Daily Archives: January 29, 2021

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues in the body. This reaction leads to swelling and a quicker turnover of skin cells.

With too many cells rising to the surface of skin, the body cant slough them off fast enough. They pile up, forming itchy, red patches.

Psoriasis can develop at any age, but it usually occurs in people between ages 15 and 35 years old. The main symptoms include itchy, red patches of thick skin with silvery scales on the:

Psoriasis can be irritating and stressful. Creams, ointments, medications, and light therapy may help.

However, some research suggests diet might also alleviate symptoms.

So far, research on diet and psoriasis is limited. Still, some small studies have provided clues into how food may affect the disease. As far back as 1969, scientists looked into a potential connection.

Researchers published a study in the journal Archives of Dermatology that showed no link between a low-protein diet and psoriasis flare-ups. More recent studies, however, have found different results.

Some recent research shows that a low-fat, low-calorie diet may reduce the severity of psoriasis.

In a 2013 study published in JAMA Dermatology, researchers gave the people involved in the study a low-energy diet of 800 to 1,000 calories a day for 8 weeks. They then increased it to 1,200 calories a day for another 8 weeks.

The study group not only lost weight, but they also experienced a trend in decreased severity of psoriasis.

Researchers speculated that people who have obesity experience inflammation in the body, making psoriasis worse. Therefore, a diet that increases the chances of weight loss may be helpful.

What about a gluten-free diet? Could it help? According to some studies, it depends on the persons sensitivities. Those with celiac disease or wheat allergies may find relief by avoiding gluten.

A 2001 study found that people with gluten sensitivities on gluten-free diets experienced improvement in psoriasis symptoms. When they returned to their regular diet, the psoriasis worsened.

A 2005 study also found some people with psoriasis had an elevated sensitivity to gluten.

Though fruits and vegetables are an important part of any healthy diet, it may be especially important for patients with psoriasis.

A 1996 study, for instance, found an inverse relationship between an intake of carrots, tomatoes, and fresh fruit and psoriasis. All of these foods are high in healthy antioxidants.

Another study published a few years later found that people with psoriasis had lower blood levels of glutathione.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in garlic, onions, broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, and cauliflower. Scientists speculated that a diet rich in antioxidants may help.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a number of studies have shown that fish oil may improve symptoms of psoriasis.

In a 1989 study, participants were put on a low-fat diet supplemented with fish oil for 4 months. Over half experienced moderate or excellent improvement in symptoms.

A 1993 study showed that men who misused alcohol experienced little to no benefit from psoriasis treatments.

A 1990 study compared men with psoriasis to those without the disease. Men who drank about 43 grams of alcohol a day were more likely to have psoriasis, compared with men who drank only 21 grams a day.

Though we need more research on moderate alcohol consumption, cutting back may help ease psoriasis symptoms.

Current treatments focus on managing the symptoms of psoriasis, which tend to come and go.

Creams and ointments help reduce inflammation and skin cell turnover, reducing the appearance of patches. Light therapy has been found to help reduce flare-ups in some people.

For more severe cases, doctors may use medications that suppress the immune system, or block the action of specific immune cells.

However, medications can have side effects. If youre looking for alternative treatments, some studies show promising results with certain types of diets.

Dermatologists have long recommended that a healthy diet is best for those with psoriasis. That means lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

In addition, maintaining a healthy weight may provide significant relief.

A 2007 study found a strong connection between weight gain and psoriasis. Having a higher waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio were also associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.

Try to eat healthy and keep your weight within a healthy range to help reduce psoriasis flare-ups.

Excerpt from:
Psoriasis Diet: Food Tips to Help Treat Psoriasis

BARCELONA, Jan. 28,2021 /PRNewswire/ --Almirall, S.A. (BME:ALM), a global biopharmaceutical company based in Barcelona,and Happify Health, a leader in digital therapeutics solutions to improve mental and physical health based in New York, will develop a version of its digital platform specifically for people with psoriasis in Spain, UK, Italy and France to be rolled out this year. It is estimated that 20-30% of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression[1]. Happify Health, through evidence-based and clinically validated platforms, delivers mental health solutions targeted to patients with chronic diseases.

The Almirall partnership with Happify Health will focus on a solution called CLARO targeted to addressing the mental health concerns of psoriasis patients. The goal of the CLARO program is to create a solution/service to help psoriasis patients improve their well-being when living with a chronic diseaseproviding a meaningful, dynamic and fun user experience. CLARO will be delivered through the Almirall patient support program.

