Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center - Birmingham, Alabama

Psoriasis Clinical Research Trials

We are always involved in clinical research trials for new psoriasis medications. We typically have ongoing Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV psoriasis research trials underway. Our psoriasis clinical research unit has been active in trials with Amevive, Raptiva, Humira and other more investigational drugs. Call our psoriasis clinical research coordinator to see if any trials might be appropriate for you.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-contagious, reoccurring skin condition consisting of red, scaly, well defined, thickened areas of varying sizes. Any part of your skin on the body and on your nails can be affected. Arthritis may be associated with your psoriasis. The scalp, elbows, knees and lower back are commonly affected, but the face is usually not.

Key Points:
• Psoriasis is chronic and reoccurring
• Psoriasis produces red, scaly, well defined patches
• Psoriasis can affect any part of the skin on your body
• Psoriasis affects the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back
• Psoriasis may include nail involvement and arthritis

Who can get psoriasis?

Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the population, men and women in any age group can be affected. One type of psoriasis usually begins between the ages of 20 and 30 and runs in families, but the inheritance is variable. A number of genetic associations for example, a gene called HLA-Cw6 has been linked. Approximately 30% of people with this condition also have a first degree relative (that is parents, brothers, sisters and children) with psoriasis.

If you have an identical twin with psoriasis, the chance that you also have the condition is about 70%, while the risk for a twin who is not identical, is about 25%. The severity of psoriasis may vary between family members. For example, one member might have a very mild disease with only a couple of lesions, while another member might be covered with psoriasis. A second type typically begins around age 60 and does not run in families.

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition involving the T-lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell. Normally, the time between manufacturing and shedding skin cells is about 28 days. In psoriasis, the process is approximately 7 times faster, the outer cells are poorly formed and don’t shed properly. They tend to pile up on the skin producing the scale.

Systemic and Topical Therapy

We use all systemic and topical therapy for psoriasis including the following internal therapies: All Biologic Therapy, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Soriatane, Accutane. We take care to monitor all appropriate blood work in any patient on these medications. Topical medications we use include topical steroids, Dovonex, Protopic, Elidel, over the counter tar preparations and other compounded and non-compounded therapies.

Biologic Therapy

We have been using biologic medication since they were first approved by the FDA for psoriasis in 2003. Our practice has the largest group of patients on Amevive, Enbrel, Raptiva, Humira and Remicade. In addition, we are a clinical research site where new Biologic Therapies are tested.

Phototherapy

We have a very large phototherapy center with two total body phototherapy units equipped with Narrow Band UVB and PUVA. We also have a hand/foot unit equipped with UVA that is used for patients with difficult hand/foot psoriasis and eczema. We have a full time nurse dedicated to phototherapy.

Laser Therapy

We have been using the XTRAC laser for localized psoriasis and vitiligo. It is effective on all skin types and usually takes 10-20 treatments to achieve clearing of resistant psoriasis plaques.




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	Psoriasis Clinical Research Trials We are always involved in clinical research trials for new psoriasis medications. We typically have ongoing Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV psoriasis research trials underway. Our psoriasis clinical research unit has been active in trials with Amevive, Raptiva, Humira and other more investigational drugs. Call our psoriasis clinical research coordinator to see if any trials might be appropriate for you. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-contagious, reoccurring skin condition consisting of red, scaly, well defined, thickened areas of varying sizes. Any part of your skin on the body and on your nails can be affected. Arthritis may be associated with your psoriasis. The scalp, elbows, knees and lower back are commonly affected, but the face is usually not. Key Points: • Psoriasis is chronic and reoccurring • Psoriasis produces red, scaly, well defined patches • Psoriasis can affect any part of the skin on your body • Psoriasis affects the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back • Psoriasis may include nail involvement and arthritis Who can get psoriasis? Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the population, men and women in any age group can be affected. One type of psoriasis usually begins between the ages of 20 and 30 and runs in families, but the inheritance is variable. A number of genetic associations for example, a gene called HLA-Cw6 has been linked. Approximately 30% of people with this condition also have a first degree relative (that is parents, brothers, sisters and children) with psoriasis. If you have an identical twin with psoriasis, the chance that you also have the condition is about 70%, while the risk for a twin who is not identical, is about 25%. The severity of psoriasis may vary between family members. For example, one member might have a very mild disease with only a couple of lesions, while another member might be covered with psoriasis. A second type typically begins around age 60 and does not run in families. What causes psoriasis? Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition involving the T-lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell. Normally, the time between manufacturing and shedding skin cells is about 28 days. In psoriasis, the process is approximately 7 times faster, the outer cells are poorly formed and don’t shed properly. They tend to pile up on the skin producing the scale.	Systemic and Topical Therapy We use all systemic and topical therapy for psoriasis including the following internal therapies: All Biologic Therapy, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Soriatane, Accutane. We take care to monitor all appropriate blood work in any patient on these medications. Topical medications we use include topical steroids, Dovonex, Protopic, Elidel, over the counter tar preparations and other compounded and non-compounded therapies. Biologic Therapy We have been using biologic medication since they were first approved by the FDA for psoriasis in 2003. Our practice has the largest group of patients on Amevive, Enbrel, Raptiva, Humira and Remicade. In addition, we are a clinical research site where new Biologic Therapies are tested. Phototherapy We have a very large phototherapy center with two total body phototherapy units equipped with Narrow Band UVB and PUVA. We also have a hand/foot unit equipped with UVA that is used for patients with difficult hand/foot psoriasis and eczema. We have a full time nurse dedicated to phototherapy. Laser Therapy We have been using the XTRAC laser for localized psoriasis and vitiligo. It is effective on all skin types and usually takes 10-20 treatments to achieve clearing of resistant psoriasis plaques.
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