Plaque psoriasisis the most common form of psoriasis, a condition in which the immune system causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, leading to patches of red skin with stiff, white scaling.
Danson first noticed his condition when he was 25 years old.
Plaque Psoriasis: Pictures and Symptoms of the Types You May See on Your Body
Danson’s dermatologist prescribed a topical medication, which was the best treatment available at the time. However, his condition continued to worsen, impacting his life more and more. He eventually developedpsoriatic arthritis, a complication in which psoriasis begins to affect the joints.
“I was never comfortable, and my condition was always something that I had to manage. It impacted my self-worth, and I always felt, to some degree, like I was faking it,” he said.
Danson said his condition began to improve about 20 years ago when he started taking a medication that targeted the root cause of his psoriasis: an overzealous immune system.
“My treatment has helped dampen my body’s inflammation, and it’s protecting my joints,” he said. He declined to share the specific medication he takes.
Psoriasis Treatment and Management
His symptoms improved even further when he madedietary changes to minimize inflammation. He haspreviously statedhe avoids wheat and consumes plenty of vegetables and fish. He is currently minimizing his sugar intake and avoiding alcohol.
“You can’t cure psoriasis through diet, but it can have a huge impact on your overall physical and mental health,” he said.
It’s possible for everyone living with plaque psoriasis to take proactive steps like this to improve their condition, which is something Danson hopes to impart in a new campaign with pharmaceutical companyBristol Myers Squibb. The company manufactures a pill calledSotyktu, which is a tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
While Danson does not take Sotyktu himself, he’ll be filming conversations with other patients who’ve been diagnosed with plaque psoriasis. Each recording is available at the campaign website:SoHaveYouFoundIt.com.
How Plaque Psoriasis Is Diagnosed
Soung emphasized that nailing down your care team and treatment plan is essential; about 30% of individuals with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, like Danson. Untreated psoriasis can also lead to heart disease.
“The extent or severity [of plaque psoriasis] may vary, and the course can sometimes be unpredictable. But there are so many different treatment options you can explore now,” she told Verywell.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity,” Danson said. “It’s about empowering people to take charge of their lives and find a dermatologist who can work with them. You have a choice. You can let it victimize you, or you can find a better way.”
What This Means For YouPatients with psoriasis have treatment options now that weren’t available just a few years ago. Finding the best treatment plan for you may take some trial and error, but with the help of the right dermatologist, you can regain your self-confidence and well-being. TheNational Psoriasis Foundationsupports people with psoriasis and researches ways to improve their lives. Search theirhealth care provider directoryto find a clinician who specializes in treating psoriasis.
What This Means For You
Patients with psoriasis have treatment options now that weren’t available just a few years ago. Finding the best treatment plan for you may take some trial and error, but with the help of the right dermatologist, you can regain your self-confidence and well-being. TheNational Psoriasis Foundationsupports people with psoriasis and researches ways to improve their lives. Search theirhealth care provider directoryto find a clinician who specializes in treating psoriasis.
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