Alumis TYK2 Blocker Clears Phase II in Plaque Psoriasis on Heels of Series C – BioSpace

Pictured: Woman scratching psoriatic lesions on her elbow/iStock, helivideo

Alumis on Saturday posted promising data from the Phase II STRIDE study demonstrating that its investigational TYK2 inhibitor ESK-001 can significantly reduce the severity of lesions in patients with moderate-to severe plaque psoriasis.

The results, presented during a late-breaking session at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, showed that all dose levels and schedules of ESK-001 resulted in a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving a 75% improvement on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Score (PASI), which is a widely used tool to evaluate the severity of psoriasis.

At week 12, 64.1% of patients treated with a 40-mg, twice-daily regimen achieved the endpoint, also known as PASI-75. Meanwhile, 56.4% of those assigned to the 20-mg, twice-daily and 40-mg, once-daily schedules met the same outcome. These data were all significantly higher than in the placebo group, in which no participant achieved PASI-75.

Even the lowest dosing regimen of 10-mg, once-daily ESK-001 elicited a significantly higher rate of PASI-75 than placebo.

Alumis CMO Jrn Drappa in a statement said that these data support the potential for a best-in-class profile for ESK-001 in psoriasis, pointing to patients who demonstrated a high degree of clinical improvement at week 12 that continued to increase over time.

The biotech is now preparing to take ESK-001 into Phase III trials, with an eye toward launching the drug as an oral therapy with a better efficacy profile than current treatments on the market, Alumis CEO Martin Babler said in a statement. The company will also advance the candidate in other immune-mediated indications.

ESK-001 is a highly selective allosteric inhibitor of the TYK2 protein. The oral drug candidate works by dampening signaling through the IL-12, IL-13 and interferon- receptors, tempering the bodys immune and inflammatory responses.

In STRIDE, this mechanism of action also helped ESK-001 meet key secondary endpoints. At the highest dosing schedule40-mg twice-daily38.5% of treated participants achieved PASI-90, while 15.4% reached PASI-100, indicating a 100% improvement in PASI scores.

In terms of safety, ESK-001 was overall well-tolerated, inducing no treatment-related serious adverse events. Study dropouts due to side effects were low and the study did not find signs of toxicities associated with JAK inhibition.

STRIDEs open-label extension phase, which followed patients up to 16 weeks, likewise showed that PASI endpoint responses increased even further and that ESK-001 continued to be well-tolerated.

Saturdays readout comes days after Alumis closed its $259 million Series C funding round to help bring ESK-001 into late-stage development. The candidate will help it compete with Bristol Myers Squibb, which owns the TYK2 inhibitor Sotyktu that won the FDAs approval in September 2022 for the treatment of moderate-to-sever plaque psoriasis.

Tristan Manalac is an independent science writer based in Metro Manila, Philippines. Reach out to him on LinkedIn or email him at tristan@tristanmanalac.com or tristan.manalac@biospace.com.

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Alumis TYK2 Blocker Clears Phase II in Plaque Psoriasis on Heels of Series C - BioSpace

Communicating With Patients With Psoriasis With Skin of Color – MD Magazine

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Linda Stein Gold, MD; Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD; and Seemal Desai, MD.

In this conversation, the participants discuss the complexities of treating patients with skin of color who have psoriasis, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to care. They explore the cultural sensitivities surrounding skin conditions, acknowledging the stigma and isolation that patients may experience, particularly in cultures valuing fair skin.

The importance of recognizing and addressing cultural concerns during patient encounters is highlighted, with a focus on leaving biases behind and creating a judgment-free environment. The participants stress the significance of building trust and understanding individual patient needs and expectations.

Practical strategies for initiating conversations about cultural implications and treatment preferences are discussed, emphasizing the importance of active listening and collaboration in the decision-making process. Building a strong patient-provider relationship is seen as crucial for improving treatment adherence and overall patient outcomes.

Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of patient-centered care and the ongoing effort to break down barriers that may exist within the healthcare system, with the goal of providing personalized and effective treatment for all patients.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.

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Communicating With Patients With Psoriasis With Skin of Color - MD Magazine

Frontline Forum Part 2: Challenges and Opportunities to Enhance Psoriasis Management – Dermatology Times

Before reading, review part 1 here.

The panel delved into the specific needs of patients with melanin-rich skin and provided valuable insights into optimizing psoriasis care for this patient population. They noted that some patients have expressed distrust in the health care system or experience with clinical trials and may prefer topical treatments oversystemic agents.

When it comes to putting [patients with skin of color] on a systemic agent, a lot of them have distrust in the health care system or experience with clinical trials. They dont always want to go on a systemic [treatment], Shahriari said. Theyd rather go on a topical [treatment], and [with] our older-generation special topical corticosteroids, a big concern was hypopigmentation or other pigmentary alterations. In the scalp, the formulations we had werent ideal for tightlycoiled hairs.

The panel also discussed the potential risk of hypopigmentation and other pigmentary alterations with older topical corticosteroids and the need for newer formulations. We want to simplify the treatment regimen. We want to pay attention to skin of color and the hypopigmentation that can come from topical steroids, Stein Gold explained. We want to do a more holistic treatment for the patients [with] psoriasis where we can treat short term as well as a long term. It doesnt mean we wont use combination therapy with these new topicals, combination with topical steroids or systemic agents, but I think theyre [an] important addition to the treatment arm inthis area.

The panelists highlighted the significance of tailored treatment approaches for patients with melanin-rich skin, with Kircik noting, When you look at the statistics, theres so much discordance between the perception of the disease by the provider vs the patient and it doesnt match. This insight underscores the need for health care providers to understand and address the unique experiences and perceptions of psoriasis in patients with melanin-rich skin.

Stein Gold, Shahriari, and Cameron explored emerging oral treatments for the management of plaque psoriasis, emphasizing the novelty of TYK2 inhibition. They discussed the unique POETYK PSO-LTE (NCT04036435) trial design, stressing the importance of the inclusion of an active control arm. Shahriari explained the significance of trials for deucravacitinib (Sotyktu; Bristol Myers Squibb), stating, We had our POETYK PSO trials, which were the pivotal trials for deucravacitinib. And apremilast, our other oral agent on the market, was theactive comparator.

The POETYK PSO-LTE clinical trial assessed the 3-year results of deucravacitinib treatment in adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The trial included 1519 patients who received at least1 dose of deucravacitinib acrossmultiple phases.1

Shahriari provided an overview of the evolution of treatments for plaque psoriasis, stating, After the 2000s, we decided to become more targeted and specific in our treatments for plaque psoriasis, and thats when the era of the biologics started. The panel shared insights into the pivotal role of biologic agents in the shift toward more targeted and specific treatments forplaque psoriasis.

Han discussed diversity within the IL-17 family of biologic agents, stating, Whats interesting to me is that in the IL-17 family, we have so much diversity now: IL-17A inhibitors and IL-17 receptor blockers, a dual IL-17A and IL-17F. This emphasizes the diversity and ongoing development within the IL-17 family of biologic agents, reflecting the evolving landscape ofbiologic treatments.

The panel also discussed the considerations for choosing between biologic and small-molecule treatments and treatment duration. Han also mentioned, I think it makes sense. One of the things that Leon [Kircik] said, to your point of why not just put them on a biologic, with a small-molecule [treatment], you dont have to worry about the half-life, about how long they keep it on board, about developingantidrug antibodies.

Kircik emphasized the importance of topical treatments in combination with systemic therapies and said, I always say that topical treatment is the foundation of dermatologic treatment. No matter what, we have biologics, we have oral treatments, we still use topical treatment for those patients. And we use combination treatment, right? Regardless of what we are doing...oral, systemic, light treatments, I always add topicals. I use biologics in combination with topicals; systemics-topicals; and lighttreatment- topicals.

Reference

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Frontline Forum Part 2: Challenges and Opportunities to Enhance Psoriasis Management - Dermatology Times

Health Conditions Linked to Psoriasis: Heart Disease & More – ADDitude magazine

Not available March 19? Dont worry. Register now and well send you the replay link to watch at your convenience.

Learn about psoriasis and other health conditions, or comorbidities, often linked to it in this webinar hosted by WebMD. Nehal N. Mehta, M.D., will explain how these conditions are related to inflammation, which can affect different parts of your body. Hell discuss how treating your psoriasis, and following specific prevention steps, can help protect you from developing other health issues when you live with psoriasis.

In this WebMD webinar, you will learn about:

Have a question for the expert? There will be an opportunity to post questions for the presenter during the live webinar.

Click here to view the full list of on-demand and upcoming WebMD webinars.

Nehal Mehta, M.D., a renowned expert and researcher on psoriasis and related conditions, is a clinical professor of medicine at George Washington University and adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He was founding chief of Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and served as principal Investigator of the largest cohort study examining psoriasis impacts on cardiometabolic diseases from 2012 to 2022. Hes a board member of the American Society of Preventive Cardiology and an elected member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation. Hes the inaugural recipient of the Lasker Clinical Scholar Award. He received lifetime achievement awards for his work in the psoriasis community from two international foundations in 2021 and 2023.

