This knowledge has led to a radical change in the way some cases of psoriasis are treated. Systemic drugs designed to target faulty signals in the immune response are resulting in fewer side effects, and longer remission periods than any treatments before. According to psoriasis expert Dr. David Pariser, professor of dermatology at Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, these drugs, called biologics, are offering new hope to long-time sufferers of the disease. Below, he talks about quality of life issues among those with moderate to severe psoriasis, and treatments past and present.
What causes psoriasis?
One of the exciting new developments in our knowledge about psoriasis is that it is a disorder of immunity. Specifically, it's a disorder of the T-cells, which are a specific blood cell responsible for the development of allergic responses in the skin. In people with psoriasis, the T-cells become overactive and over-responsive.
There are different degrees of this disease. What constitutes moderate to severe psoriasis?
People with moderate psoriasis are affected on more than 10 percent of their body. If someone has psoriasis on their palms and soles and can't walk or use their hands, that would constitute moderate to severe as well. People with severe psoriasis are affected in over 20 percent to 25 percent of their body.