This new partnership demonstrates Almirall's commitment to deliver digital solutions to patients suffering from psoriasis. "We are so pleased to be joining Happify Health on their mission to improve the lives of patients with chronic conditions. This partnership will allow us to provide patients with psoriasis a solution based on a clinically validated positive psychology platform. We selected Happify as our partner as they have already demonstrated a positive impact on the mental health of patients with chronic conditions, including psoriasis, in published research," saidFrancesca Domenech Wuttke, Chief Digital Officer at Almirall.

"Since mental health events act as stressors that can trigger psoriasis flare ups, Happify is excited to work with a European leader like Almirall in this condition to address the mental and physical health symptoms of these patients," said Chris Wasden, Head of Digital Therapeutics at Happify Health. "Our digital therapeutic solution acts as a complement to Almirall's commitment to psoriasis patients to empower people with psoriasis to live full lives through meaningful behavior change. Together, we can help psoriasis patients, one patient at a time, and at scale."

References

[1]H.L. Richards, D.G. Fortune, C.E. Griffiths, C.J. Main The contribution of perceptions of stigmatisation to disability in patients with psoriasis

J Psychosom Res., 50 (2001), pp. 11-15.

The prevalence of comorbid depression in patients with psoriasis is estimated at between 20% and 30%, and rates as high as 62% have been reported. E.A. Dowlatshahi, M. Wakkee, L.R. Arends, T. NijstenThe prevalence and odds of depressive symptoms and clinical depression in psoriasis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis J Invest Dermatol., 134 (2014), pp. 1542-1551.

M. Esposito, R. Saraceno, A. Giunta, M. Maccarone, S. ChimentiAn Italian study on psoriasis and depression Dermatology., 212 (2006), pp. 123-127.

SOURCE Almirall, S.A.

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Almirall and Happify Health enter into strategic partnership to develop evidence-supported digital therapeutics solutions for psoriasis patients -...

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Jan. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved RINVOQTM (upadacitinib, 15 mg), an oral, once daily selective and reversible JAK inhibitor for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more DMARDs. RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate. RINVOQ is also indicated for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adult patients who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy.1 The EC approval is supported by data from the three pivotal clinical trials SELECT-PsA 1, SELECT-PsA 2 and SELECT-AXIS 1, demonstrating RINVOQ's efficacy across multiple measures of disease activity.* 4-6

"Psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis have a significant impact on many aspects of life for those living with these conditions," saidTom Hudson, MD, senior vice president, R&D, chief scientific officer, AbbVie. "We are proud to provide RINVOQ as a new treatment option to patients with PsA and a first-in-class treatment option to those living with AS. These approvals are important milestones in our commitment to develop a portfolio of solutions that advance standards of care for people living with rheumatic diseases."

"Psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are multi-faceted diseases that can cause severe pain, restricted mobility, and lasting structural damage," said Iain McInnes, Professor of Medicine and Versus Arthritis Professor of Rheumatology at University of Glasgow, UK. "In clinical trials, RINVOQ demonstrated improvements across multiple manifestations of these diseases. The approvals of RINVOQ for the treatment of PsA and AS offer physicians in the European Union an important new therapeutic option and for their patients a new opportunity to find meaningful relief from their debilitating symptoms."

In both Phase 3 clinical trials, SELECT-PsA 1 and SELECT-PsA 2, RINVOQ met the primary endpoint of ACR20 response at week 12 versus placebo in adults with active PsA who had an inadequate response to non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic DMARDs, respectively.4,5RINVOQ also achieved non-inferiority to adalimumab# (40mg, every other week) for ACR 20 at week 12.4Patients receiving RINVOQ experienced greater improvements in physical function (as measured by HAQ-DI at week 12) and skin symptoms (as measured by PASI-75 at week 16), and a greater proportion achieved minimal disease activity (MDA) compared to those receiving placebo at week 24.4,5

RINVOQ also met the primary endpoint of Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 response at week 14 versus placebo in SELECT-AXIS 1, a Phase 2/3 study in adult patients with AS who were nave to biologic DMARDs and had an inadequate response or intolerance to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).6 Additionally,RINVOQ achieved statistical significance across several multiplicity adjusted key secondary endpoints versus placebo, including ASAS partial remission (PR) at week 14 and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 at week 14.6