Follow ADDitudes full ADHD Experts Podcast in your podcasts app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play | Amazon Music | RadioPublic | Pocket Casts | iHeartRADIO | Audacy

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Health Conditions Linked to Psoriasis: Heart Disease & More - ADDitude magazine

Sharing Innovations in Psoriasis Biologics and Uplifting Women in Dermatology – Dermatology Times

I'm going to walk the team through the head-to-head clinical trial data, but also the real-world data because the reality is a drug may perform beautifully in a controlled clinical trial setting, but the real world is messy, so that drug may not perform in the same way. I'm going to guide the attendees on which drugs offer the best durability of response over time. Spoiler alert: the IL-23's have really held up not only from an efficacy standpoint, but also from a safety standpoint over time, said Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD, in an interview with Dermatology Times at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.

Shahriari, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at CCD Research in Connecticut, presented pearls from her AAD session, Comparative Efficacy and Relative Ranking of Psoriasis Biologics Using Real-world and Clinical Trial Data. Shahriari reviewed the efficacy of various biologics and systemics for psoriasis in both clinical trials and real-world examples. Shahriari also reviewed the efficacy of biosimilars and their success.

At AAD, Shahriari also participated in a panel during Bristol Myers Squibbs Women Connection Forum. Shahriari spoke alongside Latanya Benjamin, MD, FAAD, FAAP; Alexandra Golant, MD, FAAD; and Jenny Murase, MD, FAAD, to share their personal and professional journeys, as well as advice for women in dermatology.

If there's something that you want, it's okay to ask. I think a lot of times as women, we assume that certain opportunities are given to us based on our credentials, people look at our CV, people look at everything that we've done. But that's not always the case. Sometimes people don't even know that you're interested in activity. I learned that if there was something I was interested in, if I just asked and said, Hey, I just want to throw my name in the hat for XYZ opportunity that's coming up, they've actually looked at me more carefully, and I've been able to partake in that opportunity, said Shahriari when sharing her advice for women wanting to advance in dermatology.

Transcript

Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD: Hi, my name is Mona Shahriari. I'm an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University and the associate director of clinical trials at CCD research.

Dermatology Times: What pearls are you sharing during your session, "Comparative efficacy and relative ranking of psoriasis biologics using real-world and clinical data?"

Shahriari: At this year's American Academy of Dermatology meeting, I'm going to be doing a talk that looks at the comparative effectiveness of different biologics and systemics for plaque psoriasis, not only in clinical trial data, but also in real-world data, because we have a busy toolbox of medications. And sometimes, it's tough to know which drug do I reach for first, and if that fails, which drug do I reach for a second? I'm going to really walk the team through the head-to-head clinical trial data, but also the real-world data, because the reality is a drug may perform beautifully in a controlled clinical trial setting, but the real world is messy, so that drug may not perform in the same way. I'm going to guide the attendees on which drugs offer the best durability of response over time. Spoiler alert the IL-23's have really held up not only from an efficacy standpoint, but from a safety standpoint over time. And interestingly, some of our biosimilars have proven to be just as good as our originator drugs. So,we'll walk through the nitty gritty of those details.

Dermatology Times: What other topics or sessions are you looking forward to at AAD?

Shahriari: Well, I have to say the late breaker session is always my absolute favorite. I make sure not to miss that because being on the cutting edge of clinical trials and dermatology research, I want to make sure I'm offering my patients the most innovative treatment for their skin disease. So that is a session I do not miss because I want to make sure I know what the rest of 2024 is going to look like. But also, the JAK Inhibitors: A New Frontier, that was a new session that hit the space last year, heavily attended, and JAK inhibitors are revolutionizing how we treat so many different diseases within dermatology. I really want to see what else is out there on the horizon, and how we can bring this amazing therapy to our patients.

Dermatology Times: What is the significance of the Bristol Myers Squibb Women's Forum Panel that you participated in?

Shahriari: Well, I really think this is a landmark connection form that they put together, because the reality is as women not only in dermatology, but also as career women out there, there are definitely some disparities that go on, whether it's related to pay, whether it's related to promotion, or really just getting your name out there and exposure. And really, the purpose of this woman's connection forum is to not only help us gain connections with other women leaders within the field, and have those friendships develop and networking opportunities develop, but also to hear about the struggles of other women. Sometimes when you normalize it, and you have somebody who you look up to tell you, "You know what, I went through the same challenges. And this is how I overcame them." It can really help you feel closer to those individuals. But also, you realize everybody's human, everyone's going to face challenges, and what can you do to overcome those challenges and not let them get you down?

Dermatology Times: What advice do you have for other women in dermatology?

Shahriari: I really think the 2 main pieces of advice I have is to find a good mentorship network. And I'm calling it a network and not a mentor because in different stages of your life and different aspects of your career, you're going to need different people. And that mentor might be a female, that mentor might be a male. You want to find different individuals to include in that network of yours so you'll have individuals to go through. But also, one other piece of advice I have is if there's something that you want, it's okay to ask. I think a lot of times as women, we assume that certain opportunities are given to us based on our credentials, people look at our CV, people look at everything that we've done. But that's not always the case. Sometimes people don't even know that you're interested in an activity. And I really learned that if there was something I was interested in, if I just asked and said, "Hey, I just want to throw my name in the hat for XYZ opportunity that's coming up, "they've actually looked at me more carefully, and I've been able to partake in that opportunity. So that was one of the simplest pieces of advice I got once upon a time. And it's really done well for me.

Dermatology Times: What positive changes have you seen in dermatology?

Shahriari: I think one thing I've noticed is historically, as a specialty, we used to prescribe a lot of topical agents for our patients. But we've had an explosion of oral and injectable medications for the treatment of various diseases. And I've been really pleased to find a lot of my colleagues jumping on the bandwagon to offer patients some of these newer therapies because sometimes as dermatologists we do want to see more safety data, we do want to see more efficacy data. But I think the value of these newer generation medications, not only from an efficacy standpoint, but also from a safety standpoint is becoming more evident. So, to see my colleagues jump on the bandwagon and offer these to the patients is really going to make a difference for our patients for years and years to come.

One other piece that I've seen is there's been a lot of emphasis on diversity within clinical trials and really allowing for our patients with skin of color to be at the forefront of many activities that we do within dermatology. Because the reality is that historically a lot of our patients with skin of color, they were not in our clinical trials. And when these individuals went to dermatology offices, they were either not getting appropriate treatment, or they were being undertreated. misdiagnosed. And many of my contemporaries and colleagues just didn't feel comfortable caring for these individuals, but as the population of the United States diversifies, and those people who are a minority today become more of the majority, I love that within dermatology, we are prioritizing the needs of these individuals so that we can take care of all of our patients across all skin tones moving forward.

[Transcript lightly edited for space and clarity.]

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Sharing Innovations in Psoriasis Biologics and Uplifting Women in Dermatology - Dermatology Times

Frontline Forum Part 1: Challenges and Opportunities to Enhance Psoriasis Management – Dermatology Times

As the understanding of psoriasis continues to evolve, the imperative of personalized care has gained prominence, reshaping the traditional paradigms of treatment. In the recentDermatology Timescustom video series Advancements in Psoriasis Care: Navigating Emerging Therapies and Guidelines, experts in the management of skin conditions discussed the latest developments in plaque psoriasis management. The panel discussion included Linda Stein Gold, MD, of Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan; Mona Shahriari, MD, of Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut; Michael Cameron, MD, of Cameron Dermatology in New York, New York; Leon Kircik, MD, of Derm Research, PLLC, in Louisville, Kentucky; and George Han, MD, of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The conversation shed light on the evolving paradigms, evidence-based approaches, and need for individualized care in managing thiscondition (Table).

Stein Gold emphasized the challenges posed by complex treatment regimens and said, The use of complex regimens with multiple topical agents can lead to lower adherence and less effective treatment. This sentiment underscores the critical need to streamline treatment approaches to enhance patient adherence and optimize treatment outcomes.

The panelists also highlighted the impact of treatment complexity on patient adherence, with Cameron noting, The more complex the regimen is, the lower the adherence, which means were less effectively [managing] the disease. This insight underscores the direct correlation between treatment complexity and patient adherence, emphasizing the need for streamlined andpatient-friendly regimens.

Furthermore, Shahriari said, Its really a matter of simplifying the treatment regimen. This sentiment underscores the need to reevaluate treatment approaches and streamline regimens to enhance patient adherence andtreatment efficacy.

In the realm of psoriasis management, the emergence of steroid phobia and evolving patient preferences has sparked critical discussions among health care professionals. Kircik highlighted the growing trend of steroid phobia among patients, stating, There is now this trend that nobody wants to be on steroids. This observation underscores the shifting attitudes toward steroid-based treatments and the impact on patient-provider discussions regarding treatment options.

