The South West’s premier independent dermatology & skin clinic
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of treatments that can help to control the symptoms. There are many different treatments for psoriasis, including topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications. In some cases, biologics may be used to treat psoriasis. South West Dermatology can offer biological treatment for psoriasis with Dr. Anthony Downs having over 20 years experience in prescribing biologics for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
What are biologics?
Biologics are a type of medication that is made from living organisms. Biologics work by targeting specific proteins in the immune system that are involved in the development of psoriasis.
There are many different types of biologics available, and they work in different ways. Some biologics block the production of certain proteins that are involved in inflammation, while others target specific immune cells.
How do biologics work?
Biologics are made from living organisms, such as bacteria or immortal cell lines. They are designed to target specific proteins in the immune system that are involved in the development of psoriasis. By blocking these proteins, biologics can help to reduce inflammation and clear up the skin.
How are biologics used to treat psoriasis?
Biologics are usually given by injection or infusion. The frequency of injections or infusions will vary depending on the type of biologic that you are taking. They can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Some people see a significant improvement in their psoriasis within a few weeks of starting treatment, while others may not see any improvement.
What are the benefits of biologics?
Biologics can be very effective in treating moderate to severe psoriasis and tend to have fewer side effects than other types of psoriasis treatments. The effectiveness of biologics varies from person to person.
What are the side effects of biologics?
Biologics can be a very effective treatment for psoriasis, but they are not without risks.
Biologics can increase the risk of certain infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. They can also increase the risk of some types of cancer, such as lymphoma.
Are biologics the right psoriasis treatment right for me?
Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Anthony Downs can help you decide if biologic therapy is right for you and look at your own risks and the potential benefits of biologics before starting any treatment. For patients outside the south west area Dr. Downs is able to offer remote video consultations.
What are the costs of biologics?
Biologics can be very expensive. The cost of biologics will vary depending on the type of biologic that you are taking and your insurance coverage you have.
Dr Bower and Dr Downs both attended the Spring EADV meeting in Seville last week. This popular pan-European conference provides a platform to view current Dermatology clinical practice and Dermatology scientific research from different countries, including the UK.
Post-Brexit, it is important that UK Dermatologists increase their involvement in European institutes such as the European Academy of Dermatology in order to continue to influence the development and direction of this organisation.
This annual meeting offers important continuous professional development for our skin experts and ensures our Consultant Dermatologist stay up to date and also share best practice, innovation, embrace evolving technology and keep abreast of medical industry developments.
Attendance helps to re-assure that South West Dermatology's clinical practice is consistent with offering the very best available patient care.
It has been two years since the meeting has been face to face and it was great for dermatologist and medical skincare professionals to re-connect with old friends and colleagues who practice dermatology in America and across the world at this international meeting.
The meeting is an important annual event for doctors that want to hear about new imminent treatments and clinical research developments in dermatology and essential continuous professional development for our skin experts.
Dr. Anthony Downs brought back many useful tips and advice that can be applied to his patients at home in the South West of England.
Hot topics in this year's AAD meeting focused around emerging eczema treatments and the relentless rise of skin cancer.
On Thursday 4th March Dr. Anthony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist, provided a series of on-line medical educational interactive lectures via Zoom looking at how to diagnose and treat hair conditions for local GPs in Devon & Cornwall.
There are a number of important infections and inflammatory hair conditions that GPs need to be able to identify, either to treat or refer to a Dermatology specialist.
GPs may be the first point of call for their patients concerned about excess hair or hair loss. It is important to investigate those that may be caused by an underlying medical condition and to also refer those that are cosmetic to a Dermatology specialist where the patient wants advice and guidance about potential treatment options.
Dr. Downs is continues to look forward to passing on his knowledge and offering further useful advice and guidance for doctors at the next event.
On 21 January 2021 Dr. Tony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist was a conference speaker at the national Dermatologists virtual meeting hosted by the Royal Society of Medicine.
Dr. Downs presented on 'Inflammoscopy: no rash or hairy decisions' to a well attended meeting with an audience of over 250 delegates. He presented to fellow consultant colleagues about improving their diagnostic skills enabling them to further their CPD with accreditation.
Other topics discussed at the event were:
The The Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) provides learning and support using expert speakers and global thought leaders providing essential medical insight. The RSM is a membership organisation with over 22,000 members in the UK and internationally. It aims to bringing together doctors and healthcare professionals across specialties, with a vision to be a driving force in advancing health and patient care through education and innovation.
Dr. Anthony Downs will be taking over from Dr. Tom Lucke who has retired from private practice.
Dr. Downs will provide specialist opinion for patients with all types of skin disease. He has been a consultant dermatologist since 2000 and has held NHS consultant posts in Exeter & Taunton alongside his own private practices in Exeter, Torquay, Bristol and London.
Dr. Downs is able to offer:
He can also provide a range of cosmetic procedures including the removal of benign moles, skin tags, cysts and liver spots for cosmetic reasons.
Dr. Downs is recognised by all the major health insurers and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians; a member of the British Association of Dermatologists and British Society of Dermatological Surgeons; a member of the European Academy of DermatoVenereology and American Academy of Dermatology; a member of the British Medical Laser Association, International Dermoscopy Society and British Cosmetic Dermatology Group.