Safety results from SELECT-PsA 1, SELECT-PsA 2 and SELECT-AXIS 1 have been previously reported and were consistent with those observed in rheumatoid arthritis, with no new significant safety risks identified.3-6 Integrated safety data for SELECT-PsA 1 and SELECT-PsA 2 through week 24 show that Serious Adverse Events occurred in 4.1% of the patients in the RINVOQ 15 mg group compared to 3.7% in the adalimumab group and 2.7% in the placebo group.7,8 The most common adverse events reported with RINVOQ 15 mg were upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, increased blood CPK, ALT increase and AST increase.3-5 In SELECT-AXIS 1, Serious Adverse Events were reported in 1% of the patients in both the RINVOQ 15 mg and placebo group. The most common adverse events reported with RINVOQ 15 mg included blood CPK increase, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, headache and nausea.3,6

The Marketing Authorization means that RINVOQ is approved in all member states of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. RINVOQ is already approved for the treatment ofadults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis.2

About Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Psoriatic arthritis and Ankylosing spondylitis are debilitating diseases that can cause severe pain, restricted mobility and lasting structural damage.9-11 Despite treatment advances, many people with AS and PsA often do not achieve their treatment goals.12,13

Psoriatic arthritis is a heterogeneous, systemic inflammatory disease with hallmark manifestations across multiple domains including skin and joints.14 In psoriatic arthritis, the immune system creates inflammation that can lead to skin lesions associated with psoriasis, pain, fatigue and stiffness in the joints.10,14

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory musculoskeletal disease primarily affecting the spine and characterized by debilitating symptoms of pain, limited mobility and structural damage.16

About SELECT-PsA 12,4

SELECT-PsA 1is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active and placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RINVOQ compared to placebo and adalimumab in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have a history of inadequate response to at least one non-biologic DMARD. Patients were randomized to RINVOQ 15 mg, RINVOQ 30 mg, adalimumab 40 mg EOW or placebo at baseline. At week 24, placebo patients were switched to either RINVOQ 15 mg or RINVOQ 30 mg.

The primary endpoint was the percentage of subjects receiving RINVOQ 15 mg or RINVOQ 30 mg who achieved an ACR20 response at 12 weeks of treatment versus placebo. Key secondary endpoints included change from baseline in HAQ-DI, proportion of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 at week 12, proportion of patients achieving PASI 75 at week 16 and proportion of patients achieving minimal disease activity (MDA) at week 24. These are not all of the secondary endpoints. The trial is ongoing and the long-term extension will provide data on the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of RINVOQ in patients who have completed the placebo-controlled period.

Top-line results from SELECT-PsA 1were previously announced in February 2020. More information on this trial can be found atwww.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT03104400).

About SELECT-PsA 22,5

SELECT-PsA 2is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RINVOQ in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have a history of inadequate response to at least one biologic (bDMARD). Patients were randomized to RINVOQ 15 mg, RINVOQ 30 mg or placebo followed by either RINVOQ 15 mg or RINVOQ 30 mg at week 24.

The primary endpoint was the percentage of subjects achieving an ACR20 response after 12 weeks of treatment. Key secondary endpoints included change from baseline in HAQ-DI, proportion of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 at week 12, proportion of patients achieving PASI 75 at week 16, as well as proportion of patients achieving MDA at week 24. These are not all of the secondary endpoints. The trial is ongoing and the long-term extension will provide data on the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of RINVOQ in patients who have completed the placebo-controlled period.

Top-line results from SELECT-PsA 2were previously announced in October 2019. More information on this trial can be found atwww.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT03104374).

About SELECT-AXIS 12,6

SELECT-AXIS 1is a Phase 2/3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RINVOQ in adult patients with activeankylosing spondylitis who are bDMARD-nave and had inadequate response to at least two NSAIDs or intolerance to/contraindication for NSAIDs.

Key ranked secondary endpoints included proportion of subjects achieving Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 and ASAS partial remission (PR) at week 14, as well as change from baseline in Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Scores (ASDAS), MRI Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium ofCanada(SPARCC) score (spine) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) at week 14. Period 2 is an open-label extension period to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of RINVOQ in subjects who completed Period 1.

Results from SELECT-AXIS 1were previously announced in November 2019. More information on this trial can be found atwww.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT03178487).

About RINVOQ(upadacitinib)

Discovered and developed by AbbVie scientists,RINVOQ is a JAK inhibitor that is being studied in several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.3,17-27 InAugust 2019, RINVOQ received U.S. FDA approval for adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. InDecember 2019, RINVOQ was approved by the European Commission for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The approved dose for RINVOQ in rheumatoid arthritis is 15 mg. Phase 3 trials of RINVOQ in rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis are ongoing.17, 20-27

Important Safety Information about RINVOQ (upadacitinib)1

RINVOQ is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the excipients, in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) or active serious infections, in patients with severe hepatic impairment, and during pregnancy.

