Getting Clear On Psoriasis

Global Healthy Living Foundation

A podcast series about what it takes to live better with psoriasis — from the experts who treat it and the people who live with it. Living with psoriasis isn’t easy. It can be physically and emotionally challenging, with symptoms that disrupt your daily life and leave you feeling disconnected. But with the right information, treatment plan, and support, managing psoriasis becomes a lot more possible — and hopeful. This podcast series is here to help. Each episode features real stories from people living with psoriasis and expert insights from the healthcare professionals who care for them. Our goal is to provide helpful, relatable information that empowers you to take control of your care, explore treatment options, and live a fuller, more connected life. This podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network.

Episodes

  1. 02/09/2022

    Biologics: What to Expect

    Biologic medications are allowing many psoriasis patients to experience clear skin for the first time in years. These complex drugs target the immune system to tamp down the root cause of psoriasis. But there are downsides: biologics can be very expensive, and doctors and patients may have to battle with insurance companies to get them covered. In this episode, host David Brandt speaks with medical professionals and psoriasis patients about the impact of biologics on psoriasis treatment, and what to expect if you’re a patient who is considering these medications. “We’re at a period of time that’s starting to be called ‘the golden age of psoriasis,’ because we can clear almost anyone, and we can do so in a way that is quite safe,” says dermatologist Mark Lebwohl.  Among the highlights in this episode: 1:44 – How biologic medications work 2:09 – You can’t get a biologic at the corner pharmacy: The role of specialty pharmacies 2:22 – What it’s like to self-inject a biologic 4:30 – Worth the wait: experiencing the joys of clear skin 5:30 – How safe are biologics? 6:49 – We need to figure out how insurance will pay for these treatments 10:14 – The ‘golden age of psoriasis treatment’ Contact Our Host: David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 min
  2. 02/09/2022

    Is Your Treatment Working?

    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: dbrandt@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    11 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

A podcast series about what it takes to live better with psoriasis — from the experts who treat it and the people who live with it. Living with psoriasis isn’t easy. It can be physically and emotionally challenging, with symptoms that disrupt your daily life and leave you feeling disconnected. But with the right information, treatment plan, and support, managing psoriasis becomes a lot more possible — and hopeful. This podcast series is here to help. Each episode features real stories from people living with psoriasis and expert insights from the healthcare professionals who care for them. Our goal is to provide helpful, relatable information that empowers you to take control of your care, explore treatment options, and live a fuller, more connected life. This podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network.