The panelists also addressed the concerns surrounding patient preferences for nonsteroidal treatment options, with Stein Gold emphasizing the need to consider alternative therapies, stating, I think of steroids as a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Its really a Band-Aid. This sentiment underscores the evolving perspectives on steroid-based treatments and the need to explore nonsteroidal alternatives to address patient preferences and concerns. Additionally, Cameron provided insights into the prevalence of steroid phobia, saying, I find that [for] most of my patients, whether they [have] mild, moderate, or severe [disease], I dont want them using steroidslong term.

Psoriasis management guidelines serve as a critical resource, providing evidence-based recommendations for the management of psoriasis. Stein Gold addressed the limitations of current treatment guidelines and said, The problem is the guidelines are not for psoriasis. Theyre being done for atopic dermatitis right now. This observation sparked a conversation about the need for updated and comprehensive guidelines that align with the evolving landscape ofpsoriasis management.

The panelists also addressed the implications of treatment guidelines on patient care, with Kircik emphasizing the need for individualized treatment approaches, stating, We are looking for new topicals that are steroid freeor nonsteroidal.

Shahriari expressed the importance of defining disease severity in treatment guidelines and noted, I think we need to talk more about the definitions of mild, moderate, [and] severe psoriasis. This perspective highlights the need for clear and comprehensive definitions of disease severity to guide treatment approaches and optimize patient outcomes.

The panel noted that guidelines are often used against providers by attorneys and insurance companies and can be prescriptive rather than informative. The entire panel agreed that guidelines should be based on a review of the literature and provide a comprehensive overview of available treatments rather thanspecific recommendations.

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Frontline Forum Part 1: Challenges and Opportunities to Enhance Psoriasis Management - Dermatology Times

A Patient-Centric Medcast on The Journey Through Moderate Plaque Psoriasis – MD Magazine

00:00 Introductions

02:10 The impact of plaque psoriasis

07:48 Absence of treatment or under treatment of plaque psoriasis

12:50 Prescribing novel systemic medications in plaque psoriasis as an advanced practice provider

15:46 Classifying moderate disease in plaque psoriasis

19:43 Getting payer approval for your patients with plaque psoriasis

23:18 Novel oral systemic treatments for plaque psoriasis

25:03 Pivotal clinical trial data on deucravacitinib

27:58 Deciding on aprimilast versus deucravacitinib for your patients with plaque psoriasis

31:53 Mechanism of action of deucravacitinib

38:13 Selecting a therapy in the evolving treatment landscape for your patient with plaque psoriasis

43:08 Educating your patients on injectables and orals systemic treatments

46:58 Summary

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A Patient-Centric Medcast on The Journey Through Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - MD Magazine

Evolution and Innovation in Treating Psoriasis in Pediatric Patients – Dermatology Times

When we talk about evolution in treatment for psoriasis, we have come a long way, April W. Armstrong, MD, MPH, told attendees at the Society for Pediatric Dermatology Pre-AAD Meeting.1

April W. Armstrong, MD, MPH

Armstrong, Chief of the Division of Dermatology at the UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine, added that through this evolution we are looking for treatments that are effective, convenient and safe. Not too long ago, arsenic was used to treat psoriasis,2 she told attendees. Yes, it killed psoriasis but also killed a lot of other things.

Fortunately, she shared there are now options that are meet the 3 important criteria: safe, effective, and even convenient. For instance, biologics have emerged as a good option for treating psoriasis, especially in adults, Armstrong explained. In general, there are a number of factors she considers when choosing among the biologics, which when grouped include tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (ie, etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab), interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors (ie, ixekizumab, secukinumab, brodalumab, bimekizumab), and IL-23 inhibitors (ie, guselkumab, risankizumab, tildrakizumab, ustekinumab [a IL12/23 inhibitor]).

The IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors are a good choice for robust psoriasis efficacy. In addition, guselkumab, risankizumab, ustekinumab have been shown to be effective for psoriatic arthritis, while IL-17 inhibitors have been shown to be effective for peripheral and axial psoriatic arthritis. There is evolving evidence for the use of IL-23 inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis of the spine. She cautioned that IL-17 inhibitors should be avoided in patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease and can be associated with increased risk of oral candidiasis.

Meanwhile, Armstrong noted TNF inhibitors should be avoided in patients with hepatitis B and demyelinating disease. They also are not preferred when there is a history of latent tuberculosis or advanced congestive heart failure. Like the other biologics, TNF inhibitors can be effective for psoriatic arthritis (peripheral and axial) and she added that certolizumab has been great in pregnant patients.

Currently, there arebiologics approved for use in pediatric patients. Ustekinumab which inhibits p40 subunit of IL12/23, has been approved for pediatric plaque psoriasis in patients aged 6 years and older. She pointed to the CADMUS Trial, which found that nearly 70% of patients aged 12 years or older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis achieved sPGA0/1 (vs 5.4 in the placebo group).3

Secukinumab is approved for pediatric patients aged 6 years and older, she said. She shared results from a study comparing secukinumab versus etanercept in this patient population, noting she especially appreciates head to head comparisons of agents because it speaks to the superiority of one medication over another over a time period. In the study, which was present at the EADV Virtual Congress in 2020, 85% of the patients on secukinumab achieved (and maintained) clear (IGA 0/1) at 52 weeks vs 72% on etanercept.

Approved in pediatric patients 6 years and older for moderate to severe psoriasis, Armstrong said ixekizumab has shown high efficacy when compared with placebo, with 50% of patients achieving PASI 100 by week 12 (vs 2% on placebo).

Bimekizumab, the newest approved biologic for adult patients, has shown fast onset, high efficacy, and robust maintenance of response, Armstrong told attendees. Treatment consists of two 160 mg doses every 4 weeks for the first 16 weeks and then every 8 weeks afterwards. She reminded attendees that labs (ie, tuberculosis, liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin) should be checked prior to treatment. Oral candidiasis is the most common adverse event, but she said it is manageable without discontinuation with 100 mg to 200 mg fluconazole for 7 days.

Meanwhile, a phase 2 trial of bimekizumab (NCT04718896) is currently underway to assess safety and efficacy in adolescents with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Another important treatment to consider is the tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) inhibitor deucravacitinib, Armstrong told attendees. Currently, deucravacitinib is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an oral medication for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. She shared data demonstrating Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75, PASI 90, and Static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) 0/1 response sustained through 3 years for patients on the agent, which she added is really impressive.

The tolerability is really where it shines, Armstrong told attendees. It has rates of diarrhea and nausea similar to placebo, and there are low rates of acne and zoster, she explained, but overall the discontinuation rates was lowest for patients on deucravacitinib when compared with patients on placebo or apremilast.

Before initiating treatment, Armstrong noted patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis and baseline liver and hepatitis serologies should be checked in patients with known or suspected liver disease. However, ongoing monitoring is only needed if the patient has liver disease or unmanaged triglycerides.

Im very excited about the possible extension to our pediatric population in the future, Armstrong said. She detailed a phase 3 trial (NCT04772079) is currently underway for pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis looking at safety and efficacy in that patient population. The study is looking at 2 doses across 2 cohorts based on ages (4 to 12 and 12 to 18 years).

The oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor apremilast is also a new medication that has shown efficacy in pediatric patients, according to Armstrong. It currenly is approved for adults regardless of severity, she said. She shared results of a placebo-controlled study of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis aged 6 to 17 years that found almost one-third were clear or almost clear at week 16 (vs 11% for placebo).

Armstrong briefly noted 2 innovative products in the pipeline. JNJ-77242113 is an oral therapeutic peptide selectively targeting IL-23R, she told attendees.4 DC-806 allosterically blocks the same biochemical step as the anti-IL-17 antibodies.

In the topical category, Armstrong pointed to tapinarof and roflumilast as novel non-steroidal agents. Tapinarof, currently approved for adult patients, is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist that reduces TH17 cytokines; increases antioxidant activity via Nrf2 pathway; increases filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin, and decreases Th2 cytokines. The PSOARING 1 study found that 40% of patients on tapinarof 1% cream daily achieved PASI 75 by week 12. Armstrong added that when tapinarof is stopped, patients are able to maintain clear/almost clear status for about 4 months. My opinion is it is probably similar to or stronger than a class 3 topical steroid, she told attendees. Armstrong is hopeful it will become available for pediatric patients in the near future.

Roflumilast is a PDE4 inhibitor approved for patients aged 6 years and older, Armstrong said. Overall it is quite well tolerated. In my opinion, it is probably similar to a class 3 topical steroid, she said. She uses it in clinical practice, but there are some tricks to make sure your patient has access to it, and knowing which local pharmacies are used to working with it.

References

1. Armstrong A. Updates in Psoriasis Management and New Therapeutics. Presented at: 36th Annual Pre-AAD Meeting of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology; March 7, 2024. San Diego, California.

