Category Archives: Psoriasis

Philips scored FDA clearance for its wearable light therapy device for the treatment of psoriasis. The rechargeable device delivers blue LED light to the skin in a drug-free approach that controls the symptoms of mild psoriasis.

Characterized by patches of thick, red inflamed skin covered with scales, psoriasis occurs when skin cells quickly rise to the surface, where they build up before they mature. The chronic disease affects more than 6.7 million adults in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Philips launched the first-generation BlueControl system in Germany, the Netherlands and the U.K. in October 2014. The following year, the company earned a CE mark for the devices follow-up, which was introduced in additional markets, including Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Poland. The FDA has cleared it as a prescription device for home use.

RELATED: MetrioPharm advances psoriasis drug after phase 2 readout

A patient secures the BlueControl device on the affected body part using adjustable straps. The blue light triggers natural processes in the skin that ease the symptoms of psoriasis, which include redness and scaling. Specifically, it slows down the accelerated production of skin cells that results in plaques.

In addition to light therapy, psoriasis is commonly treated with pharmaceuticals. Topical treatments such as ointments or creams containing corticosteroids work well for some patients, but some patients with severe psoriasis may need medications that are taken orally or by injection. These include immune suppressants and drugs that interfere with specific immune system functions that cause the overproduction of skin cells.

RELATED: J&J's Tremfya gets its go-ahead to fight Novartis, Lilly in psoriasis. Can it stand out?

Patients who take immune-suppressing drugs are at higher risk of infection. Using light therapy alone, or in combination with medicationwhich allows a lower dose of eachis an attractive way to reduce thisrisk.

Now, Philips plans to engage with dermatologists and patient support groups in the U.S., with eyes on commercial launch early next year.

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FDA clears Philips' light therapy wearable for mild psoriasis ... - FierceBiotech

U.S. regulators approved a new psoriasis drug from Johnson & Johnson Thursday, giving people with the itchy and painful condition another treatment option.

Johnson & Johnson said that in one patient study, about seven in 10 patients getting the drug, Tremfya, had clear or nearly clear skin after 24 weeks of treatment. That compares with about four in 10 patients receiving rival AbbVie's Humira, which treats several immune disorders and is the world's top selling drug.

Tremfya, which is injected every eight weeks, can cause infections and other serious side effects. Because it suppresses part of the immune system, it can increase the risk of developing tuberculosis and some types of cancer.

The drug, which has the chemical name guselkumab, will cost $9,684 per dose, or about $58,100 per year, without insurance. That's comparable to Humira, which costs about $59,200 a year.

More than 7.5 million Americans are estimated to have psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory condition in which overproduction of skin cells causes raised red lesions called plaques, along with frequent pain, itching and burning sensations. Tremfya was able to both clear up lesions and help relieve those symptoms.

Johnson & Johnson, based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, sells other immune disorder treatment such as Remicade and Stelara for conditions including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Follow Linda A. Johnson at https://twitter.com/LindaJonPharma .

Excerpt from:
FDA OKs new Johnson & Johnson treatment for psoriasis - ABC News

July 13, 2017

The device straps to affected psoriasis areas (ie, arms, legs, elbows, knees) and emits a UV-free blue LED light

The Philips BlueControl wearable light therapy device has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat mild psoriasis.

The device straps to affected psoriasis areas (ie, arms, legs, elbows, knees) and emits a UV-free blue LED light. It is designated a Class II prescription medical device.

A clinical trial (Pfaff S et al. 2015) of 47 individuals with mild psoriasis found significant improvement in change from baseline of Local Psoriasis Severity Index in patients receiving UV-free blue light home treatment.

The Philips BlueControl has been available in Europe since 2015. We are pleased that we can now start marketing this innovative home treatment solution for psoriasis to dermatologists in the U.S. said David Aubert, General Manager of Philips' Light & Health business.

The company indicated that they will start to engage with dermatologists and patient support groups for a planned commercial U.S. launch in early 2018.

