Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that affects quality of life. There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but there are multiple psoriasis treatments available that can usually lead to clearing of symptoms. Approximately 30% of patients who have had psoriasis more than 10 years will develop psoriatic arthritis. This can present as joint pain, severe stiffness, swelling and redness of the joint.
What We Do:
- Topical medications
- Intralesional injections
- Light therapy – Excimer laser– we are currently the only office in Savannah to offer this treatment
- Oral medications – Otezla®, Methotrexate, Soriatane®, Cyclosporin
- Biologic injectables – Humira®, Enbrel®, Stelara®, Cosentyx®, Remicade®, Tremfya®, Ilumya®, Skyrizi®, & Siliq®
- New biologic agents are currently undergoing trials
American Academy of Dermatology on Biologics and Corona Virus
“We do not know if biologic therapies render patients more susceptible to coronavirus, but we know that in a pre-coronavirus era (before now) respiratory infection rates were comparable to placebo.
Discontinuation of some biologics can result in loss of response when treatments are reintroduced or even result in the formation of antibodies to the discontinued biologic. All of these factors must be considered.”
There is no specific immunosuppression to viral infections and patients are not globally compromised.
Practice good hand washing, social distancing, and avoid travel and crowds. Avoid being around people that are sick.
If someone is suspicious they are not well or develop fever and seek medical attention, hold the drug until well again. If tested positive to corona virus, discontinue the drug.
Our providers at Gaughf Dermatology are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. We use new cutting edge treatments as new exciting research continues to develop new drugs for this condition. Every patient with psoriasis should visit the National Psoriasis Foundation online for additional information and support about their disease.