Use in combination with other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. The most frequent serious infections reported included pneumonia and cellulitis. Cases of bacterial meningitis have been reported. Among opportunistic infections, TB, multidermatomal herpes zoster, oral/oesophageal candidiasis, and cryptococcosis have been reported with upadacitinib. Prior to initiating upadacitinib, consider the risks and benefits of treatment in patients with chronic or recurrent infection or with a history of a serious or opportunistic infection, in patients who have been exposed to TB or have resided or travelled in areas of endemic TB or endemic mycoses, and in patients with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious or opportunistic infection. As there is a higher incidence of infections in patients 65 years of age, caution should be used when treating this population.

Patients should be screened for TB before starting upadacitinib therapy. Anti-TB therapy should be considered prior to initiation of upadacitinib in patients with previously untreated latent TB or in patients with risk factors for TB infection.

Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes zoster, were reported in clinical studies. Consider interruption of therapy if a patient develops herpes zoster until the episode resolves. Screening for viral hepatitis and monitoring for reactivation should be performed before starting and during therapy with upadacitinib.

The use of live, attenuated vaccines during, or immediately prior to therapy is not recommended. It is recommended that patients be brought up to date with all immunizations, including prophylactic zoster vaccinations, prior to initiating upadacitinib, in agreement with current immunization guidelines.

The risk of malignancies, including lymphoma is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Immunomodulatory medicinal products may increase the risk of malignancies, including lymphoma. The clinical data are currently limited and long-term studies are ongoing. Malignancies, including non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), have been reported in patients treated with upadacitinib. Consider the risks and benefits of upadacitinib treatment prior to initiating therapy in patients with a known malignancy other than a successfully treated NMSC or when considering continuing upadacitinib therapy in patients who develop a malignancy.Periodic skin examination is recommended for patients who are at increased risk for skin cancer.

Absolute neutrophil count <1000 cells/mm3, absolute lymphocyte count <500cells/mm3, or haemoglobin levels <8g/dL were reported in<1% of patients in clinical trials. Treatment should not be initiated, or should be temporarily interrupted, in patients with these haematological abnormalities observed during routine patient management.

RA patients have an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders. Patients treated with upadacitinib should have risk factors (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidaemia) managed as part of usual standard of care.

Upadacitinib treatment was associated with increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The effect of these lipid parameter elevations on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.

Treatment with upadacitinib was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo. If increases in ALT or AST are observed during routine patient management and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted until this diagnosis is excluded.

Events of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib. Upadacitinib should be used with caution in patients at high risk for DVT/PE. Risk factors that should be considered in determining the patient's risk for DVT/PE include older age, obesity, a medical history of DVT/PE, patients undergoing major surgery, and prolonged immobilisation. If clinical features of DVT/PE occur, upadacitinib treatment should be discontinued and patients should be evaluated promptly, followed by appropriate treatment.

The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, nausea, blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased and cough. The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections.

Psoriatic arthritis: Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with active psoriatic arthritis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was consistent with the safety profile observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A higher incidence of acne and bronchitis was observed in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg (1.3% and 3.9%, respectively) compared to placebo (0.3% and 2.7%, respectively). A higher rate of serious infections (2.6 events per 100 patientyears and 1.3 events per 100 patientyears, respectively) and hepatic transaminase elevations (ALT elevations Grade 3 and higher rates 1.4% and 0.4%, respectively) was observed in patients treated with upadacitinib in combination with MTX therapy compared to patients treated with monotherapy. There was a higher rate of serious infections in patients 65 years of age, although data are limited.

Ankylosing spondylitis: Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was consistent with the safety profile observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. No new safety findings were identified.

Please see the full SmPC for complete prescribing information atwww.EMA.europa.eu.

Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

About AbbVie in Rheumatology

For more than 20 years, AbbVie has been dedicated to improving care for people living with rheumatic diseases. Our longstanding commitment to discovering and delivering transformative therapies is underscored by our pursuit of cutting-edge science that improves our understanding of promising new pathways and targets in order to help more people living with rheumatic diseases reach their treatment goals. For more information on AbbVie in rheumatology, visit https://www.abbvie.com/our-science/therapeutic-focus-areas/immunology/immunology-focus-areas/rheumatology.html.

