Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with psoriasis? Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta has made psoriasis treatment an area of expertise. Dr. Jamie Weisman is a board certified dermatologist who is nationally recognized for her expertise in psoriasis, both in research and active patient care. It is a common skin disease that affects up to 3% of Americans. Psoriasis can be a systemic disease that manifests itself in the skin. Although mild psoriasis may be treated easily, severe psoriasis can be difficult to treat and become frustrating and embarrassing for patients. Dr. Weisman understands the complexity of psoriasis and provides personalized treatment plans, whether it is topical creams, UV light therapy or systemic treatments. You can trust that Medical Dermatology Specialists will use the latest in evolving research and technique when treating your psoriasis. We are proud to be a thriving research and medical dermatology practice that offers clinical trials in psoriasis treatment, offering the most cutting-edge treatment methods available to our patients.
Learn How clinical trials make psoriatic disease treatment affordable
Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis symptoms can be mild or severe. Patients are often embarrassed by this skin disease. In fact, studies show that severe psoriasis has a greater impact on patients’ lives than heart failure, diabetes and kidney disease. Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, appears as well defined thick areas of red and scaly skin. It may itch, but not always. Although psoriasis is not limited to a certain area of the body, it typically develops on the scalp, elbows and knees. At Medical Dermatology Specialists, we understand the psychological and physical discomfort psoriasis brings. Dr. Weisman and our team of experts are devoted to finding a successful treatment plan to relieve your psoriasis symptoms.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that is caused by a rapid growth of skin cells. The immune system sends faulty signals to the skin cells causing them to grow too quickly. