Psoriasis patients live with pain, itchiness, and skin flakiness every day, not to mention stigma of their condition, the cost of treatment, and the difficulties in getting insurance coverage. Psoriasis is not curable, and many people will have it for the rest of their lives. But the good news is that new medications are being developed every day that hold fresh promise for those with psoriasis.

“We forget what life was like without psoriasis. With the advances that we have, for many of our patients we can do better that they currently are if they’re still struggling with this disease,” says dermatologist Joel Gelfand, MD.

Among the highlights in this episode:

1:45 – New medications are easing the burden for many patients

2:34 – “Emotionally, it lifts you.”

3:33 - Life-changing results are not necessarily permanent

4:14 – A comprehensive treatment plan is essential

6:14 – With the advances that we have, we can do better for many patients

6:39 – Psoriasis treatment has drastically changed

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uncomfortable confrontations with strangers. Embarrassment at the gym. Weird stares from cashiers at the grocery store. For psoriasis patients, dealing with the stigma of their disease is a way of life. Many go to great lengths to hide their skin symptoms.

Psoriasis differs from many other “invisible” chronic conditions in that the symptoms can be very obvious to others—and, in turn, stigmatizing for patients. It’s also largely misunderstood. In this episode, we hear what it’s like to live with the stigma of psoriasis day in and day out, and how some are finding ways to overcome it.

Among the highlights in this episode:

1:43 – Psoriasis is on full display at all times

3:45 – Incident at a public pool

4:40 – An experiment with fake tattoos shows how visible psoriasis is

5:30 – The impact of having psoriasis, from the physical symptoms to the coping with other people’s reaction

7:39 – It’s crucial to have an outlet for the frustration

7:58- Patients encouraged to share the fact they psoriasis with close friends and their romantic partner

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Biologic medications are allowing many psoriasis patients to experience clear skin for the first time in years. These complex drugs target the immune system to tamp down the root cause of psoriasis. But there are downsides: biologics can be very expensive, and doctors and patients may have to battle with insurance companies to get them covered. In this episode, host David Brandt speaks with medical professionals and psoriasis patients about the impact of biologics on psoriasis treatment, and what to expect if you’re a patient who is considering these medications.

“We’re at a period of time that’s starting to be called ‘the golden age of psoriasis,’ because we can clear almost anyone, and we can do so in a way that is quite safe,” says dermatologist Mark Lebwohl. 

Among the highlights in this episode:

1:44 – How biologic medications work

2:09 – You can’t get a biologic at the corner pharmacy: The role of specialty pharmacies

2:22 – What it’s like to self-inject a biologic

4:30 – Worth the wait: experiencing the joys of clear skin

5:30 – How safe are biologics?

6:49 – We need to figure out how insurance will pay for these treatments

10:14 – The ‘golden age of psoriasis treatment’

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treatment for psoriasis varies according to its severity, and in this episode we look at the different treatment options. Topical ointments and creams may work well for some patients, while others may respond to light therapy (phototherapy) administered in a dermatologist’s office. But for more severe cases, doctors often advise patients to switch to more targeted medications that address the root cause of psoriasis: an overactive immune system. This can include certain oral pills or injectable biologics. 

So how do you and your doctor figure out the right medication for your psoriasis? There are a lot of factors that go into it. This episode will help you better understand your options so you can have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Among the highlights in this episode:

2:42 – Initial treatment with topical ointments and creams

3:15 – Phototherapy: the second rung on the treatment ladder

3:34 – Oral medications and injectable biologics: the “heavy artillery” for psoriasis treatment, and a potential game-changer

4:35 – Be ready to wait for a biologic medication to kick in

5:25 – Formulating a Plan B with your physician

7:03 – A moving target: psoriasis doesn’t always stay in the same place

8:13 – You are your own best advocate

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s quite common for psoriasis patients to also experience related health conditions like psoriatic arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In this episode, we look at the importance of having a coordinated care team to address all the related conditions – both physical and emotional –  that often accompany psoriasis.

“My rheumatologist does my arthritis, my dermatologist does my skin and everything related to it, and my PCP handles most of my comorbidities,” says psoriasis patient Melissa Withem-Voss from Waukegan, Illinois.

Among the highlights in this episode:

2:40 – The importance of coordinated communication between physicians

3:00 – Trial and error to find the right care team

5:43 – Depression and anxiety are common in people with psoriasis

6:35 – Another key member of the care team: the specialty pharmacist

8:26- Specialty pharmacies can work with patients and providers to help facilitate insurance coverage

10:55 – The uphill battle in getting insurance coverage

Can we end on something uplifting/empowering?

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone with psoriasis has worried at some point about how others will react to the rashes and plaques on their skin. People may be grossed out or wonder if the condition is contagious. In this episode, we hear of some of these embarassing encounters, and learn how psoriasis patients cope with a lack of understanding from others. 

“You’ll hear stories about how a young person with psoriasis has completely stopped dating because they are afraid to experience physical intimacy with anyone because of their plaques,” says dermatologist Ahmad Shatil Amin, MD.

Among the highlights in this episode:

1:38 – Psoriasis patients often experience a sense of shame about their condition

2:35 – A common theme among those with psoriasis: Do anything you can to cover it up

3:10 – The stigma can sometimes lead to dark places

3:50 – When to seek out professional help

7:54 – A silver lining: finding shared support among others with psoriasis

8:16 – Learning to emerge from the shadows

10:05 – Being up front with your doctor about related conditions

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can be overwhelming to learn you have psoriasis — but understanding what it is (and isn’t), how it’s treated, and what to expect along the way can help. In this episode, patients share what they wish they knew after they were diagnosed — and doctors share key things every psoriasis patient should know and do.

“Number one, it’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t ask for this. You have an autoimmune disease,” says Tami Seretti, who was first diagnosed with psoriasis in 1996.

Among the highlights in this episode:

1:50 – Psoriasis is hereditary

2:39 – The three main approaches to treating psoriasis

3:06 – The root cause: an overactive immune system

5:16 – Why did my psoriasis suddenly show up out of nowhere?

8:49 – Psoriasis can be associated with other diseases

11:31- It takes courage and bravery for a patient to find successful treatment 

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.