Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious disease that affects more than 125 million people globally. It is a condition that causes persistent red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and painful.

Although psoriasis has no known cure, there are various treatments available to alleviate symptoms and manage the onset of the condition.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis generally affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back but can appear anywhere on the skin. The symptoms of psoriasis include:.

Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
Small, scaling spots
Dry and cracked skin
Bleeding from cracks in the skin
Itching, burning, and soreness of the skin

Causes of Psoriasis

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, studies have shown that it is a result of the immune system attacking healthy skin cells mistakenly.

Genetics also play a role, as a person is more likely to develop the condition if a close relative also has it. Other factors, such as stress, infection, and injury to the skin, can trigger the onset of psoriasis.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are various treatments available to alleviate symptoms and prolong the time between flare-ups. Here are some of the treatment options:.

Topical creams – these are applied directly to the skin and help to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
Phototherapy – this involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, which slows down the growth of skin cells.
Systemic medications – these are taken orally or by injection and work throughout the body to slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
Biologics – these are a new class of drugs that block specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation.

New Treatment for Psoriasis

A new treatment for psoriasis has recently been approved by the FDA.

The treatment is called Ilumya (Tildrakizumab-asmn) and is a biologic drug that targets the interleukin-23 (IL-23) cytokine, which plays a key role in the immune response that causes psoriasis.

The drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection every 12 weeks and has been found to be safe and effective in clinical trials.

In one clinical trial, the drug demonstrated a significant improvement in skin clearance for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis compared to placebo. The drug also showed improvement in symptoms such as itching and pain.

How Ilumya Works

Ilumya works by binding to the IL-23 cytokine and preventing it from signaling immune cells to produce other cytokines, which cause the inflammation and skin cell growth associated with psoriasis.

By blocking IL-23, Ilumya reduces the inflammation and slows down the growth of skin cells, resulting in clearer skin for patients.

Side Effects of Ilumya

The most common side effects of Ilumya include upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions, and diarrhea. Patients who have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to Ilumya or any of its components should not use the drug.

It is also not recommended for patients with active tuberculosis or who have been recently treated for tuberculosis.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can cause significant distress and discomfort for patients. While there is no known cure for the condition, there are various treatment options available to alleviate symptoms and prolong the time between flare-ups.

The recent approval of Ilumya provides another potential treatment option for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. The biologic drug targets the IL-23 cytokine and has been found to be safe and effective in clinical trials.