasis.
Consider coal tar and topical keratolytics for persistent plaques.
Topical Steroids: We prescribed clobetasol 0.05% scalp solution to help reduce inflammation, with thorough counseling on proper use and potential side effects like skin thinning or discoloration.
For patients struggling with nail psoriasis, we discussed the use of topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, or even intralesional injections if needed. Learn more about available therapies on our Psoriasis Treatment page.
What to Expect
We counsel all our patients to have realistic expectations about psoriasis management. While we aim to reduce symptoms and flares, psoriasis is a chronic condition with no definitive cure. With proper treatment and monitoring, many patients experience significant improvement and longer periods of remission.
Call to Action
If you’re dealing with persistent psoriasis that hasn’t responded to treatment, there’s hope. At Village Dermatology, we offer advanced therapies tailored to your specific needs. Visit our Become a Patient page to schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward clearer, healthier skin.
Follow-Up
For this patient, a follow-up is scheduled in six months to assess her progress and make any necessary adjustments to her treatment plan. With consistent care and monitoring, we’re confident she’ll see meaningful improvements in her quality of life.
References
For more information about psoriasis and its treatments, visit: