Newer psoriasis treatments available
Q:Nothing
relieves my long-term plaque psoriasis. Any better treatments available?
A: “Yes, you may have reason to be optimistic. Within my medical practice, newer therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis are working well for patients previously disappointed with other treatments,” says
Chi Tran, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Plaque psoriasis explained
Dr. Tran says the specific causes of plaque psoriasis are becoming more understood. She agrees with Kelsey-Seybold dermatologists who believe plaque psoriasis results from an overactive immune system triggering inflammation that affects not only the skin, but also joints and other organs.
“When this cascade of inflammation develops in the skin, it leads to a pile-up of cells on the surface, forming into thick, scaly, and sometimes painful or itchy patches known as plaque psoriasis,” she explains.
Dr. Tran says newer biologic drug therapies are being used to slow and, in some cases, block the action of specific cells and proteins that play a
major role in inflammatory immune reactions that develop into psoriasis. Treatment
“Finding the right treatment plan requires individualized medical attention. My goal is to find the safest, most effective way to decrease inflammation and relieve symptoms with the fewest side effects,” Dr. Tran says. “After a medical evaluation to determine the type and severity of psoriasis, and the areas affected, I discuss treatments options – including the latest ones – with patients, which may also include lifestyle interventions. My patients and I then decide what’s best for their individual cases.” Dr. Chi Tran cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center, 11555 University Blvd. in Sugar Land.