Hi everyone
I stumbled onto this site whilst googling Apremilast. Spent some time browsing through and it looked like a friendly and informative place.

I am staying in the East and was trained in the West (UK) so I have the opportunity to treat my psoriasis with both Eastern and Western medicines.

During my 40 years of living with psoriasis, I have tried ayurvedic medicines, traditional Chinese therapies ( imbalance in the Ying and Yang) and even gone to Thailand to drink snake bile.

I have smeared myself with all sorts of creams ( steroids, Daivonex, moisturizers, herbal products). UV light therapy only helped for a short time.

I tried a course of cyclosporine... I suffered every known side effect and it did not help my skin a single bit.

So far I have avoided anti-TNF medication and the only thing that controls my skin is Methotrexate which I have been taking every 2 - 3 weeks for the past 30 years.

I am considering trying apremilast but it is still not available here. So I am still struggling to live with my itchy, scaly and often painful skin and hoping some day someone will find a cure.

Hi.

I'm plonky and I have P.

Sorry for the long, detailed post.

After reading the new study by Kantar Health below, I thought the subject would make a good poll for Psoriasis Club.

• This poll is available to guests
  
• Members are welcome to post on this thread.
  
• Physician = A person qualified to practice medicine.
  
• Please don't mention any physician's by name if posting on this thread. (I will remove them)
  
• You cant change your vote, but should your view change please let me know and I will edit it for you.
  
• Usernames are not shown in the results.
  

Quote:

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Four in 10 psoriasis patients—including 25 percent of moderate to severe patients—currently are not under the care of a physician for their condition, according to new research conducted by Kantar Health, a leading global healthcare consulting firm.

Results from a survey conducted among psoriasis patients in the U.S. show that while most patients who do see a physician for their psoriasis are satisfied with the medical care they receive, about one-third have stopped seeing a physician because of their dissatisfaction with their psoriasis treatment or progress. As disease severity increases, these patients are more likely to have changed physicians multiple times.

Patients who are dissatisfied with the care they receive cited their physicians’ inability to provide effective treatment as the primary reason for their dissatisfaction. Only four out of 10 claim to have a satisfactory level of clearing of their psoriasis plaques, with those using prescription treatments being the most satisfied with clearing but still falling short of their expectations. Furthermore, some patients also mentioned their physician had a lack of attention, emotional support or empathy as contributing to their dissatisfaction.

“Physician advice is far and away the greatest influence on how psoriasis is treated,” said Rose Lorenzo, director of research at Kantar Health. “However, a relatively large number of moderate to severe patients are declining to see a doctor about their disease, and those who are being treated are much more likely to be dissatisfied with their physicians. It’s important for physicians to set more realistic expectations on the level of psoriasis clearance they are likely to experience to help close the gap between expectations and treatment satisfaction.”

Caroline I'm not sure if you have seen or posted about this on here, but I'm sure you will find it interesting.

Quote:

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Background: 
Fumaric acid esters (FAE) are used as an effective and safe oral treatment for plaque psoriasis in adult patients, but little is known about their efficacy and safety in children with psoriasis.

Objectives: 
To assess the effectiveness and safety of FAE in the treatment of paediatric psoriasis.

Methods: 
This is a retrospective analysis of 14 paediatric patients with psoriasis (age < 18 years) treated with FAE between 2004 and 2012 at several Dutch university and regional clinics. Patients were identified through databases or registries.

Results: 
The median age at the start of FAE treatment was 15 years (range 8–17 years). The median duration of FAE treatment was 10 months (range 1–80 months), and the median maintenance dosage per day was 360 mg dimethylfumarate (range 240–600 mg). Five patients (36%) achieved a complete clearance of their psoriasis, one patient (7%) had a good improvement, three patients (21%) had a partial response and five patients (36%) were nonresponders. FAE treatment was well tolerated, but two patients (14%) discontinued FAE, one with severe diarrhoea and one with flushes. Five patients (36%) had transient, slightly abnormal laboratory values of liver-function tests or leucocytes that did not necessitate FAE dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions: 
In this retrospective case series FAE seemed to be an effective and safe treatment for children with psoriasis. FAE may be an attractive therapeutic alternative to the currently used systemic immunosuppressive agents for paediatric patients with psoriasis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the suitability of FAE in paediatric psoriasis.