For more information visit Philips.com.

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FDA Clears At-Home Light Therapy Device for Psoriasis - Monthly Prescribing Reference (registration)

Believe it or not, the skin disease, psoriasis, affects 7.5M people including Kim Kardashian & maybe you! Dont fret, because we have expert doctor tips on fast treatment options you can try!

The skin disease, psoriasis, affects millions of people, including Kim Kardashian, and you may be one of the 7.5 million people that suffers from it. While it sounds like a seriously scary disease, dont be nervous, because there are many different treatment options you can try to control it and thankfully, it is not contagious. We spoke exclusively to Jennifer C. Cather, MD, with the Modern Dermatology-Aesthetics Center in Dallas, Texas, on what exactly psoriasis is and how you can treat it fast.

Psoriasis affects approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S. alone. It affects both men and women equally and occurs in all racial groups at varying rates. While the disease can begin at any age, it most often develops between ages 20 to 30 and 50 to 60. Its also important to note that up to 30% of people with psoriasis eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, which involves joint inflammation.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition causing increased skin cell growth that may appear on the skin as raised, sometimes red patches covered with a silvery buildup of dead skin cells. What people may not know is that its an inflammatory, systemic disease meaning that it can affect the entire body. Psoriasis is also not contagious.

While both eczema and psoriasis are inflammatory skin diseases that involve skin lesions, which may look similar, the distribution geographically is usually different. Eczema is more on the allergy spectrum so patients oftentimes experience other symptoms such as hay fever, asthma or hives. Eczema does not have associated arthritis tied to it, but for psoriasis, up to 30% of people with the condition may eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, which involves joint inflammation.

There are various options for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. These include over-the-counter lotions and prescription medications such as creams; oral medicines; phototherapy with ultraviolet light; and biologic agents that are given by injection. There are several ways to help manage psoriasis, including treatment as well as lifestyle changes, so people should work closely with their dermatologist to discuss what their options and create a treatment plan that works for them.

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Including Kim Kardashian & Maybe You:Treatment Options - Hollywood Life

What you need to know about the common condition, according to a dermatologist.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects millions of people, Kim Kardashian West being just one of them.

This week the beauty magnate stepped out in Manhattan, and her shin had flared up in a manner typical to the non-contagious condition, as anyone who also suffers would know. (The itchiness? Its real.)

Photo: Getty ImagesSource:BodyAndSoul

But, while psoriasis affects 1.4 million Australians (or, around 2-4 per cent of the population, according to dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook of Darlinghurst Dermatology in Sydney) there is still a great deal of misinformation and misunderstanding among people who dont suffer from it - and even some who do.

First up, according to Dr Cook, psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches on your skin, irregular texture of your nails, and dandruff, and affects both sexes. If you think for the first time in your life you might be dealing with this, book an appointment with your GP who will be able to advise a correct treatment plan, as psoriasis can occur at any life stage to anyone (though it does tend to peak in early adulthood).

Your scalp, knees, elbows, hands, and feet are the most typically affected areas, though as Dr Cook explains it can occur anywhere on your body and as new cells mix with old cells, an accumulation on your skin occurs, which leads to raised red lesions called plaques on the body. Ouch.

According to Dr Cook, the condition has many triggers (genetic, for starters, as a third of people who are diagnosed have a family member who suffers, too) and a host of environmental and lifestyle factors can activate it, too.

Sore throats from a streptococcal infection can unmask a type of psoriasis known as guttate psoriasis, according to Dr Cook, as can trauma to the skin like bad sunburn, as can lifestyle factors smoking, excessive drinking, and being overweight can cause flare-ups, too... and another huge factor is stress, though it can still occur without these triggers at play.

According to Dr Cook, the cold weather can bring on psoriasis more than the heat (which might explain a few things, come to think of it) as winter dries out the skin more. Plus, the sun helps peoples psoriasis as it suppresses the immune system, and given this is an overactive immune disorder, it helps many cases.

