Today, October 29, 2013, is World Psoriasis Day. Although this day was created to focus a spotlight on, and raise awareness about, this often serious skin condition, for millions of psoriasis sufferers, every day is psoriasis day.
Below, Jerry Bagel, M.D., a nationally recognized expert in the treatment of psoriasis and the director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central NJ, the first and only psoriasis treatment center in the state, discusses psoriasis and his optimism for future treatments.
What are some of the more important advancements in the treatment of psoriasis?
“The treatment of psoriasis progresses rapidly. Today when someone comes into my office with moderate to severe psoriasis, I tell them, ‘I can help you,’ and I know I can. It wasn't like that 10 years ago, when treatment options were limited and less efficacious. The world of biologic agents has transformed the lives of many psoriatics, and even better agents are in development and close to being FDA approved.”
Are we close to finding a cure for this condition?
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“I am not sure about a cure. For a chronic disease I would be happy with a very effective, safe medicine. Let’s look at other diseases like diabetes, Crohn’s and asthma. If they could be effectively and safely controlled, that would be revolutionary.”
What is the most important advancement made in the treatment of psoriasis over the past couple of years?
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“Understanding that psoriasis is linked to an immunologic disorder of the skin and the subsequent research developing biologic agents. Using these treatments, in many cases, 75% of patients get 75% or more improved. With the development of IL-17 inhibitors, those numbers improve to 85%.”
ABOUT JERRY BAGEL, M.D.
Dr. Bagel is a nationally recognized expert in the treatment of psoriasis. For the 12th consecutive year in a row, Dr. Bagel was recently named a “Top Doctor” in the Castle Connolly Medical Top Doctors of the New York Metro Area. He was named a 2005 New Jersey Top Doctor by New Jersey Life; a Best Doctor in New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly in 2001 and 2003; and received a Patients’ Choice award in 2008. He can be reached at Windsor Dermatology at 609-443-4500 or at www.windsordermatology.com.