Here's an interesting article that was published in the British Journal of Dermatology asking the question "Is the prevalence of psoriasis increasing?"

I found the results interesting as it shows that people are self reporting psoriasis to their GPs, and could be more aware about psoriasis than ever before. Lets hope Psoriasis Club is playing it's part in helping that result.

Quote:

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Background:
There is indication of an increasing prevalence of psoriasis in some western populations. However, the results are not conclusive.

Objectives:
To analyse trends in the prevalence of psoriasis over the past 30 years, separating age, birth cohort and time period effects.

Methods:
Five population-based surveys in North Norway, the Tromsø Studies 2–6, collected between 1979 and 2008, were studied. Participants aged 20–79 years with self-reported psoriasis data in at least one of the surveys were included, yielding a total of 69 539 observations from 33 387 unique individuals born between 1915 and 1977. Trends in psoriasis prevalence were examined using cross-sectional, time lag and longitudinal designs of graphical plots. Observed trends were further evaluated in generalized linear-regression models.

Results:
The self-reported lifetime prevalence of psoriasis increased from 4·8% in 1979–1980 to 11·4% in 2007–2008. Graphical plots showed an increasing prevalence of psoriasis with each consecutive survey in all examined age groups and birth cohorts, leaving time period effects as the explanation for the increase. The odds for psoriasis in the cohort were 2·5 times higher in 2007–2008 than in 1979–1980 (adjusted odds ratio 2·49, 95% confidence interval 2·08–2·99). The prevalence of persons reporting a doctor’s diagnosis of psoriasis was 9·9% in the last survey. In subgroups of the study population, psoriasis was associated with higher body mass index, lower physical activity during work and leisure time, lower educational level and smoking.

Conclusions:
Our findings indicate an increasing prevalence of self-reported psoriasis. This could represent a true increase in prevalence, possibly due to changes in lifestyle and environmental factors, or an increased awareness of the disease.

Background: 
In the pathogenesis of psoriasis, proinflammatory T cells are strongly involved in the inflammatory process, where regulatory T-cell (Treg) function is impaired.

Objectives: 
As effective Treg function is associated with a numerical balance between Treg and effector T cells, we wondered whether Treg/T-helper cell ratios may be associated with certain stages of the inflammatory process. We opted for the margin zone model as a dynamic approach.

Methods: 
From nine patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, 3-mm punch biopsies were obtained from the centre and margin of the lesion, perilesional skin and distant uninvolved skin. Skin biopsies of 10 healthy volunteers were included as a control. Samples were analysed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.

Results: 
In the transition from symptomless to lesional skin, a significant increase of CD3+, CD4+ and Foxp3+ cells was found. In seven of nine patients the ratio of Treg (Foxp3+) vs. CD4+ T cells was higher in the distant uninvolved skin than in the perilesional and lesional skin. Interestingly, the Foxp3/CD4 ratio in the distant uninvolved skin was even higher than in the skin of healthy controls. Notably, we found that most of the interleukin (IL)-17 expression was not related to CD4+ cells, but to mast cells.

Conclusions: 
The relatively high Foxp3/CD4 ratio in symptomless skin of patients with psoriasis suggests an active immune controlling mechanism distant from the psoriatic plaque. In the margin and centre of the plaque the ratio appears skewed towards effector cells associated with inflammation. IL-17, an important driver of the psoriatic process, is mostly related to mast cells, and only sporadically to T cells.

Source: NO LINKS ALLOWED

Summary Background: 
In 2007 the International Psoriasis Council proposed that palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) should be considered a separate condition from psoriasis, despite the presence of certain phenotypes common in both diseases.

Objectives: 
To describe and compare demographic and clinical characteristics among patients with PPP and palmoplantar plaque psoriasis.

Methods: 
This was a retrospective case series study from 2005 to 2010. The following data were obtained: age, sex, family history, smoking habits, nail involvement, joint involvement, disease duration, lesion morphology (plaque or pustular), histological diagnosis, comorbidities, and Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) score for extrapalmoplantar lesions. The sample size calculation indicated that 80 patients, 40 patients for each group (palmoplantar plaque psoriasis and PPP) were needed to see clinically relevant differences between groups.