And, while it cant be solved with a contour kit (sadly) there are certainly things you can do to keep the symptoms under control, says Dr Cook, like eating well, moisturising, de-stressing with meditation, yoga and quitting smoking, for starters. (All of which is sound advice, we think youll agree.)

Though, as every case (and every body) is different, its best to consult a healthcare professional for the right treatment for you.

Chloe went 2 nights with only 4 hours sleep to see what effect sleep deprivation had on her body and mind.

Link:
What is up with Kim Kardashian West's leg? - Body and Soul

Alisha Bridges (Photo credit: Steed Media Service)

Beautiful and statuesque, you could easily assume Alisha Bridges is a model. She emanates a glow from within that lights up the room, and is the epitome of confidence. When introducing herself, she says with a huge smile: Hi, ImAlisha Bridges. I am a psoriasis patient advocate and I am a blogger for beingmeinmyownskin.com. Bridges graciously took a few moments to speak candidly about her battle with the disease.

How old were you when you were diagnosed with psoriasis? I was first diagnosed at the age of 7 years old. I had chicken pox but my grandmother noticed that the chicken pox scars that you normally get from scratching didnt look normal. They just started to kind of crust over. She took me to a dermatologist who then diagnosed me with psoriasis.

So is this a typical disease for children at that age to contract, or is this out of the ordinary? Its not a typical disease at all. The way that psoriasis works, its something that can be environmental, it can be genetics, it can be an allergic reaction, and for some people living with the disease, they dont know why their bodies start to fight against them. Ill tell you psoriasis is not contagious. Its your immune system that is over reactive and your body believes that you need to create new skin cells, but you really dont need them. For someone who doesnt have psoriasis, their skin replicates in 28 days and then flakes off. For someone living with psoriasis, this process happens in three days and your body is unable to shed the skin and thus it builds on top of the good skin.

What type of treatments have you been on? I have been literally on every type of treatment you can think of for psoriasis. Ive been on topical cream phototherapy pills Ive done biologics, which are injections that you give yourself. Ive literally tried everything on the market for psoriasis trying to clear it. Ive even tried some holistic treatments as well.

What has been the most painful part of having this disease? The different encounters Ive had with people while having this disease. Theres a misconception that psoriasis is contagious. Its a very visible disease, so its not something you can hide. I remember when I was in my early 20s, this guy comes up to me and he literally says, Youre a pretty girl, but you have ugly skin. The hardest thing for me to overcome internally was being able to love myself regardless of the disease, and being able to find self-esteem. To be able to know that Im worthy regardless of living with this disease. Just really accepting myself.

What can we expect from you in the future? Right now, Im currently attending Georgia State University and taking classes to apply for physicians assistant school. I want to help patients living with skin conditions in a greater way and I know that I couldnt do that unless I added some expertise to my belt. Next month in August, I will be volunteering at Camp Discovery, a camp for kids with skin conditions. I volunteered at the camp last year and it was eye opening for me. Camp Discovery is designed for kids with all kinds of skin conditions, not just psoriasis. The Walk to Cure Psoriasis is happening in October. Weve been doing it here in Atlanta for the last three to four years, and so far, weve raised about 100 thousand dollars for people living with psoriasis

Bridges went on to add that until recently, she had never enjoyed some of the simple pleasures that others take for granted, such as wearing shorts, a bathing suit, or even getting a pedicure due to her psoriasis. Now that she is plaque free, she has found the confidence to do things that previously terrified her, such as going pantyhose free for the first time in her life. Her newfound dedication to living her life boldly has even led her to venture into doing stand-up comedy at the Laughing Skull in Atlanta. Bridges admits that she still wrestles daily with her fears that the medication may fail and the disease may come back, however, she has decided to live her best life and is determined to spend her life helping others who are living not only with psoriasis but other skin disordersas well.

