Show Notes
Treatment for psoriasis varies according to its severity, and in this episode we look at the different treatment options. Topical ointments and creams may work well for some patients, while others may respond to light therapy (phototherapy) administered in a dermatologist’s office. But for more severe cases, doctors often advise patients to switch to more targeted medications that address the root cause of psoriasis: an overactive immune system. This can include certain oral pills or injectable biologics. So how do you and your doctor figure out the right medication for your psoriasis? There are a lot of factors that go into it. This episode will help you better understand your options so you can have a more informed conversation with your doctor. Among the highlights in this episode: 2:42 – Initial treatment with topical ointments and creams 3:15 – Phototherapy: the second rung on the treatment ladder 3:34 – Oral medications and injectable biologics: the “heavy artillery” for psoriasis treatment, and a potential game-changer 4:35 – Be ready to wait for a biologic medication to kick in 5:25 – Formulating a Plan B with your physician 7:03 – A moving target: psoriasis doesn’t always stay in the same place 8:13 – You are your own best advocate Contact Our Host: David Brandt: [email protected] We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Getting Clear On Psoriasis
In the first episode of season 3, our host Naomi is joined by two guests: Jana, who was diagnosed as a teenager with guttate psoriasis and has worked her way through years of treatments to finally find a biologic that’s made a life-changing difference; and Krystal, who was diagnosed in childhood with plaque and guttate psoriasis and shares openly about the stigma she faced, the exhaustion of trial-and-error treatments, and her hopes for finally finding something that works.
In this third episode of Getting Clear on Psoriasis, host Jilly Carter is joined by Heather, who lives with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP), and Dalton, her husband and care partner. Together, they discuss what life is like living with GPP and the impact it has had on their family. Heather talks about her journey to diagnosis, as well as how she organizes her life to best manage her GPP. The couple explores how their community has reacted to their situation and how Heather advocates for education around GPP. Dalton also offers advice on how to best support a partner living with GPP. Disclaimer: The experiences and opinions shared in this episode reflect those of the participants and should not be considered medical advice. More About the Show We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to [email protected] This podcast was produced on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim and distributed by the Global Healthy Living Foundation. Discover more about GPP at patient.boehringer-ingelheim.com/gpp/ Learn more about the show at https://creakyjoints.org/getting-clear-on-psoriasis/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this second episode of Getting Clear on Psoriasis, we explore the physical toll of living with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP). Host Jilly Carter is joined by Nerea Moran, a nurse living with GPP, and Dr. Peter van de Kerkhof, a dermatologist from Radboud University Medical Center for a candid discussion about how GPP flares manifest and disrupt daily life. Nerea shares her personal experience with the pain, fatigue, and unpredictability of flares, while Dr. van de Kerkhof explains how GPP presents clinically, and what patients can expect during a GPP flare. From struggling to walk or sleep to navigating interactions with medical providers, this episode sheds light on the challenges—and the resilience—of living with a rare chronic condition like GPP. Disclaimer: The experiences and opinions shared in this episode reflect those of the participants and should not be considered medical advice. More About the Show We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to [email protected] This podcast was produced on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim and distributed by the Global Healthy Living Foundation. Discover more about GPP at patient.boehringer-ingelheim.com/gpp/ Learn more about the show at https://creakyjoints.org/getting-clear-on-psoriasis/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this first episode of season 2 of Getting Clear on Psoriasis, host Jilly Carter is joined by Nerea, a nurse living with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP), and Dr. Peter van de Kerkhof, a leading dermatologist and Head of Dermatology at Radboud University Medical Center. Together, they discuss the impact of GPP on daily life, the challenges of managing relationships, and the emotional toll of unpredictable flares. Throughout the conversation, Jilly, Nerea, and Dr. van de Kerkhof reflect on how GPP is a whole-body, lifelong condition, and why addressing mental health is just as important as managing physical symptoms. Disclaimer: The experiences and opinions shared in this episode reflect those of the participants and should not be considered medical advice. More About the Show We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to [email protected] This podcast was produced on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim and distributed by the Global Healthy Living Foundation. Discover more about GPP at patient.boehringer-ingelheim.com/gpp/ Learn more about the show at https://creakyjoints.org/getting-clear-on-psoriasis/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Psoriasis patients live with pain, itchiness, and skin flakiness every day, not to mention stigma of their condition, the cost of treatment, and the difficulties in getting insurance coverage. Psoriasis is not curable, and many people will have it for the rest of their lives. But the good news is that new medications are being developed every day that hold fresh promise for those with psoriasis. “We forget what life was like without psoriasis. With the advances that we have, for many of our patients we can do better that they currently are if they’re still struggling with this disease,” says dermatologist Joel Gelfand, MD. Among the highlights in this episode: 1:45 – New medications are easing the burden for many patients 2:34 – “Emotionally, it lifts you.” 3:33 - Life-changing results are not necessarily permanent 4:14 – A comprehensive treatment plan is essential 6:14 – With the advances that we have, we can do better for many patients 6:39 – Psoriasis treatment has drastically changed Contact Our Host: David Brandt: [email protected] We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.