Results: 
Ninety patients were selected, 51 with palmoplantar plaque psoriasis and 39 with PPP. No statistically significant differences were registered between patients affected by PPP and palmoplantar plaque psoriasis as regards age at onset of the disease (48 vs. 44 years; P = 0·4), disease duration (6 vs. 10 years; P = 0·1), family history of psoriasis (28% vs. 33%; P = 0·7), concomitant arthritis (26% vs. 25%; P = 1·0), or smoking habits (54% vs. 41%; P = 0·2). We observed a female predominance (P = 0·01) and a lesser frequency of nail involvement (P = 0·03) in patients affected by PPP.

Conclusions: 
Our data suggest a close relationship between PPP and psoriasis. The existing data concerning epidemiology, clinical presentation, genetics, histopathology and pathogenesis do not permit a clear distinction between these two entities, which seem to coincide in many aspects. PPP appears to have a marked predilection among female smokers.

Source: NO LINKS ALLOWED

Hi all,

As suggested by Fred I have started my very first thread on a forum! Eeeek!

After 2 doses of MTX and a horrible reaction I got my first dose of Stelara last Thursday - the injection was a doddle and my nurse was lovely!

Its too early to now anythign really but so far no nasty side effects and I think theres a change, my right arm was a favourite picking spot and would be an area that the psoriasis came back daily, but i noticed yesterday that the skin I picked hasnt come back thick enough to pick since before the weekend.

Sorry - that description sounds terrible but not sure how else to explain what I mean. I did take some pictures on the day of the injections so hope that helps me monitor how it goes. I think my comfort eating has decreased but thats maybe cos my wine intake has increased due to work being utter pants!

Fingers crossed peeps!

I have a thread in Off Topic [Group Specific] about loosing my sense of smell after having a bad case of the flu.

I didn't think at the time that it may be of interest to others with psoriasis, but in the end I thought I would mention it here too as I'm using Stelara.

I'm not for one minute saying it's a problem with Stelara as I have researched and can't find any evidence of loss of smell whilst using it. But to cut a long story short you can read more in off topic I lost my smell after a bad case of the Flu around Dec/Jan and it has not come back. I have now seen a specialist and he confirmed the virus probably killed my smell senses.

Again I'm not saying it's related, but Stelara and other Bio treatments do lower your immune system, and the specialist told me as I was taking it I should have gone to him sooner.

So if you loose your smell, go to your GP immediately if you are on a Bio as I have been told there is no guarantee of it coming back.

If anyone does know more about a link with the loss of smell and psoriasis please post here.

hi my name is moflow i am a sufferer to its is getting me down now

Long story short - I've been on Ciclosporin for two years now. I can honestly say it has made a huge difference to my severe Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis.

However, my math deficient Dermatology Clinic can't seem to give me an appointment that occurs before my meds run out.My next appointment is June 11th but my meds run out on Monday. Consequently, after just 3 days dry, I revert back to looking like the surface of Mars.

So I'm keeping a Journal and hopefully pictures (don't worry, I will warn you in advance) of my journey Back Into Hell.

The rationale behind this Journal is

a) because I'm probably going to need somewhere to rant
b) so I can raise awareness via social networking (and hopefully steer more sufferers to the site)

Might as well try to get something positive out of it.

I'll be absent over the weekend as I have to get ready for the onslaught (stocking up on books/DVDs, food, organising school runs and setting up my bed downstairs etc) as I wont be able to walk further than the loo by next week.

At the moment my Psoriasis score is a lovely, snuggly 8. Lets see what it looks like by June 11th. I'll begin the updates on Monday.

TTFN!

P.S Dear Mods. I hope posting this in the Please Help Me section is correct. If not please move to wherever you feel it's appropriate.

After a frankly horrific round of steroid creams, light treatment and numerous infections (hard not to get infected when your skin is constantly tearing) plus major bouts of Black Dog (my pet name for depression) I finally got onto Ciclosporin. Took over a year and I gradually became housebound/bedridden.

Anyhow, the Ciclosporin kicked in pretty fast. Took a bit longer to get my mobility back to normal and slightly longer to get the Black Dog back in it's cage.

I was prescribed 320mg per day but I have managed slowly drop it to 200mg and still stay comfortable. I did experience some nausea when I first began the treatment but that seems to have died down. The tips of my toes and fingers do tend to sting somewhat when I bathe or wash up but it's manageable. The bl***y excessive hair growth is a pain. I must be keeping Veet in business.

