A patient guide to Biologics for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells. This can lead to patches of thick, red, scaly skin called plaques. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but it is most common on the scalp, elbows, knees, and back.

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.

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.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells. This can lead to patches of thick, red, scaly skin called plaques. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but it is most common on the scalp, elbows, knees, and back.

There are many different treatments for psoriasis, including topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications. For some people, these treatments are not effective enough or they cause unwanted side effects. In these cases, biologics may be a good option.

Biologics are a type of medication that works by targeting the immune system. They are typically used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics can be very effective in clearing up psoriasis, and they often have fewer side effects than other treatments.

Here are five reasons to consider switching to biologics for psoriasis:

1. They are more effective than other treatments. Biologics have been shown to be more effective than other treatments for psoriasis, including topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications. In clinical trials, biologics have been shown to clear up psoriasis in up to 80% of patients.
2. They have fewer side effects. Biologics tend to have fewer side effects than other treatments for psoriasis. Common side effects of biologics include injection site reactions, infections, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. However, these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
3. They are more convenient. Biologics are typically given as injections once or twice a month. This is more convenient than other treatments for psoriasis, such as topical creams, which need to be applied daily.
4. They are more affordable. The cost of biologics can be high, but there are many programs available to help patients pay for them.
5. They can improve your quality of life. Psoriasis can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can cause pain, itching, and embarrassment. Biologics can help to improve your quality of life by clearing up your psoriasis and reducing your symptoms.

If you are considering switching to biological treatment for psoriasis, talk to Dr. Anthony Downs. Dr. Downs can help you decide if biologics are right for you and make the best decision for your individual needs.

Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether or not to switch to biologics for psoriasis:

• Your medical history
• Your current treatment plan
• Your insurance coverage
• Your budget

If you have any questions or concerns about biologics, get in touch with us today. 

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

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.

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.

In mid-May Dr Bower and Dr Downs attended the Bristol Dermatology Live meeting to deliver and chair a Dermatology meeting for Dermatology doctors and nurses from the South West of England and Wales.

A European flavour on Eurovision weekend was added by our Italian guest speaker Dr Burlando from Genoa. There were consultant led talks on contact dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo and hidradenitis. Despite the rail strikes the meeting was well attended and a great opportunity to exchange ideas and expert clinical experience.

These events offer important continuous professional development for our skin experts and ensure our Consultant Dermatologist stay on top of innovation, evolving technology and any medical industry developments.

Attendance helps to re-assure that South West Dermatology's clinical practice is consistent with the very best available patient care and is very often the most useful aspect of attending these meetings.

Dr Tony Downs offers advice for patients with dermatological conditions in relation to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Patients taking medication for their condition

Covid19 may theoretically result in a more severe infection in patients that take a medication where an annual flu vaccination is routinely recommended.

In Dermatology, this would be:

Azathioprine, ciclosporin, methotrexate, mycophenolate, fumaric acid esters, apremalist and biologic agents for psoriasis or hidradenitis (but not for eczema).

New or existing patients should be aware and consider stopping/suspending or deferring treatment to a later date, with the understanding that their skin condition will most likely deteriorate.

Patients with dry scaly skin conditions

Over and above government advice on hand washing and reducing coronavirus transmission, people with dry scaly skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may wish to follow the additional advice:

1. There is no evidence that dry scaly skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis are more likely to acquiring or transmit coronavirus
    
2. Topical medications such as emollients or steroids should not be shared between individuals. There is no evidence to suggest their regular use on the skin increases the risk of acquiring or transmitting coronavirus. However, wash your hands before you apply your treatment creams to your skin.
    
3. Alcohol gel and frequent soap and water hand washing will aggravate some people with hand eczema. To reduce the need to hand wash, wear disposable non-powdered gloves, but change them if your hands become sweaty underneath the gloves. Also carry around your own hand cream to moisturise your hands after you have washed them.
    
4. Soap substitutes may not be as good as ordinary soap at killing coronavirus when hand washing.

Dr Downs is able to see patients remotely via a private phone/video consultation during this pandemic.