While this class of medications isn’t necessarily new anymore, they can still feel new to many people who are considering them for the first time. If you’re one of them and have questions, read on to get the answers. Why does your body create this inflammation? It’s part of your immune system’s natural defense against foreign invaders that might make you sick. But with psoriasis, your immune system is overactive, and causes excess inflammation, which activates skin cells to multiply too fast, leading to plaques on your skin. In other words, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where your immune system gets “angry” at your skin, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
How Biologics Treat Psoriasis From the Inside Out
Biologic medications are created using living cells that are similar to molecules in your immune system and work within the body to target inflammation and psoriasis plaques at the source. Biologics differ from other common psoriasis treatments for two reasons: Before trying biologics, your doctor may suggest trying the following treatments.
Topicals: Topicals include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, anthralin, topical retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), salicylic acid, coal tar, and moisturizers. These creams and ointments are applied to the affected skin, so they only work on the surface to treat the outward symptoms of psoriasis and do not impact inflammation within the body.Phototherapy (light therapy): Light therapy uses natural or artificial ultraviolet light to slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation. Phototherapy includes natural sunlight or artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light.Traditional systemics: Medications such as methotrexate and cyclosporine suppress the immune system on a broad level to reduce inflammation and prevent psoriasis symptoms and progression. They can be used alone or in combination with a biologic to treat psoriasis.
Treatment depends on your preferences and how severe the psoriasis is, Zeichner says. “In mild cases, topical creams may do the trick,” he says, “but if larger body surfaces are involved, then systemic medications such as biologics may be necessary.” You’ve learned a lot about biologics. Take some time to think about your own psoriasis care and what you might want to discuss with your doctor.