You can check out Bridges at http://www.beingmeinmyownskin.com or at @AlishaMBridges on Twitter and Instagram, and Alisha Bridges on Facebook or contact the National Psoriasis Foundation for more information on how you can help.

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Alisha Bridges: Intelligent, beautiful, bold, and living with psoriasis - Rolling Out

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) today published guidance recommending approval

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NICE recommends drugs for plaque psoriasis in young people - The Pharma Letter (registration)

Myth: Psoriasis is a disease that will impact someone for the entire lifetime, there is no cure.

Truth: This is false. Almost psoriasis is a very persistent disease, there are number of treatments that can be used to help combat this ailment. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease in which the bodys immune cells start to attack itself. Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of all adults and is often associated with a poor quality of life and other diseases such as obesity and diabetes hypertension and metabolic syndrome. In this disease, an immune cell called interleukin-23 is hypothesized to play an important role in the bodys inappropriate inflammatory state. This Al is believed to be responsible for inducing and maintaining inflammatory cells. Currently, there are a number of available therapies that can be used to help treat psoriasis. Some of these treatments include antibodies whose purpose is to attack immune cells responsible for the inflammatory response in the body. One example is Ustekinumab, which targets a subunit in interleukin-23. Previous research has shown that this drug is safe, well-tolerated, and effective in treating psoriasis patients.

Recently, a clinical trial compared the efficacy onset, and duration of clinical response between Ustekinumab and another antibody drug, risankizumab. In this study, patients were administered one of the two antibodies and were analyzed for their responses. Although both drugs prove to be effective against arises in more than half of the patients, it was found that Usenkinumab was more effective. As well, it was found that patients who were administered Usenkinumab had both faster and longer benefits in response to this drug, in comparison to riskankizumab. Read more about the effectiveness of different antibody treatments in psoriasis here.

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The Psoriasis Myth - Medical News Bulletin

Paolo Bediones. Facebook.com/paolo.bediones

MANILA - Host Paolo Bediones surprised his social media followers when he admitted that he is suffering from psoriasis.

In a Facebook post on July 5, Bediones said he has been keeping his condition a secret "for more than half my life."

He turned 43 last March.

"I HAVE PSORIASIS. Don't worry, it's a non-communicable skin disorder. It is NOT CONTAGIOUS. It's a painful, chronic disease characterized by incessant itching and scratching. Occasional bleeding and scabbing. Reddening of the skin and flaking. It's not pretty for sure, but I have been hiding it well," he wrote in the post, which has been shared more than 1,000 times as of writing.

Bediones went on to shed light on the plight of his fellow psoriasis patients in the country.

"More than 2 million of my KABALAT in the country suffer the daily plight of flare ups that are mild to severe, that happen during bouts of stress and heat, and sometimes it's caused by the food we eat. Some have even perished from the ordeal.

"Every day we have to mentally prepare ourselves before we go out into the world. Each one of us insecure, knowing someone will notice the discolored patch of skin or the white flakes. Knowing someone would like to ask about it, but feel uncomfortable doing so," he said.

The TV anchor then asked the public to show their support for psoriasis patients and encourage them to seek treatment.

"If you, a family member, or a friend share these symptoms, look up Psor Phil and please see a specialist and learn about the various forms of treatment that exists. If you know anyone with psoriasis, hug them. If you see me on the street, hug me," he ended.

Other celebrities who have opened up about suffering from psoriasis include reality TV star Kim Kardashian and singer Britney Spears.

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Paolo Bediones admits suffering from psoriasis - ABS-CBN News

KDRV

"Scandal" Star Opens Up About Her Experience with Psoriasis KDRV She says right around the time she started the big role, she was diagnosed with psoriasis. The disease causes red, scaly patches on the skin that itch and burn. Not only is it painful, some say it can be embarrassing. Katie Lowes says she dealt with ...

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"Scandal" Star Opens Up About Her Experience with Psoriasis - KDRV