Ep. 273 "Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis in Children and in Adults with High-Impact Site Involvement"

Description: Learn why advocating for care is crucial when moderate to severe plaque psoriasis develops at a young age or in high-impact sites, and how advanced biologic therapies can offer effective solutions for those that may be undertreated. Join moderator Kaitlin Walden, patient advocate Carolyn, and dermatologist Dr Candrice Heath as they discuss the realities of living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis at a young age, as well as adult patients with plaque psoriasis in high-impact sites, like the scalp, nails, and face. Carolyn shares her personal journey with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and how it has continued from childhood into adulthood, while Dr Heath offers insights to help caregivers and patients navigate treatment approaches, including when and how a biologic therapy may be helpful. This episode addresses challenges associated with living and treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children and adults. This episode is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information for the product mentioned in this episode. Timestamps: ·       (0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest introductions from dermatologist Dr. Candrice Heath and Carolyn, a patient advocate living with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. ·       (1:22) Information about, and pivotal data for, TREMFYA® (guselkumab), a biologic used to treat adults and children 6 years and older who weigh at least 88 lbs or 40 kilograms with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. ·       (3:48) Living with psoriasis as a child can be difficult with challenges in being diagnosed correctly and receiving appropriate treatment.  ·       (6:17) A dermatologist's view of children and adolescents living with plaque psoriasis including in high-impact sites. ·       (8:14) It's important to advocate for yourself and the best possible care. ·       (9:37) Open communication with your dermatologist helps identify the best possible treatment plan, which is dependent on several factors including the availability of new treatment options. ·       (12:05) Carolyn's biggest challenge is managing her psoriasis and then psoriatic arthritis. ·       (14:20) Results of the SPECTREM clinical trial addressing treatment of adults with moderate plaque psoriasis in high-impact sites. ·       (17:38) Find the support and information you need to find the right treatment. ·       (21:48) Important Safety Information about TREMFYA® (guselkumab).   Key Takeaways: ·       Plaque psoriasis can be challenging both physically and emotionally for children and adults – especially when high-impact site involvement (such as the face, scalp, armpits, and groin) is present. ·       Individual treatment plans vary and are based on several factors, including the severity of psoriasis, dosing schedule, cost, or route of administration. Finding the right treatment for plaque psoriasis is a collaboration between a dermatologist, the patient, and/or family (should the patient be a child). ·       A number of medicines that treat plaque psoriasis from the inside out, including biologics, are now available for children and adults. Such treatment options are continuing to expand. Guest Bios: Candrice Heath, M.D. is a highly respected triple board-certified dermatologist who sees both children and adults at Howard University Hospital in Washington DC where she is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology. She is board-certified in dermatology, pediatrics, and pediatric dermatology.  Dr Heath is a nationally recognized speaker, pediatric and adult dermatology clinical researcher, and has held a variety of leadership roles including Chair for the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA), Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Focused Group, Skin of Color Society National Secretary-Treasurer, and American Academy of Dermatology Diversity Committee member. Her clinical, research, and teaching interests are shaped by insights gained from her unique practice filled with both children and adults in addition to her passion for exploring the intersection of dermatology and social science.  Carolyn Pugh is a patient advocate and volunteer with the National Psoriasis Foundation who lives with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Carolyn was diagnosed with psoriasis at age 11 after being misdiagnosed and offered treatments that didn't work. Once she was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis some of the initial treatments were difficult and unsustainable. Over the years she has learned to advocate for her own self-care and feels her personal experiences can help empower other adults and parents. Resources: ·       Learn more about treatment options for children and adolescents at Our Spot for Youth and Parents   ·       For more information about psoriasis in high-impact sites