What annoys me though is, on two occasions, my prescription has run out before my next appointment. I can't get them on repeat prescription, it has to be at the hospital after a blood test and a consultation. Fair play, they have to keep a check on my kidneys and all that but it annoys me that, every so often, I have to go back to square one because I've only got say 3 months worth between 4 monthly appointments.

I'm facing yet another relapse. My meds run out on Monday but my appointment is not until June 11th. Within three days of coming out of my system I'm going to be in Agony Central again. Absolutely no cancellations available (believe me, I've begged).

Sorry for the long post but I just wondered if anyone else had had a similar experience with their Dermatology Clinic (or is mine just very bad a math)?

Well I used to use this Forum a couple of years ago (or maybe 3, I'm a scatterbrain).
It's changed a little in appearance from what I remember but good to see it going strong.
I stopped posting because, frankly, I went into a deep pit of depression for ages and by the time I climbed back out of it I was too 'embarrassed' to post again.
Yes, I know that's silly but you know how it is. It's like neglecting to speak to a friend for ages and the longer you leave it, the harder it gets.
Anyway, I've rejoined and I've got my head sorted out (well, most of the time anyway).
So hello and sorry for the rambling.

I want to delete me from here, how please?

Hi everyone, I'm Flynny and a sufferer for over 20 years. However, I'm now using a new drug not licenced in the UK called Fumaderm or Fumeric Acid. It's working!!! Really working.

Thanks again Micky made it sticky

What is Acitretin and how does it work?

Acitretin (Neotigason) is a member of a group of drugs called retinoids, closely related to Vitamin A.
It works by slowing down cell reproduction in the skin.


What conditions are treated with Acitretin?

Acitretin is licesed for and most commonly used for treating Psoriasis.
Your Dermatologist may also use it for treating other skin conditions, including:
lichen planus, lupus erythethematosus, ichthyosis & Darier's disease.


Will Acitretin cure my skin condition?

Acitretin is not a cure for these conditions, and when the medication is stopped, the condition is likely to return.
However, most patients will see a gradual improvement of their skin, starting about 2 weeks after treatment commences and continuing for up to 12 weeks.
This improvement should then remain while continuing the treatment.


What dose should I take?

The dose will be dependant on body weight and the type of skin condition you are being treated for.
Acitretin capsules come in 10 & 25mg strengths with most patients taking between 10 & 50mg daily.
It is not advised to take more than 75mg daily.


What time of day should I take Acitretin?

Acitretin is best absorbed into the body alongside fats.
Therefore, it is best taken after a meal.


When should you not take Acitretin?

If a woman becomes pregnant while taking Acitretin it is highly likely that the unborn baby will be damaged by the medication.
Because of this, it is not normally given to women of child bearing age.
Women who have taken Acitretin should wait at least 3 YEARS before attempting to conceive.
Men taking Acitretin can father children with no additional risk.
It is also recommended that patients taking Acitretin DO NOT donate blood after stopping treatment for at least 1 year, and certainly not while on the treatment.
This precaution is taken in case the donated blood is given to a pregnant woman.

If you have had problems with your liver, kidneys or suffer from high cholesterol or diabetes, you should speak with your health professional prior to treatment.



What are the common side effects?

In general the side effects are mild and settle when the dosage is reduced.
An initial worsening of Psoriasis may be seen when the drug is first taken.

High doses may cause dryness of the skin, lips, nostrils & eyes.
The skin may also peel and become fragile.
It is recommended to use a regular moisturiser and lip salve.
There is an increased risk of sunburn and you should use a regular sunscreen.
An increased risk of skin infections is seen if the skin becomes dry and cracked.
Nose bleeds can occur if the inside of the nose becomes dry and cracked.



What are the rare side effects?

Although rare, more serious side effects may be observed, these include:

Increased pressure on the brainmay result in headaches and visual imparement.

Muscles and joints may ache after excercise.

Hair loss and/or thinning may occur.

Increased fat levels in the blood and inflamation of the liver can occur, these symptoms should be closely monitored with regular blood tests.

There may also be a link between Acitretin and mood change, although this remains unproven.

Prolonged use may affect the bones and it may be the case that X-rays will be taken to monitor this.



How will I be monitored for side effects?

