Psoriasis Experts Discuss New Psoriasis Treatments

The 2009 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference convened October 15-18 in Las Vegas where psoriasis experts, such as Mark Lebwohl, M.D. and Alice Gottlieb, M.D. provided clinical updates on psoriasis management, including the use of topical medications (corticosteroids, Vectical) and biologics, such as the TNF Inhibitors (Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade) and a new biologic, Stelara, that blocks IL-12 and IL-23 that are associated with inflammation the the overgrowth of skin cells.

Some of the key points discussed included the importance for dermatologists to inquire about symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Given the risk that long-term disability that may be caused by psoriatic arthritis, it is critical that any psoriasis therapy for a patient with arthritic symptoms, also help to minimize joint damage.

Psoriasis Patients at Risk for Other Medical Conditions

"Psoriasis is a very serious condition that impacts the body well beyond the skin," said
Mark Lebwohl, M.D., dermatologist, chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board.

His comments were in response to a recent survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation of of 5,000 people with psoriasis that showed that people with psoriasis are at risk for developing other serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

According to the patient survey:

• Nearly 70 percent of people with psoriasis are overweight or obese.
• 33 percent have high blood pressure.
• 28 percent have another chronic, inflammatory disease such as lupus, Crohn's disease or multiple sclerosis.
• 24 percent have high cholesterol.
• 11 percent have diabetes.

Additionally, up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints.

Dr. Mark Lebwohl added "Like any patient with a chronic disease, people with psoriasis must see their doctor regularly and adopt a healthy lifestyle to lessen their risk of developing another serious disease."

Psoriasis Expert Steve Feldman, M.D. Provides Patient Education Service to Patients.

Dermatologist, psoriasis expert, and author, Steve Feldman, M.D. understands the importance of physician-patient communication as a key component of patient satisfaction and medication adherence.

By creating a patient education library with Vivacare. Dr. Feldman provides his patients with convenient access to a variety of skin care resources to help them better understand their skin condition and dermatological treatment options.

Because of Dr. Feldman’ expertise in psoriasis, including topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and new psoriasis medications, including Vectical and “biologics”, he has been highlighted on the "Psoriasis-Doctors" Website, a resource for patients and health consumers seeking advice on psoriasis directly from psoriasis experts.

Dr. Steve Feldman is Professor of Pathology (Anatomic Pathology) and Dermatology at Wake Forest Univeristy Baptist Medical Center. Dr. Feldman also serves as Chief Medical Editor of Skin & Aging magazine, a professional publication for dermatologists, and is the founder of DrScore. He is also the author of “Compartments”, a book that explores the unseen world of healthcare.