2. Sarfraz R. H16 Arsenic to biologics: psoriasis treatment through the ages. British Journal of Dermatology. 2023; 188(Supplement 4. ljad113.298

3. Landells I, Marano C, Hsu MC, et al. Ustekinumab in adolescent patients age 12 to 17 years with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: results of the randomized phase 3 CADMUS study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(4):594-603. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.07.002

4. Bissonnette R, Pinter A, Ferris LK, et al. An Oral Interleukin-23-Receptor Antagonist Peptide for Plaque Psoriasis. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(6):510-521. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2308713

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Alumis Looks To Stand Out From The TYK2 Crowd With Psoriasis Data – Scrip

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Understanding the links between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis – The Irish Times

Most people are familiar with the common skin condition, psoriasis, which causes a scaly, lumpy rash on the backs of elbows, front of knees, the scalp and other parts of the body. But, the autoimmune disease, psoriatic arthritis, which about a third of people with psoriasis also suffer from, is much less well known.

There is currently no diagnostic blood test for psoriatic arthritis.

A group undertaking an international study is seeking to better understand the links between the two conditions, with the aim to find out why some people with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis and what treatment would work best to halt its development.

Prof Oliver Fitzgerald, research professor in rheumatology at the Conway Institute at University College Dublin and Prof Steve Pennington, professor of proteomics at UCD, are leading the Irish arm of the Hippocrates consortium study. We have about 350 patients so far, but we are keen to have 2,000, so we are interested in anyone aged 18 or over diagnosed with psoriasis to join the study, says Prof Fitzgerald.

Prof Oliver Fitzgerald.

Those who choose to partake in the study will be required to fill out a questionnaire every six months over three years. Details required are the extent of their psoriasis, current treatments and if they have noted any emerging symptoms of arthritis.

Prof Fitzgerald says that, ultimately, the identification of distinct biomarkers for psoriatic arthritis could lead to earlier treatment and possibly even prevention of the condition. The researchers also hope to identify a potential blood test which would diagnose psoriatic arthritis. It shares some symptoms of joint pain, swelling and loss of function with rheumatoid arthritis but it has some features which are different, says Prof Fitzgerald.

[Cerebral palsy: It is tough hearing that news, but it is far tougher when you have to fight for the best care for your child]

These distinguishing features include how the toes and fingers swell to look like little sausages, pain and stiffness in the spine that gets worse with rest yet improves with exercise. And pain and inflammation in the tendon and ligaments attached to the bone, for example, in the Achilles tendon attached to the heel.

I always tell my students that you have to be hunting for psoriatic arthritis to find it and the psoriasis doesnt always have to be very severe to have it. It could be between the buttocks, under the arm pits or under the breasts in women, he explains.

Some studies have found that scalp psoriasis may be a risk factor for psoriatic arthritis. And both conditions also have a genetic component as they tend to run in families. A delayed diagnosis can result in treatments starting later, allowing the joints to deteriorate further in the intervening time.

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Some of the newer biologic treatments seen as a game changer in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis work very well in clearing the psoriasis but dont improve the condition of the joints. The problem is that we dont know which patients suit which treatment. We also want to find this out in the study, says Prof Fitzgerald.

The information submitted by those who join the study will be reviewed every six months and individuals will be given feedback on their submissions.

We will advise those who we identify with symptoms of psoriatic arthritis to seek medical assessment, but we also advise people with psoriatic to remain as active as they can to prevent further loss of function of their joints, he adds.

Originally posted here:

Understanding the links between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis - The Irish Times

Psoriasis Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid If You Have Psoriasis

A range of treatments are available for psoriasis, from skin ointments to drugs that alter your immune system. But can easing the symptoms of this common condition be as simple as changing the foods we eat?

For the more than 8 million people in the U.S. who live with psoriasis, diet may play a bigger role than we think in how our bodies handle inflammation. Margaret Wesdock, a registered dietitian at Johns Hopkins Medicine, offers insight on which foods to eat and which to avoid if you have psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune skin disorder. The body mistakenly attacks its own tissue, explains Wesdock. It starts overproducing skin cells, which lays down plaques on your skin. Plaques are red, scaly patches that can be itchy or painful. Sometimes psoriasis is accompanied by psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition.

Neither of these conditions is caused by anything you eat, but theres an important link between your diet and psoriasis. Many foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body. In some people, this widespread irritation can make the symptoms of psoriasis worse.

Studies are ongoing about how certain foods trigger an inflammatory response. Research suggests that some foods, especially highly processed ones, put your bodys defense mechanisms into overdrive.

For example, fatty foods can increase inflammation in adipose tissue (body fat), which is throughout your body. Ongoing fat tissue inflammation (common in people who are overweight or obese) greatly increases your risk of psoriasis. It also increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic health conditions.

Many of the same high calorie foods that can lead to weight gain and increase the risk for obesity, diabetes and heart disease are also inflammatory. There are several categories of inflammatory foods that can make psoriasis symptoms worse.

Excessive alcohol consumption makes your liver work overtime. It has to produce chemicals to metabolize the alcohol, which can lead to long-term inflammation if you drink heavily or regularly. Alcohol can also damage the good bacteria in your gut, which can lead to inflammation in your colon and intestines.

Many dairy products tend to be high in fat, which can lead to inflammation. Products that contain cows milk also contain casein, a protein that some people have trouble digesting. People who are lactose intolerant dont have enough of the digestive enzyme lactase. Chronic gastrointestinal irritation from these conditions can make inflammation worse. For some people, psoriasis symptoms improve when they cut dairy from their diet.

Refined carbohydrates are highly processed (think white bread, white rice, pasta, pastries and some breakfast cereals). Theyve been stripped of fiber and whole grains and tend to contain a lot of sugar, which can cause your blood sugar to spike. Refined carbohydrates also increase advanced glycation end products, which are substances in your blood that can lead to inflammation.

Fats in red meat, cheese, fried food, margarine, fast food and many processed snacks are known to trigger inflammation in the body. These fats increase the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in your blood, also called bad cholesterol. Studies suggest there may be a link between excess fat in the body and development of psoriasis and worsening of psoriasis symptoms.

Added sugars in soda, fruit juices, candy, baked goods and other sweets are different from natural sugars in food such as fruit. Our bodies produce insulin to process sugar, but too much added sugar forces our bodies to store that extra energy in fat cells and inflame the fat tissue. Foods with lots of added sugars can also lead to increased levels of inflammatory proteins called cytokines. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame may also lead to chronic inflammation.

Research suggests that people with psoriasis tend to have higher rates of celiac disease. In people with celiac disease, gluten (a protein in wheat and some other grains) triggers an autoimmune response that causes the body to attack tissues in the small intestine. People with celiac disease need to avoid gluten completely, though some people without the disease have found that reducing gluten in their diet lessens psoriasis flare-ups.

While certain foods are known to cause inflammation, not everyone reacts the same way to these foods. Ive had some patients who felt that wheat was making their psoriasis worse. Another patient noticed more flare-ups when she ate nuts, says Wesdock.

Some tests can measure inflammation with biomarkers, which are substances in your blood that spike when your body reacts a certain way to foods such as fats or sugar. For example, a simple test can check for increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. The liver makes extra CRP if theres inflammation in your body. Doctors might use this test to determine how likely you are to develop a chronic condition like heart disease.

As you adjust your diet to ease psoriasis symptoms, be sure to work with your psoriasis doctor to monitor symptoms and inflammation levels.

Just as some foods trigger inflammation, others can help combat inflammation. In general, having a balanced whole-foods diet is the best approach to reduce inflammation throughout the body. It may reduce psoriasis flare-ups or make your symptoms less severe. Following a Mediterranean diet for psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis can also reduce chronic inflammation that contributes to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and other conditions.

The best foods if you have psoriasis include:

Theres no evidence that vitamins or supplements help ease psoriasis symptoms. The best way to get all the vitamins and minerals you need is from the foods you eat. But its generally safe to take a daily multivitamin. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about other supplements that might be right for your needs.

If youre going to change your diet to combat psoriasis, Wesdock recommends starting slowly. Jumping into a highly restrictive diet isnt usually sustainable and may deprive you of important nutrients. Instead, start by cutting out some highly processed foods.

Substitute the pastries and cookies with fresh fruit. Opt for herbal tea or water flavored with fresh fruit, mint or cucumber. If you think theres a specific food or ingredient thats triggering psoriasis flare-ups, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Being overweight or obese can also make psoriasis worse, so you may want to start a weight loss plan that includes fewer calories and smaller portion sizes. Any psoriasis treatment diet should be accompanied by healthy lifestyle choices. Get plenty of sleep and regular exercise, and try to reduce stress in your life. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about a plan to quit.

Original post:

Psoriasis Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid If You Have Psoriasis

Cleveland Clinic

The importance of a healthy diet cant be overstated. For example, eating vitamin-packed fruits and vegetables and staying away from foods high in saturated fat is good for your heart.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

Over the years, studies have shown that what you eat can also help reduce the symptoms and impact of certain chronic conditions includingpsoriasis.

Yes, saysdermatologistAnthony Fernandez, MD, PhD, especially if you have obesity or are considered to be overweight. We have great evidence to support that losing weight via a hypocaloric (low-calorie) diet will improve the overall severity of your psoriasis.

Of course, its not justhow muchyou eat butwhatyou eat that also makes a difference when you change your diet.

