Health Decoding｜The red rash and scales of psoriasis are harmful to physical and mental health. Biological agents have a rapid effect and quickly reverse the symptoms.
The main symptoms of psoriasis are red rashes and dandruff on the body. For patients, first is, of course, to avoid causing great physical and mental distress. For patients with moderate to severe disease, there are now biologic agents that can focus on inhibiting inflammatory factors. Among them, “interleukin 17 inhibitor” has a faster onset of action, helping to control the disease as early as possible. Some doctors remind patients that in addition to the use of effective medications, adherence to treatment and weight control are also very important to stabilize the condition.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammation of the skin. The patient’s skin metabolism is accelerated, and red rashes and scales appear on the skin. This not only affects the appearance, but also damages the physical and mental condition. Dermatologist Chen Yong points out that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects not only the skin, but also other organs, including the joints and eyes. In the long term, it will increase the risk of diabetes and hypertension, posing serious health risks.
Biological agents inhibit inflammatory factors
This is why it is so important that people with psoriasis receive treatment as soon as possible. However, previous treatments for this condition have had limited effectiveness. For example, patients with mild disease can use topical medications such as steroids, but cannot continue to use highly therapeutic ointments. Patients with relatively severe disease may use drugs that suppress the immune system, Dr. Chen said by suppressing the immune system indiscriminately, it can affect the function and resistance of the liver and kidneys and may not be the most ideal treatment option.
With the advent of biological agents, this therapeutic limitation is gradually overcome. Dr Chen said biologic drugs can specifically inhibit inflammatory factors, have better efficacy and have lower risks of affecting other organs in the body. Therefore, they are safer. About 80% of patients improved their symptoms by more than 90% after receiving injections.
The speed of onset of effect is a consideration for patients
Biologic agents for the treatment of psoriasis include antitumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin 17 (IL-17) and 23 (IL-23). Dr. Chen pointed out that anti-tumor necrosis factor biologic drugs may not be suitable for patients with heart failure and neurological diseases. In contrast, interleukin inhibitors are suitable for patients with different conditions. Doctors will consider the patient’s condition, comorbidity factors and financial ability when formulating treatment plans to select the most appropriate medication.
Dr. Chen pointed out that after a man was infected with COVID-19, his psoriasis relapsed and his skin became covered in red rashes and felt itchy within a short period of time. The man hoped to use fast-acting drugs to control his symptoms. The attending physician evaluated his condition and prescribed a fast-acting interleukin 17 inhibitor biological agent to suppress the inflammation as soon as possible. The condition was finally controlled within a few weeks.
Dr. Chen explained that the interleukin 17 inhibitor has a relatively rapid onset of action and that good results can be achieved about a month after taking the drug. It is relatively suitable for patients who want to improve their appearance and symptoms as soon as possible. However, he reminded patients to follow the doctor’s instructions and take the drugs regularly: “If the drug is stopped suddenly, the symptoms are likely to reappear. Even if treatment is restarted, it may not be easy to achieve the effects of stopping of the drug”. .”
In addition, Dr. Chen also recommended that patients with psoriasis control their weight, because obesity can release more inflammatory factors, making the disease more difficult to control.
Dr. Chen reminds patients that there are several treatment options for psoriasis, each with its own effectiveness and side effects. Patients should discuss with their doctor to choose the treatment option that is best for them.
Dermatologist Chen Yong
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