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at http://www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTubeand LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AbbVie's operations, results and financial results, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, failure to realize the expected benefits of the Allergan acquisition, failure to promptly and effectively integrate Allergan's businesses, significant transaction costs and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities, potential litigation associated with the Allergan acquisition, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, and changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

* Key domains include: Patient's global assessment of disease activity; Pain; Function; Inflammation# Superiority for RINVOQ 15 mg to adalimumab could not be demonstratedIn patients with 3% BSA psoriasis at baseline

References

SOURCE AbbVie

abbvie.com

Continued here:
European Commission Approves AbbVie's RINVOQ (Upadacitinib) for the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis - PRNewswire

Just like the rest of the world, Im excited about the rollout of the new COVID-19 vaccines. When I saw news footage of the first hospital workers getting their immunizations, a sense of relief washed over me. Help is on the way.

The pandemic has upended my life and disrupted my family; my most recent disappointment was not being able to visit my mom in Southern California for her eightieth birthday. With a vaccine I envision being able to see my parents sooner rather than later. My daughter should be able to return to the University of California in Riverside, which announced plans to hold in-person instruction in the fall.

At the same time, Ive wondered if the vaccines are safe for me, a person living with psoriasis taking an immune-modulating biologic, Skyrizi.

Im encouraged that my dermatologist and two national psoriasis organizations agree that its safe for me to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

At my December teledermatology appointment my doctor advised me to get a vaccine when it becomes available to me. She assured me that the new mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna are not live vaccines (that is, the kind made with weakened forms of the coronavirus), which can be an issue for people who take biologics.

In fact, she said there is nothing that would stop me from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, including having psoriasis or taking a biologic.

I asked if my psoriasis put me into a high-priority group that would go to the front of the line for COVID-19 vaccination. She replied it did not, based on the current rollout priorities in our community. People with psoriasis have not been shown to be at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 or having greater complications if infected.

Her recommendation aligned with what I read from the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) and the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).

The IPC posted a statement on COVID-19 vaccines and psoriasis, acknowledging that Many people with psoriasis have raised concerns about potential adverse effects of vaccines on their skin disease. In response to those concerns the IPC lists six practical considerations, including that there is no evidence that vaccines affect psoriasis onset or severity.

The NPFs COVID-19 Task Force also issued a statement on COVID-19 vaccines. Joel Gelfand, MD, professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and cochair of the NPF COVID-19 Task Force, stated, The new mRNA vaccines are an astonishingly 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 and are extremely safe. We recommend that patients with psoriatic disease get the vaccine as soon as it is available to them.

Dr. Gelfand also confirmed what my doctor told me about taking the vaccine while being treated with a biologic: Patients may continue their oral or biologic psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis treatment without interruption when receiving these immunizations.

RELATED: How Im Managing My Psoriasis in the Shadow of the Coronavirus

An effective and safe vaccine represents so much more to me than not getting sick with COVID-19. While Ive tried to stay strong and appear unaffected, my excitement at the arrival of the vaccines revealed just how much this crisis has worn on me. I see the vaccine as the beginning of the end to the pandemic.

Of course, I wish that I could immediately go back to life the way it was before the pandemic, but it will take time. Im still not sure when I will be able to get my shot. While initial vaccine shipments have arrived, vaccinations in my county are rolling out more slowly due to limited dose availability. County officials are urging patience, which is something that I know I will continue to need in high supply.

Even after I get vaccinated, theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)says that I will still need to follow its safety recommendations including wearing masks, maintaining physical distance of six feet from others, and washing hands.

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two doses spaced three to four weeks apart and take time to build immunity. Until researchers have a clearer understanding of whether its possible for people who are vaccinated to pass the virus to others, I want to stay vigilant in following safety protocols. It will take months for enough people to be vaccinated to halt the spread of the virus.

RELATED: What You Need to Know About the COVID Vaccine

Still, I look forward to a time when the pandemic is not dominating my thoughts and life.

My emotional health would no doubt improve with a COVID-19 vaccine. Viral infections, especially those accompanied by a fever, trigger my psoriasis to flare severely.

My great fear with COVID-19 is not death, but having it greatly worsen my current health conditions. While I cant be certain I wont get a sore arm, a headache, or another common vaccine side effect as outlined by the CDC, I feel its still better than getting COVID-19.

The potential benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine make me optimistic that we will all emerge from the shadow of the coronavirus.

You can read more about my experiences in my blogfor Everyday Health and on my website.

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Psoriasis and COVID Vaccine Safety - Everyday Health