Prior to treatment and at regular intervals during medication, your doctor will organise blood tests.
You should be monitored at regular intervals.



May I take alcohol while on Acitretin?

Yes, but with strict limits.

For example:

Keep to less than 1 large (250ml) glass of wine or
1 pint of premium beer (5%) DAILY
These amounts for women should be reduced by 30%


Can I take other medicines while taking Acitretin?

Many drugs can be taken with Acitretin but some but some may interact.
It is very important that you tell your doctor & pharmacist that you are taking Acitretin, this applies before taking any other mebication including over-the-counter medication.

Drugs that may interact with Acitretin include:

Vitamin A: doses above the recommended daily allowance should be avoided

Mini-Pill: Progestin only pill

Antibiotics: Tetracyclines

Methotrexate

Antifungals: Ketoconazole

Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine

Anticoagulants: Warfarin


This is by no means an exhaustive list and you should always consult your healthcare professional.



Information sourced from the British Association of Dermatologists.

Thanks for this thread Micky, I will make it a sticky thread so people will always be able to find it.

What is Ciclosporine and how does it work?

Like Penicillin, Ciclosporine was discovered as a substance produced by fungi.
It was found to suppress the immune system and was developed for suppressing the immune system of transplant patients to prevent them rejecting their transplanted organs.
It was subsequently found to benefit patients with a range of diseases and conditions caused by immune reactions.


Why suppress the immune system?

There are several reasons:

In "auto-immune" diseases, the immune system attacks the body itself.
These diseases can affect just one organ - such as the heart, liver or skin - or a number of organs.

There also diseases in which the body's immune system becomes over active, letting a disease persist or even get worse.
Suppressing the immune system can then be helpful.

After transplant surgery, the immune systemhas to be suppressed to stop the transplanted organ being rejected. Most patients who have had a kidney or heart transplant take Ciclosporine as part of the combination of drugs used to suppress their immune system.


Which skin conditions are treated with Ciclosporine?

Ciclosporine is prescribed for conditions in which the immune system is to active.
It is only licensed to treat Psoriasis & Eczema (UK, could vary with country).
However, drugs are often used for conditions not included in the original license application.
In the case of Ciclosporine, these include bullous pemphigoid, pyoderma, gangrenosum, chronic actinic dermatitis and cutaneous vasculitis.


Will Ciclosporine cure my skin condition?

None of the skin conditions for which Ciclosporine is used are "cured" by this treatment.
Usually, a gradual improvement is seen, starting in the first few weeks of treatment, and then Ciclosporine will be continued to keep the skin problem under control.


What dose should I take?

Your Doctor/Consultant will advise you here, as the dose prescribed depends partly on your body weight.
Ciclosporine is usually taken in capsule form twice daily.
The capsules are available in 4 strengths: 10, 25, 50 or 100mg.
Ciclosporine is also available as a liquid.
The total dose taken is usually within the range of 2-5mg per kilo of body weight per day.

NB: Grapefruit or grapefruit juice should not be taken for an hour each side of the dose, as it grossly affects absorbtion rate.

Also note that different makes of Ciclosporine can be absorbed differently by the body, so it is recommended to always use the same medication from the same source. If you change medication however, then it is possible that you will need to have a Ciclosporine level blood test performed.


What are the possible side effects of Ciclosporine?

In some people Ciclosporine can cause sickness (nausea), diarrhoea, gum overgrowth, tiredness and excessive hair growth. It can also produce a mild tremor.
Sometimes a mild burning sensation of the hands and feet can occur in early treatment.
If Ciclosporine is used in a high dose it can affect the liver.
The side effects tend to be reduced or get better if the dose is reduced.


Are there any long term side effects of Ciclosporine?

The long term side effects include reduced function of the kidneys and raised blood pressure.
If you suffer consistently with high blood pressure, you will probably not be considered for this treatment.
The dose of Ciclosporine has to be reduced or stopped if there is a significant rise in blood pressure or effects on the kidney function.
Provided the treatment is closely monitered and appropriate adjustments are made the side effects can be reversed.
Ciclosporine can also cause increased levels of lipidsin the blood (ie: cholesterol).

Taking Ciclosporine for a number of years increases your risk of getting some types of Cancer.
This includes skin cancer, and patients should limit their sun exposure.
If you are concerned about this, you should consult with your health professional.


