Understanding Psoriasis: Myths and Truths
Myth: Psoriasis is a Lifelong Disease Without a Cure
The belief that psoriasis is a permanent condition with no possibility of cure is inaccurate.
Truth: Psoriasis is Manageable
Psoriasis is classified as an inflammatory skin disease that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin cells. This condition affects approximately 2% of adults and can significantly diminish quality of life, often coexisting with other health issues such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome.
Treatment Options Available
While psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, various treatment options exist. These treatments often include biologic therapies that target the immune cells responsible for inflammation. One notable example is ustekinumab, which specifically targets a subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23). Research indicates that ustekinumab is both safe and effective for psoriasis patients.
Recent Clinical Trials
A recent clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness, onset, and duration of clinical response of ustekinumab compared to another antibody drug, risankizumab. Participants in the study received either of the two treatments and were monitored for their responses.
Findings of the Study
The results revealed that while both medications were effective for more than half of the patients, ustekinumab demonstrated superior efficacy. Additionally, patients receiving ustekinumab experienced quicker and longer-lasting benefits compared to those treated with risankizumab.
Further Reading
For more information on the effectiveness of various antibody treatments for psoriasis, refer to the following study:
Papp KA, Blauvelt A, Bukhalo M, et al. Risankizumab versus ustekinumab for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;376(16):1551-1560. doi:10.1056/nejmoa1607017.