Its common to see lists of specific trigger foods to shy away from if you have psoriasis. But following those restrictions typically isnt necessary, says Dr. Fernandez. In general, we do not recommend that people living with psoriasis avoid a specific food. In many cases, thats because theres no scientific evidence that certain foods are a psoriasis trigger. For example, Dr. Fernandez notes theres no proof that eggs can cause a flare.

But occasionally, you might feel that eating certain foods does affect your psoriasis. We certainly see people who come in and say, I feel like whenever I eat this certain type of food, my psoriasis flares, says Dr. Fernandez.

In a case like that, you might need to pay more attention to how you feel when you eat this food, or avoid it altogether, and see if it makes a difference over time. Were always open to experimenting with simple, safe things like that, says Dr. Fernandez. Everyones unique and may have a unique trigger for their disease. Well take it seriously if brought up.

With all that being said, Dr. Fernandez notes there are broad categories of foods that can make psoriasis act up.

We needbody fatto survive because it plays an important role in our overall health. But body fat is pro-inflammatory. That means having more of it can encourage more inflammation, which isnt good for psoriasis. Dr. Fernandez recommends staying away from calorie-rich foods that make it more likely youll accumulate body fat in other words, things such as fried fast food or sugar-heavy desserts.

With alcohol, moderation is also key. We know people who drink alcohol are at increased risk for developing psoriasis, says Dr. Fernandez. But abstaining from alcohol doesnt always result in any significant long-term improvement of the disease. Instead, follow doctor recommendations for alcohol intake and dont overdo it.

You mightve heard that taking a supplement thats known to have anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric, can help with psoriasis. Science doesnt necessarily back this assertion, though. Short of knowing Well, if you take too much of this supplement, it can do something harmful, we will usually say, Go ahead and try taking it, he says. But there simply is no strong evidence at the moment to support any supplements are going to make a difference with psoriasis.

On its own, a specific diet isnt the only way to manage psoriasis. Theres no one diet that we know for sure is the best diet for patients, says Dr. Fernandez. And we dont necessarily recommend this as the only therapy. Most people will not improve with diet alone to the point where they dont need other medicines.

However, some diets are better than others in terms of helping with psoriasis.

Research has shown the positive impact of the Mediterranean diet. Thats probably the one most people recommend when discussing how to change your diet and improve your psoriasis, says Dr. Fernandez. This diet involves foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Theyre low in fat. Theyre low in calories. Most of them are natural.

With the Mediterranean diet, expect to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains. Youll get your protein from fish such as salmon and cook with olive oil. You wont eat a lot of dairy, red meat or sweet treats.

An indulgence here or there is OK, though. I never like to tell people that you have to start on the Mediterranean diet and only eat foods within the Mediterranean diet, says Dr. Fernandez. Occasionally, eating foods that are really tasty but maybe heavy in calories is fine as a reward. In general, however, trying to avoid too many of those foods can be very important to controlling psoriasis and minimizing the medication that you need to take to control your psoriasis.

Following a low-calorie diet is another good way to deal with psoriasis. Losing weight has been proven to improve psoriasis severity, says Dr. Fernandez. If youre classified as overweight or have obesity, following a low-calorie diet can be especially helpful to manage psoriasis.

Its less clear whether a low-calorie diet can help you manage psoriasis if you arent classified as overweight or have obesity, though. We dont know yet, says Dr. Fernandez. We need to do research to determine if such a diet will help you in that case.

One of the more common assumptions is that a gluten-free diet can help with psoriasis. However, Dr. Fernandez says thats not the case for most people. In fact, research has even supported that a gluten-free diet wont help your psoriasis.

The reality is a gluten-free diet makes no difference unless you have laboratory evidence that you are sensitive to gluten, he says. And we can test for that when appropriate. That means if youre already showing clinical signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity, Dr. Fernandez adds. Just having psoriasis is not enough evidence to warrant testing.

You may have read that other diets can help with psoriasis. These might include a veggie-heavy plant-based diet or the high-fatketo diet. Theres also one called the Pagano diet, which shares some similarities with the Mediterranean diet.

Dr. Fernandez stresses that theres not yet any strong evidence that says these diets can help with psoriasis. But researchers are conducting studies to see whether particular approaches to food (such as the keto diet) might help with psoriasis. There is interest in exploring other diets for psoriasis and better evidence may be available in the future, he adds.

As with supplements, however, doctors are OK with people following different diets as long as they wont hurt their health. If you want to try something like the Pagano diet, then as long as we think that diet is healthy in general or its not so extreme that youre going to be limiting yourself from getting some essential nutrients then well say its OK, he says.

Unfortunately, we cant cure psoriasis through diet. In fact, there isnt any cure for psoriasis. But in addition to diet, there are ways to manage the condition.

Exercise is good for your immune system, and can also help promote weight loss because of the calories that you burn, says Dr. Fernandez. Wellness, in general, is good to strive for. Strategies such as eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep are all keys to help minimize the chances youre going to flare.

Dr. Fernandez notes that certain people improve so much with diet and exercise that they dont need medication. But we think of that as more the exception, and we certainly dont say thats all you need to do, he stresses, noting that neither exercise nor diet, in general, are recommended as sole alternatives to medications.

For some people, the improvements they see through exercise and diet might mean all they need is a topical medicine to control psoriasis, as opposed to a pill or an injectable medicine that affects their immune system systemically and can come with other side effects, says Dr. Fernandez.

And, chances are, people with moderate to severe psoriasis will likely always need medication, he adds. However, we do believe we can minimize the medications you need to take through wellness and diet.

Read more from the original source:

Cleveland Clinic

Im a Dermatologist and These 7 Things Could Be Making Your Psoriasis Worse – Well+Good

More than 125 million people worldwide deal with psoriasis and the itching and discomfort that comes along with it. The chronic inflammatory skin condition impacts the way skin cells mature, resulting in often red or pink flaky skin lesions where the skin barrier is broken. These dry patches can often seem to come out of nowhere, but according to Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California, there are certain things that can lead to flare-ups.

It's important to note that psoriasis is a genetic condition, which means that if you have it, it's not because you did something "wrong"it's simply because you're predisposed. That said, there are a few factors that can make flare-ups worse, so you'll want to be aware of what they are and do your best to avoid them. Keep scrolling for seven biggies that Dr. Lee wants you to look out for.

To avoid psoriasis flare-ups, Dr. Lee says it's key to try to minimize points of friction. "I have players who wear knee pads and you realize their psoriasis is really bad underneath their knee pads, or I have women who wear bras with underwires and it's really uncomfortable, really rubbing that area underneath the breast," says Dr. Lee. "And you realize that their psoriasis is really concentrated, really angry, and flared underneath their breast. And that's because there's a little friction point that people are getting flares at."

"There's a known phenomenon called the Koebner Phenomenon, where any type of traumaso cuts, scrapes, even self-induced trauma, like a scratch or a rubbingcan flare your psoriasis," says Dr. Lee. She explains that oftentimes patients with mild psoriasis will try to get rid of it by scrubbing the area with a loofah or pumice stone, and will then find that the scales got worse or spread to a larger area. "And that's what we call the Koebner Phenomenon, where if you manipulate, scratch, or abrade your psoriasis, it can spread."

When you're stressed out, your skin feels it. "It's fascinating because we're learning a lot more about the immunological basis of psoriasis and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis in eczema, and you realize that any type of inflammation and psychological stress can dampen or ramp up parts of our immune system," says Dr. Lee. When this happens, conditions like psoriasis and eczema can flare as a response to that increased inflammation. "The mind and body are actually very connected," she adds.

In addition to mental stress, physical stress on your body can also have an effect on your skin. "For example, when I ask patients about their overall stress level, they think about their psychological stress and say, 'I feel absolutely fine,' but then they're like 'Oh wait, but I did have that surgery' or 'I was hospitalized for for a week for Covid,'" says Dr. Lee. "That physiological stress can also cause a flare of psoriasis"

5. New medications

"Asking people about any new medications is really helpful because sometimes we realize it may not just be a flare of their regular psoriasis," says Dr. Lee. "Maybe they started a new medication that maybe is flaring their current psoriasis or causing them to develop a rash that looks a lot like psoriasis."

Although this isn't true for everyone, cold weather has the potential to cause flare-ups. "There is a seasonality, usually around the winter months, where we do know chronic psoriasis patients may have a flare," says Dr. Lee. "I have patients who say, 'Every year from November to January is where my psoriasis flares.' And it's hard. I can't predict who has this seasonality or why they have that seasonality. We think that maybe it's because of the drier weather, the ambient humidity, and lack of moisture in the skin that's causing the flares in psoriasis."

"We used to think that psoriasis was only on the skin and now we have a lot more information that it is associated with other conditions," says Dr. Lee. "Psoriasis can affect arthritis. It can be associated with heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It can be associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterolall these things that ideally we don't want. And so we realize that it's no longer just affecting the skin and that this is where skin maybe is one of the manifestations of all of this inflammation. We understand a lot more about how psoriasis affects the whole body, and we're also a lot more proactive in finding any associated internal conditions that maybe we can prevent or treat at an earlier point."

