Psoriasis - Biologic treatments

One in five people with Psoriasis are classed as being moderate to severely affected. That implies at least 5% body surface area coverage or greater, even up to 100% of the skin affected.

Advances in treatment over the last 20 years has led to the development of antibody and small molecule medications which are very effective and with fewer side-effect or contra-indications to taking. Effective also in those that have tried and failed to respond to older traditional treatments and with the added advantage of treating Psoriatic Arthritis.

South West Dermatology are able to offer biological treatment for psoriasis. Dr. Anthony Downs has over 20 years experience in prescribing biologics for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

He has contributed to global clinical trials that have led to these medicines being licenced and continues to be active in clinical research in this field of medicine.

The price of these medications reflects the cost of their complex development over many years and the significant improvement in quality of life achieved from returning to normal skin.

There are no psoriasis treatments that can cure. Any medication must be taken or used continuously or the psoriasis skin patches eventually return.

Some biologic injections are easier to prescribe privately than others. IL-17 blockers (eg secukinumab, Ixekizumab, brodalumab and bimukizumab) and IL-23 blockers (guselkumab, risankizumab & tildrakizumab) are safer and easier to prescribe than anti-TNF biologics and require less monitoring and pre-treatment investigation.

There are standard cheaper traditional oral agents that work well in psoriasis such as methotrexate and acitretin. There are more expensive oral agents that work better, but not always as well as biologic injections (apremilast & deucravacitinib). We can discuss what is best for you.

If you feel this is the type of medication for you, then book in a consultation with Dr Anthony Downs. For patients outside the south west area Dr Downs is able to offer remote video consultations.

Please note your private medical insurance may not cover costs of medication or ongoing consultations for chronic medical conditions.

Call Sarah today on 01392 350059 to book a psoriasis consultation with our Consultant Dermatologist Anthony Downs. For further information call us or use our online form.