How will I be monitered for side effects?

As Ciclosporine can have adverse effects on the kidneys & blood pressure, your doctor will arrange for you to have regular tests of blood & urine, and checks on your blood pressure.
These tests will at first be frequent, then less often once the dose has been stabilised.
You may be asked to keep a record of your treatment in a log along with your test results. Take this with you on any follow up appointments.

You must not take Ciclosporine unless you are being closely monitored.


Does Ciclosporine effect fertility or pregnancy?

It is best not to take Ciclosporine when pregnant, however it is possible.
If you are planning a family, or if you become pregnant during treatment, you should consult your health professional asap.
You should not breast feed while taking Ciclosporine.

May I drink alcohol while on Ciclosporine?

There is no evidence or reason for you to avoid alcohol while taking Ciclosporine.


Can I take other medicines while taking Ciclosporine?

Ciclosporine may be prescribed in combination with other drugs.
However, some other drugs interact with it and you should always tell any doctor treating you that you are taking Ciclosporine.
You should not take over-the-counter medications without discussing this first with your doctor or pharmacist.
However, there are many drugs that can be taken with Ciclosporine.

Drugs that may interact with Ciclosporine include:

Aspirin & non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ie: ibrufen & diclofenac

Antibiotics:  erythromycin, clarithromicin, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, rimfampicin,
                 doxycycline.

Antifungals:  fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole & amphotericin.

Blood pressure treatments:  ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers & calcium channel blockers.

Hormones:  oral contraceptives & corticosteroids.

Digoxin

This is not by any means an exhaustive list and you should always inform any relevant health professionals that you are taking Ciclosporine.


Can I have immunisation injections while taking Ciclosporine?

You should avoid immunisation injections with any LIVE vaccines, such as Polio & Rubella (German measles).
Flu injections & Pneumovax are safe and recommended.


Where can I find out more about Ciclosporine?

If you would like to find out more about Ciclosporine, or have any concerns during or prior to treatment, your first point of contact should be your healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Any individual case can be different and this information is just a guide for anyone wanting to know the basics of Ciclosporine.




Information sourced from British Association of Dermatologists.

It's often mentioned that being overweight is not good for psoriasis, and I must admit I do agree. My dermatologist told me to try and lose some weight, and although I have only managed to lose 5 Kg I do believe it's helped a little. The problem is with me I just cant keep it up, I'm at the age now where I'm thinking life is to short to worry about it. I'm now doing a 5 Km reasonably fast walk every day and that's as far as I'm prepared to go.

Anyway back to the study from Dr. Peter Jensen, of the Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, and colleagues.

Importance:
Psoriasis is associated with adiposity and weight gain increases the severity of psoriasis and the risk of incident psoriasis. Therefore, we aimed to measure the effect of weight reduction on the severity of psoriasis in obese patients with psoriasis.

Objective:
To assess the effect of weight reduction on the severity of psoriasis in overweight patients.

Design:
Sixty obese patients with psoriasis from our dermatology outpatient clinic were enrolled in a prospective randomized clinical trial in which they were allocated to a control group or an intervention group.

Setting:
University hospital outpatient dermatology clinic.

Participants:
We included 60 of 69 eligible overweight patients with psoriasis (body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], 27-40; aged 25-71 years).

Interventions:
The intervention group received a low-energy diet (LED) (800-1000 kcal/d) for 8 weeks to induce weight loss, followed by 8 weeks of reintroduction of normal food intake, reaching 1200 kcal/d. The control group was instructed to continue eating ordinary healthy foods.

Main Outcomes and Measures:
Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) after 16 weeks, with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) as a secondary end point.

Results:
The median PASI for all patients was 5.4 (interquartile range, 3.8-7.6) at baseline. At week 16, the mean body weight loss was 15.4 kg (95% CI, 12.3-18.5 kg; P < .001) greater in the intervention group than in the control group. The corresponding mean differences in PASI and DLQI, also in favor of the LED group, were −2.0 (95% CI, 4.1 to −0.1; P = .06) and −2.0 (95% CI, −3.6 to −0.3; P = .02), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance:
Treatment with an LED showed a trend in favor of clinically important PASI improvement and a significant reduction in DLQI in overweight patients with psoriasis.

Source: NO LINKS ALLOWED