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Follow our Fineprint Instagram account for must-know tips and tricks.

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Im a Dermatologist and These 7 Things Could Be Making Your Psoriasis Worse - Well+Good

Probiotics Supplementation may Improve Symptoms of Hyperuricemia and Gout – Rheumatology Network

Supplementation with probiotics was shown to improve hyperuricemia and symptoms of gout, among other inflammatory diseases such as juvenile arthritis (JIA), osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis and osteopenia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriasis (PsO). Investigators note that further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to evaluate efficacy and optimal dosages of probiotics, according to a study published in Frontiers in Immunology.1

There is a need for new related target therapeutic approaches for drug development and treatment of joint inflammation, thereby reducing the disease burden of inflammatory arthritis, investigators stated. A study showed that gut microbial dysbiosis (in combination with environmental triggers) may contribute to inflammatory immune disturbances in inflammatory arthritis in combination with genetically predisposed individuals.

Information on the treatment of rheumatic diseases with probiotics was obtained via databases in this systematic review, including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, until May 2022. RCTs of probiotics regarding treatment of hyperuricemia and gout were evaluated and the Cochrane risk assessment tool was used to determine quality evaluation. Controls were participants without probiotic preparation. Adverse events, disease efficacy indicators, and inflammatory indicators were the primary outcomes.

In total, 37 records included in the study, of which 34 were RCTs and 8 types of autoimmune disease were analyzed. Of the 10 RCTs (involving 632 participants), probiotic intervention reduced C-reactive protein (CRP). Of the psoriasis RCTs, probiotics reduced Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. Patients with spondyloarthritis who received probiotics had improvements in disease-related symptoms. Bone mineral density was improved in patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia receiving probiotic intervention and symptoms were improved in patients with OA (433 participants). Symptoms were also improved in patients with JIA (72 participants) and IBD (120 participants). Lastly, serum uric acid was improved in those with hyperuricemia and gout in 4 RCTs (294 participants). Probiotics did not increase the incidence of adverse events in any of the RCTs included in the analysis.

While the study was strengthened by including 8 types of inflammatory arthritis, providing clinical references, the quality of the RCTs involved is hindered by the lack of detailed random sequence generation, blinding information, and allocation concealment. Further, certain RCTs used probiotic-rich foods in their analyses, which not include specific strains and doses, while others had uncertain dosages, which allowed for discrepancies among results. Additionally, the methods of recording efficacy indicators were different among RCTs. Adverse events were not reported in many RCTs evaluated. Lastly, only 8 types of inflammatory arthritis were observed, possibly due in part to the fact that probiotics have just recently emerged as a supplementation option in this patient population.

Probiotic supplements may improve hyperuricemia and gout, inflammatory bowel disease arthritis, JIA, OA, Osteoporosis and Osteopenia, psoriasis, RA, and spondyloarthritis, investigators emphasized. However, lack of evidence and heterogeneity of studies do not allow us to recommend them to patients with inflammatory arthritis to manage their disease. More randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to determine the efficacy and optimal dosing design of probiotics.

Reference:

Zeng L, Deng Y, He Q, et al. Safety and efficacy of probiotic supplementation in 8 types of inflammatory arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials.Front Immunol. 2022;13:961325. Published 2022 Sep 23. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.961325

Read more here:

Probiotics Supplementation may Improve Symptoms of Hyperuricemia and Gout - Rheumatology Network

‘Worst time of the year for me to be covered in scabs’: Amber Heard’s Alleged Ex Cara Delevingne Revealed Her Psoriasis Struggle Made Kate Moss Scream…

Supermodel Cara Delevingne (29) has openly talked about her struggles with the autoimmune skin disease Psoriasis in the past. During Fashion Week in 2017, Kate Moss helped her by recommending a good doctor.

Recently in May, Delevingne made a Met Gala appearance where she was topless and she did not shy away from revealing her scabs. Fans and Netizens alike praised the supermodel for her confidence in showing off her skin condition rather than hiding them.

The Valerian actress has always been vocal and open about her skin condition. Cara Delevingne has shared her struggles with Psoriasis, a skin condition where the affected person gets rashes and scabs on the skin. It was not only a big inconvenience for her but also once left her questioning her profession. In an interview with The Times, Cara Delevingne shared about her struggle saying,

People would put on gloves and not want to touch me because they thought it was, like, leprosy or something.

Also during the 2017 fashion week, her Psoriasis condition worsened. The Paper Town actress shared with the W magazine what went down during that fashion week, she told,

It only happened during Fashion Week! Which is, of course, the worst time of the year for me to be covered in scabs. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, and Im sensitive. Kate [Moss] saw me before the Louis Vuitton show at 3 a.m., when I was being painted by people to cover the scabs. She said, This is horrible! Why is this happening? I need to help you. She got me a doctor that afternoon; Kate gives really good advice,

Around the same year at the peak of her career, the model was questioning herself and her profession due to the autoimmune disease she struggling with.

Also Read: Teenagers can be very, very cruel: Amber Heards Alleged Ex-Girlfriend Cara Delevingne Reveals Traumatic Childhood, Was Bullied For Being Flat-Chested Despite Being British Aristocrat

The Paper Town actress who suffers from chronic Psoriasis has opened up about it several times in the past. And recently in May 2022, she appeared at the met Gala topless with a gold color painted on her. The model refused to cover her Psoriasis flare-ups. Being topless, her skin condition was visible on the front and the back of her arms. This was appreciated and praised by fans and Netizens. One fan wrote,

If Cara Delevingne can go on the red carpet in front of millions and show her psoriasis flare-up, then I can go out in my small town and show my lupus scars. We are both still beautiful,

Another Twitter user reacted,

ok like I dont really care too much about celebrities but Cara Delevingne leaving her psoriasis visible in her met gala look is so validating to me (Ive been SO embarrassed by severe eczema I developed on my hands).

The Supermodel is working on an eco-thriller movie project at the moment. The film is based on true events concerning Environmental protection and is titled The Climb.

Also Read: Margot Robbie and Cara Delevingne Attacked By Paparazzi in Argentina, Left Harley Quinn Actress Nearly Hanging in the Car Clutching For Dear Life

Source: geo.tv

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'Worst time of the year for me to be covered in scabs': Amber Heard's Alleged Ex Cara Delevingne Revealed Her Psoriasis Struggle Made Kate Moss Scream...

Psoriatic Arthritis and Heart Disease: What’s the Link? – Healthline

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease of the joints. It causes stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints. Most of the time, people with PsA have psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin.

But the impact of PsA goes beyond the joints and skin.

In recent years, researchers and doctors have discovered that PsA is linked to a variety of metabolic issues.

Specifically, people with PsA are more likely to develop heart disease. This puts people with PsA at a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

Research has shown that chronic inflammation from psoriasis can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Inflammation is a primary driver for atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fat and cholesterol in artery walls. Over time, this buildup can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

A 2014 study found that arthritis in one joint has a significant impact on heart health. The researchers found that people with PsA who had sacroiliitis, or inflammation of the sacroiliac joints connecting the spine and pelvis, were more likely to have cardiovascular issues. Inflammation in these specific joints was linked to more inflammation in the heart.

A 2016 review of studies with more than 32,000 patients found that people with PsA were 43 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases compared to the general population.

In addition to the increased likelihood of heart disease, one study found that people with PsA are more likely to have traditional risk factors for heart disease, including obesity and diabetes. Combined with chronic inflammation from PsA, these factors can lead to damage to the blood vessels and arteries.

Whats more, another review of studies found that people with PsA are significantly more likely to have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome includes conditions that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, including:

These cardiovascular impacts are most significant in people with moderate and severe PsA, not mild.

Someone with heart disease may not experience symptoms until the disease is already severe and potentially fatal. One study found that cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death in people with PsA.

Thats why people with PsA should work with their doctors to identify potential risks and symptoms of heart disease before they progress.

These symptoms may include:

If youre experiencing these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. These symptoms are a sign that you could have heart disease or heart-related health issues.

Its hard to measure the impact of inflammation on the body until its caused significant damage. Inflammation is difficult, but not impossible, to detect.

Regular testing and physicals with your doctor can help you address the heart-related impacts of PsA early on. It is important to monitor key indicators of heart health.

Monitor your heart health by testing for:

Traditional risk assessments for cardiovascular disease look at a persons medical history and lifestyle to predict their risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. These assessments are not as useful for people with PsA because they do not factor in the impact of chronic inflammation.

In the future, more advanced testing to predict the risk of heart disease in people with PsA may be developed. Until then, people with PsA should make sure to regularly check on their heart health.

Newer research says treating PsA properly may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

One study found that people who had PsA and also took tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, a type of treatment that targets specific inflammation markers, had a lower incidence of plaque buildup in their arteries.

In another study, patients with a low cardiovascular risk who were taking a biologic treatment had a 6 percent reduction in arterial plaque after 1 year of treatment. The researchers concluded this is likely the result of reduced inflammation.

