By Chris Paoli
Many of you who have been diagnosed with psoriasis know how the disease affects you. But even if you have lived with psoriasis for years, the why may not be so clear. We asked Jason E. Hawkes, M.D., M.S., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, and National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board member, to provide a refresher on psoriatic disease.
Answers have been lightly edited for clarity, consistency, and style.
How would you explain psoriasis to someone who is newly diagnosed?
Dr. Hawkes: Psoriasis is more than just a skin rash. It is best understood as a chronic, systemic inflammatory, immune-mediated disease, meaning that it is typically a lifelong disease characterized by excessive inflammation in the body that negatively affects the skin, joints, and other organs in the body. Exactly what triggers the immune system to become overactive and attack the body is not entirely known, but it appears to be due in part to our genetics, the environment, and other variables such as obesity, medications, and infections.
Is psoriasis curable?
Dr. Hawkes: Like many other immune-mediated diseases, psoriasis does not have a definitive cure yet. Over the last several decades, we have seen major advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, which has facilitated the development and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of many highly effective treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Each iteration in the research and development process has led to novel medications that work better, faster, and longer.
Most patients who are treating the disease appropriately are now experiencing complete clearance of their skin with little to no major side effects. It is not unreasonable to believe that a potential cure is on the horizon, given the tremendous advances we are currently observing.
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Many Voices, One Mission: Nehal N. Mehta
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Public Health and Psoriatic Disease
