Psoriasis is awful; it can even make walking a pain. This poor guy’s feet were not doing too well and he didn’t know what to do so he came to see us. Dr. Stahr and Dr. Hockley hate seeing people in pain, but LOVE solving problems. This was kind of a fun day. We knew that giving him relief would likely be just an injection away. What a change that injection made! The photo on the left is separated in time by only about one month and a single shot of a drug called Skyrizi.
How can a single shot do this? Read on friends!
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy, painful, and embarrassing. Although there is no cure for plaque psoriasis, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
One of the newest and most effective treatments for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is Skyrizi (risankizumab). Skyrizi is a biologic medication that works by blocking the action of a specific protein, interleukin-23 (IL-23), that is involved in the development of psoriasis. By blocking IL-23, Skyrizi helps to reduce the inflammation and redness associated with plaque psoriasis.
Skyrizi is administered as a subcutaneous injection and is given every 8 weeks after two initial starting doses. It has been shown to be effective in improving skin clearance and reducing the severity of psoriasis symptoms in a majority of patients. In clinical trials, up to 90% of patients who received Skyrizi achieved clear or almost clear skin, compared to only 4% of patients who received a placebo.
In addition to its effectiveness, Skyrizi has a favorable safety profile and is well tolerated by most patients. The most common side effects of Skyrizi are upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and nasopharyngitis. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.
It is important to note that Skyrizi is not a cure for plaque psoriasis and does not prevent future outbreaks. However, it can significantly improve the quality of life for people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis by reducing symptoms and improving skin clearance.
If you are living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and are interested in exploring new treatment options, it is important to speak with your doctor about Skyrizi. One of the board certified M.D. dermatologists at Elect Dermatology can help determine if Skyrizi is the right treatment for you and will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
In conclusion, Skyrizi is a great treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated. We prescribe it frequently with excellent results at Elect Dermatology. If you are living with plaque psoriasis, speak with your doctor about Skyrizi and take the first step towards clearer skin and a better quality of life.
