October 29, 2020 |  written by IVX Health

Living Well with Psoriasis


October 29th is World Psoriasis Day — an annual day dedicated to raising awareness for the people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In the US alone, it’s estimated that over 8 million people live with psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This multiplication makes the skin build up into bumpy, red patches covered with white scales. While these patches, commonly referred to as plaques, can grow anywhere, they most frequently are seen on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, affecting roughly 80 percent of those with psoriasis according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type, person, and where the patches are located, but typically include:

  • Inflamed, red patches of skin
  • Itching, burning, and soreness
  • White scales or plaques on inflamed areas
  • Dry skin that can bleed and crack
  • Aching and swollen joints

How are psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis related?

Psoriatic arthritis is commonly considered a comorbidity of psoriasis — inflammation plays a significant role in both conditions. Psoriasis affects the skin with its plaques, while the arthritis part is categorized by joint swelling that causes intense pain. It is estimated that roughly a third of people with mild, moderate or severe psoriasis will additionally experience psoriatic arthritis.

Are there any environmental triggers for psoriasis?

As the weather shifts to cooler temperatures, you may wonder how that can impact psoriasis symptoms. While triggers vary entirely from case to case and person to person, they typically can range from environmental conditions to lifestyle choices.

The most common psoriasis triggers include:

  • Cold or dry temperatures
  • Skin injuries such as a cut or sunburn
  • Excessive alcohol use or smoking
  • Existing autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
  • Infections that may weaken the body’s immune system
  • Medications such as beta-blockers, lithium, and antimalarials
  • High levels of stress

As with any complex chronic condition, finding the right balance of information, community, and support – whether connecting is virtual or in-person — is crucial to living well. We particularly love Healthline’s roundup of The Best Psoriasis Blogs of 2020 to provide motivation and encouragement from others living with psoriasis.

Biologic Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Ilumya

Ilumya is a biologic injection used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Ilumya works to restore the order of the immune system by blocking a specific molecule shown to make psoriasis symptoms worsen. After two initial doses, Iluyma is administered in four doses over the course of a year.

Stelara IV

Stelara IV is a biologic infusion therapy shown to positively treat patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Stelara IV treatments target proteins connected to plaque psoriasis, joint, and skin inflammation to help reduce psoriasis symptoms.

Remicade

Remicade, or infliximab, is a biologic infusion therapy used to treat psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. Doctors can prescribe Remicade to a wide range of people, including pediatric patients to the elderly. A typical Remicade infusion process takes around two to three hours and can be administered roughly every six to eight weeks.

Renflexis

Renflexis, the biosimilar to Remicade, is an infusion therapy meant to treat cases of psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. Renflexis works by blocking the actions of inflammation-inducing proteins in psoriasis patients. Renflexis infusions are administered in three starting doses in the first six weeks. Patients can then expect to receive one dose roughly every six to eight weeks.

Inflectra

Inflectra, also the biosimilar to Remicade, is an infusion therapy shown to treat psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. Inflectra works by targeting the inflammation-causing proteins in your body to help reduce psoriasis flare-ups. A typical Infectra infusion takes approximately two hours to administer.

Psoriasis Treatment at IVX Health

If your psoriasis treatment regimen includes any of the above biologic infusion or injection therapies, consider IVX Health for your care.  We offer appointments that fit your schedule (days, evenings and weekends) in comfortable private suites so you can enjoy your time while receiving treatment. If you’re ready to experience how we are redefining care for patients with chronic conditions, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our many convenient locations.

Treatment at IVX Health

If biologics like Remicade, Actemra or Orencia  are a part of your chronic illness treatment plan, then consider choosing IVX Health for your ongoing care needs. IVX Health makes it possible to receive your therapy in a comfortable, convenient, and private environment.

With a private suite for every patient, you can watch your favorite Netflix show or movie on the big screen TV in each room, use a laptop or other mobile device to surf the web, or simply hang out with family and friends. We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.

At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.