Newswise — ROSEMONT, Ill. (Feb. 13, 2019) — The symptoms of psoriasis are visible on the skin, but the effects of the condition extend beyond what meets the eye. The disease is associated with several other physical and mental conditions, and it can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.
To help physicians treat the millions of people affected by psoriasis and improve their quality of life, the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation have released two new guidelines outlining best practices for managing the inflammatory skin disease. Published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology on Feb. 13, the guidelines were developed by an expert work group composed of several dermatologists, as well as a cardiologist, a rheumatologist and patient representatives.
“It is critical for both patients and doctors to understand the complexity of psoriasis. It is not just a skin disease; it is a serious condition that can affect all aspects of a patient’s health,” says Randy Beranek, president and CEO of the NPF. “Our goal in establishing these guidelines is to help health care professionals educate their patients on the best way to treat their disease and mitigate the effects psoriasis can have on a patient’s overall health and well-being.”
“Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with awareness and attention to comorbidities” focuses on the other health conditions that may be associated with the disease, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. The guideline also addresses the increased risk of anxiety and depression in psoriasis patients, as well as the effects of smoking and alcohol consumption, which can increase one’s risk of developing the disease or make the condition worse in those who already have it.
“We believe this guideline will be a vital resource in the treatment of psoriasis,” says board-certified dermatologist Craig A. Elmets, MD, FAAD, co-chair of the work group that developed the guidelines. “Doctors should be aware of the conditions associated with this disease, educate patients accordingly, and work with those patients and other physicians to ensure that each patient receives the appropriate screening and treatment.”
“Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with biologics” provides an overview of the biologic medications available for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. In addition to outlining the research on these drugs’ effectiveness and recommendations for their use, the guideline describes the potential adverse effects of each biologic.
“Before starting any psoriasis treatment, it’s important for patients to understand its potential effects, both positive and negative,” says board-certified dermatologist Alan Menter, MD, FAAD, co-chair of the guidelines work group. “This guideline provides physicians with the information they need to discuss biologic medications with their patients and help them choose the treatment plan that’s best for them.”
“If you’re struggling with psoriasis, a board-certified dermatologist can help you manage the condition and improve your quality of life,” adds board-certified dermatologist Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. “We hope these guidelines serve as a valuable resource for physicians in providing high-quality care for psoriasis patients.”
The two guidelines published today are the first installments in a series of six, with four other psoriasis guidelines slated for publication in JAAD in the coming months. Upcoming guidelines will address phototherapy, the treatment of pediatric patients, non-biologic systemic medications and topical therapy.
More Information
Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with biologics
NPF Patient Navigation Center Your Care Team
About JAAD
The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology is the most widely read dermatology journal in the world, according to Kantar Media. JAAD was the second most-cited dermatology journal in 2017, according to Thomson Reuters’ impact factor report. Follow @JAADJournals on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 20,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), Instagram (@AADskin1) and YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).
About the NPF
Serving its community through more than 50 years of patient support, advocacy, research funding, and education, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is the world’s leading nonprofit fighting for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The NPF mission is to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and dramatically improve the lives of more than 8 million Americans affected by this chronic immune-mediated disease. As part of that effort, NPF created its Patient Navigation Center to offer personalized assistance to everyone with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. To date, NPF has funded more than $19 million in research grants and fellowships that help drive discoveries that may lead to more and better treatments and ultimately a cure. Learn more at www.psoriasis.org.
Journal Link: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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