Biologics are used to treat moderate or severe cases of PsA, and people with cases at this level are more likely to have greater indications of heart disease. Work with your doctor to find a treatment that both treats PsA and doesnt increase the risk of heart issues. Properly treating PsA may help manage cardiovascular risk.

Certain lifestyle changes may also help treat both heart disease and PsA. These changes include:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) doesnt only affect the skin and joints. It can cause heart health problems, too.

People with PsA should carefully monitor their heart health with their doctor and treat any issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.

Properly treating PsA may reduce your risk for cardiovascular issues. Many other risk factors for heart disease, including obesity and smoking, can be managed or improved. Its possible the same is true for PsA inflammation.

If you have PsA, work with your doctor to monitor for signs of heart health complications. Having PsA doesnt mean you will have heart disease, but being aware of the risk keeps you one step ahead of potential health issues.

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Psoriatic Arthritis and Heart Disease: What's the Link? - Healthline

Psoriasis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

Overview How psoriasis develops Open pop-up dialog box

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In psoriasis, the life cycle of your skin cells greatly accelerates, leading to a buildup of dead cells on the surface of the epidermis.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.

Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission. Treatments are available to help you manage symptoms. And you can incorporate lifestyle habits and coping strategies to help you live better with psoriasis.

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Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It usually causes dry, red skin lesions (plaques) covered with silvery scales.

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Guttate psoriasis, more common in children and adults younger than 30, appears as small, water-drop-shaped lesions on the trunk, arms, legs and scalp. The lesions are typically covered by a fine scale.

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Psoriasis causes red patches of skin covered with silvery scales and a thick crust on the scalp most often extending just past the hairline that may bleed when removed.

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Inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red, inflamed skin. It's more common in overweight people and is worsened by friction and sweating.

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Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration.

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Pustular psoriasis generally develops quickly, with pus-filled blisters appearing just hours after your skin becomes red and tender. It can occur in widespread patches or in smaller areas on your hands, feet or fingertips.

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The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.

Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:

Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas. The most commonly affected areas are the lower back, elbows, knees, legs, soles of the feet, scalp, face and palms.

Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into remission.

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

If you suspect that you may have psoriasis, see your doctor. Also, talk to your doctor if your psoriasis:

Viven Williams: Your fingernails are clues to your overall health. Many people develop lines or ridges from the cuticle to the tip.

Rachel Miest, M.D.: Those are actually completely fine and just a part of normal aging.

Viven Williams: But Dr. Rachel Miest says there are other nail changes you should not ignore that may indicate

Rachel Miest, M.D.: liver problems, kidney problems, nutritional deficiencies ...

Viven Williams: and other issues. Here are six examples: No. 1 is pitting. This could be a sign of psoriasis. Two is clubbing. Clubbing happens when your oxygen is low and could be a sign of lung issues. Three is spooning. It can happen if you have iron-deficient anemia or liver disease. Four is called "a Beau's line." It's a horizontal line that indicates a previous injury or infection. Five is nail separation. This may happen as a result of injury, infection or a medication. And six is yellowing of the nails, which may be the result of chronic bronchitis.

For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I'm Vivien Williams.

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Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem that causes the skin to regenerate at faster than normal rates. In the most common type of psoriasis, known as plaque psoriasis, this rapid turnover of cells results in scales and red patches.

Just what causes the immune system to malfunction isn't entirely clear. Researchers believe both genetics and environmental factors play a role. The condition is not contagious.

Many people who are predisposed to psoriasis may be free of symptoms for years until the disease is triggered by some environmental factor. Common psoriasis triggers include:

Anyone can develop psoriasis. About a third of instances begin in the pediatric years. These factors can increase your risk:

If you have psoriasis, you're at greater risk of developing other conditions, including:

Read the rest here:

Psoriasis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

50 years ago, scientists were seeking the cause of psoriasis – Science News Magazine

Cyclic AMP and psoriasis Science News, April 29, 1972

[A team of dermatologists] discovered that cyclic AMP levels in psoriasis lesions are significantly lower than in healthy skin. [The team] is now trying to find out if the cyclic AMP deficiency causes psoriasis and to develop a medication to increase cyclic AMP levels in psoriasis lesions.

Psoriasis, which affects 2 to 3 percent of the global population, is an inflammatory skin disease marked by red, scaly patches that itch or burn. Low levels of cyclic AMP a chemical messenger key to cellular communication havent been found to cause the disease. Psoriasis stems from an overactive immune response. Cyclic AMP is just one player alongside other chemical messengers and immune cells, and certain gene variants can make a person more susceptible. The choice among a range of treatment options today depends in part on the severity of the disease and the areas of the body affected. One drug, called apremilast, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014, increases levels of cyclic AMP, among other actions.

The rest is here:

50 years ago, scientists were seeking the cause of psoriasis - Science News Magazine

Managing Social Anxiety and Psoriatic Arthritis: What to Know – Greatist

The connection between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and anxiety is a two-way street. Anxiety and stress can worsen PsA symptoms, but the reverse is also true: PsA can impact your mental health.

Research shows that joint pain and inflammation from PsA can impact your confidence and your quality of life.

There is also evidence that cytokines, a type of proteins released by your bodys cells, play a role in both PsA inflammation and symptoms of depression and anxiety. So theres a reason you might feel both anxious and inflamed.

Still, there are ways to manage social anxiety with PsA that create a positive feedback loop. Research in 2021 found that managing anxiety and depression made it possible to minimize the effects of PsA.

PsA and the resulting inflammation can cause a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms.

Some of the physical symptoms of PsA are:

Anxiety symptoms that may affect people with PsA include:

Symptoms of depression include:

Its a bit of a vicious cycle, because physical and mental symptoms can intensify each other. For example, some research suggests stress may cause PsA flares, which can create anxiety, which can feed into depression. In turn, depression can worsen the impression of pain, according to a 2003 research review.

Mood disorders are more common among people with PsA. A 2014 study found that rates of depression were higher among people with psoriasis than in the general population and that rates were even higher in people with PsA.

A 2020 review found that 51 percent of people living with PsA may experience depression.

Fatigue resulting from PsA sleep disturbance and pain is associated with anxiety and depression, according to research from 2020. Anxiety and depression can also contribute to fatigue.

Its no surprise that these complications can all impact your social functioning.

When PsA affects your ability to enjoy time with friends, social events, and travel, you can miss out on an important outlet. Social interaction is essential for your well-being. We are people who need other people! But sometimes other people can cause anxiety.

A 2017 study on PsAs close sibling, psoriasis, offers some insight into social triggers that likely apply to both conditions. The study found that the age of disease onset affected its influence on social anxiety.

For people diagnosed with psoriasis in adulthood, the primary cause of social anxiety was concern about their appearance. For people diagnosed before age 18, stigmatizing experiences mattered the most.

Regardless of which applies to you, PsA can increase social anxiety and make you self-conscious about your appearance.

How you feel about the way you look might not seem important until you consider the impact it has on your social support system.

Finding the confidence to get out there socially can make a huge difference, as you will see from these tricks of the trade.

There are things you can do to feel better emotionally, regardless of the physical effects of your PsA.

Fantastic, right? So lets look at some ideas.

Talk therapy can help you change the thought patterns that are undermining your confidence.

There are many different types of therapy, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found effective at helping to improve social anxiety. This goes for in-office visits and CBT appointments held online with therapists.

The CBT techniques you may use include reappraisal of your negative thoughts and exposure therapy.

Further, a 2020 study involving CBT looked at the connection between inflammation and psychiatric disorders. CBT didnt reduce the levels of inflammation-causing cytokines, but participants experienced improvements in their anxiety.

You can start by asking your doctor for advice or asking a friend who has already found an effective practice. There are also search tools, like the Anxiety & Depression Association of Americas therapist directory, that allow you to filter for people who specialize in chronic illness.

If youre taking medication to treat your PsA, you might feel reluctant to add another prescription to the mix. However, there could be a safe and effective option that helps you feel better if anxiety is interfering with your daily functioning.

A 2017 review found some evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) helped with diagnosed social anxiety disorder. These meds alter chemicals in your brain, affecting mood and emotion.

SSRIs are typically prescribed by a primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. Often you start with a low dose. You should not stop taking the medication without talking with your doctor.

Exercise has been shown to reduce joint stiffness, pain, and fatigue in people with PsA. Its also a great way to improve your mood.

Low impact options to consider include:

Eating well and adjusting your diet may ease PsA symptoms and improve your mood, but the diet that works best for you might not work for everyone with PsA.

A 2018 review of studies on diet and PsA gave only weak recommendations for any given diet in helping with symptoms. The researchers warned that studies generally used low quality data.

In cases of obesity and overweight, the researchers recommended diets designed for weight loss.

A 2019 study of Swedish people with PsA found that short-term weight loss helped reduce symptoms. However, side effects included severe constipation, hair loss, and low blood pressure. The link between weight and PsA is not straightforward.

It can help to connect with other people who can listen to your story and issue a cathartic SAME!

The National Psoriasis Foundation has a peer support program called One to One for people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Healthline also has Bezzy PsA, a private forum where people with PsA can connect.

Research suggests that self-critical behaviors can make it harder to manage PsA.

Positive beliefs and determination are important parts of a successful mental health strategy for managing chronic pain, according to people interviewed for a 2018 study. So are support people like family, friends, and your medical team.

Being realistic about what you can accomplish can also help you put your condition in perspective and pace yourself.

So, there you have it how you feel matters with PsA. Symptom management is important not just for your physical health, but for your emotional well-being too.

Medication and therapy can help if social anxiety is interfering with your everyday life. Self-care techniques can help you adjust your expectations and perspective on living with the condition and connect with others. Social support and connection can, in turn, become an important piece of your PsA care plan.

More:

Managing Social Anxiety and Psoriatic Arthritis: What to Know - Greatist

Ilumya: Side Effects and What to Do About Them – Healthline

If you have certain skin conditions, your doctor might suggest Ilumya as a treatment option for you. Its a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults.

The active ingredient in Ilumya is tildrakizumab-asmn. (The active ingredient is what makes the drug work.) Ilumya is a biologic medication (which means its made from living cells).

Ilumya is given as a subcutaneous injection (an injection under your skin). This is done by a healthcare professional in a doctors office.

For more information about Ilumya, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Ilumya is usually a long-term treatment. Like other drugs, Ilumya can cause mild to serious side effects, also known as adverse effects. Like other biologics, this drug has effects on the immune system. Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Ilumya treatment. Examples of Ilumyas commonly reported side effects include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the Side effects explained section below.

The most common side effects are also the more mild ones. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Ilumya include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the Side effects explained section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop Ilumya treatment unless your doctor recommends it.

Ilumya may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Ilumya prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If youd like to notify the FDA about a side effect youve had with Ilumya, visit MedWatch.

You might experience serious side effects during Ilumya treatment, although these were rare in the drugs studies. Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the Side effects explained section below.

If you develop serious side effects during Ilumya treatment, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Learn more about some of the side effects Ilumya may cause.

Injection site reactions are skin reactions that happen in the place where your doctor injects Ilumya. They can be mild to serious and were a common side effect in Ilumya studies.

Youll receive Ilumya as a subcutaneous injection (an injection under your skin). Unlike medications you take at home, your doctor will give you this injection. Theyll choose a site where your skin is healthy (meaning it doesnt have bruises, psoriasis plaques, or scars). This may be your belly, upper arm, or thigh. An injection-site reaction is possible in any of these places.

There were several kinds of injection side effects. The reactions were mild to serious and included:

Youll receive your Ilumya injection at a doctors office or other healthcare facility. Your doctor can talk with you about how to manage any injection site reactions you might have.

For a mild reaction, you can use a cool compress to help decrease the inflammation at the injection site. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever or antihistamine to help with pain or itching.

If the reaction is severe or doesnt go away in a few days, talk with your doctor. An injection site reaction can lead to a serious skin infection if not treated. Learn more about subcutaneous injections in this article.

An upper respiratory infection was a common side effect in studies of Ilumya, but severe infections were rare. This kind of infection is in your nose, ears, throat, or lungs. An example of an upper respiratory infection is the common cold. Because Ilumya weakens your immune system, youre more likely to get an infection while being treated with this drug. An upper respiratory infection could be caused by several different kinds of bacteria or viruses.

Symptoms of infection that you should watch out for include:

Infections will sometimes go away on their own with time, rest, and supportive care. Its important to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest to help your body heal from infection.

There are also over-the-counter medications* you can get to help with your symptoms:

* Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medications.

For some infections, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for you. Be sure to take it exactly as directed and finish all the medication even if you start feeling better.

Talk with your doctor if you have symptoms that feel severe or dont go away. You should also tell them if you develop a cough that doesnt go away or a cough with blood. Rarely, Ilumya can cause severe infection, including tuberculosis (TB). If the infection is serious, your doctor may suggest that you temporarily stop Ilumya treatment. This will allow your immune system to clear the infection faster.

If you have a lot of infections while using Ilumya, your doctor may consider a different treatment for your condition.

Studies of Ilumya reported diarrhea, but most people who took the drug didnt report this side effect. Diarrhea is loose or watery bowel movements that may occur very often. You can have mild to severe diarrhea and may also have some of the following symptoms:

If you have diarrhea, keep track of your symptoms and how long they last. If its more than a few days, let your doctor know. It could be a sign of an infection. Other signs that diarrhea may be part of a serious condition are:

If you have diarrhea thats severe or lasts a long time, its important to figure out the cause. For serious diarrhea, this might involve a fecal test or a colonoscopy. The test results will help your doctor decide on the best treatment for your condition.

There are also ways to treat mild diarrhea symptoms. You can drink lots of fluids with electrolytes. For example, juice or some non-caffeinated sports drinks have electrolytes. This helps your body stay hydrated if youre losing too much fluid due to the diarrhea.

You can also eat plain foods that are easy to digest. For example, toast and applesauce are mild foods for most people. Stick to foods that you know are easy on your stomach. You can avoid foods and drinks that commonly make diarrhea worse, such as:

Be sure to wash your hands well after using the bathroom. This helps prevent the spread of infection.

If your doctor says its safe for you, you can take an over-the-counter medication such as Imodium. This medication can help your symptoms, but its not always the best choice if your diarrhea is caused by an infection.

Like most drugs, Ilumya can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. This could include:

If your doctor confirms youve had a mild allergic reaction to Ilumya, theyll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms youve had a serious allergic reaction to Ilumya, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

During your Ilumya treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects youre having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Ilumya affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Get answers to some common questions about Ilumyas side effects.

You may be able to use Ilumya if you have an infection, it depends on whether its mild or serious. Infection was a common side effect in studies of Ilumya, especially upper respiratory infection.

Your doctor may have you wait until your infection clears up before having you start treatment. This is because Ilumya decreases your bodys ability to fight infections.

If you have a latent tuberculosis (TB) infection, your doctor may prescribe a TB treatment while you use Ilumya. Or they may choose a different medication for you. The manufacturer of Ilumya includes a specific warning about TB in the prescribing information.

If youre already using Ilumya and you develop a new infection, your doctor might stop your treatment temporarily.

Ilumya is a biologic medication (which means its made from living cells). Biologics, including Ilumya, are not necessarily more or less safe than creams or lotions used to treat psoriasis. The side effects are just different for each drug.

For example, one kind of psoriasis treatment is steroid cream. These creams often have side effects of thinning skin and sun sensitivity. Another kind of psoriasis treatment is vitamin D cream. These creams have a rare side effect of disrupting your bodys normal use of calcium.

There are many different kinds of psoriasis treatments, and each kind has side effects to consider. Read more about psoriasis treatments and side effects in this article.

Other biologic drugs used to treat psoriasis include Humira, Orencia, and Cosentyx. Although most biologic drug studies report decreased immune function, other side effects are different depending on the drug. Talk with your doctor about whether a biologic drug such as Ilumya is a good choice for you.

Yes, you might develop antibodies to Ilumya, though this was rare in studies of the drug.

Sometimes your immune system mistakes a biologic drug for a bacteria or virus it needs to kill. So your body may develop antibodies that stop Ilumya from being an effective treatment. Your doctor will do frequent blood tests to check for this. Even if your body makes some antibodies against Ilumya, the drug might still be effective. Talk with your doctor about how often you should get tested while using Ilumya.

There are several warnings to keep in mind when considering treatment with Ilumya. This drug may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Ilumya. The list below includes factors to consider.

Frequent infections. Ilumya makes your body less able to fight infection. So if you already get frequent infections, Ilumya could make them worse. Your doctor can help you manage your infections before you start Ilumya.

Live vaccines. If youre planning to get a live attenuated vaccine soon, talk with your doctor about waiting to start Ilumya. Its a good idea to be up to date on your vaccinations before you begin treatment with this drug.

Tuberculosis. Ilumya may cause active disease in people who already have tuberculosis (TB). If you have TB, talk with your doctor about whether Ilumya is the right drug for you. If youve been in close contact with someone who has TB, be sure to get a TB test before you start Ilumya.

Allergic reaction. If youve had an allergic reaction to Ilumya or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other treatments that might be better options for you.

Alcohol and Ilumya dont interact directly, but a possible side effect of each is diarrhea. Because of this, consuming alcohol during treatment with Ilumya could increase your risk of this side effect.

Alcohol is a psoriasis trigger for some people. If you drink alcohol and it worsens your psoriasis, Ilumya may not work as well.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how to limit your intake during your Ilumya treatment.

There are not enough studies yet to know whether Ilumya is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of Ilumya in these situations.

Ilumya may cause side effects that your doctor can help treat. Here are a few possible questions for you to ask them:

For advice on managing your condition and news on treatments for it, sign up for Healthlines psoriasis newsletter.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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Ilumya: Side Effects and What to Do About Them - Healthline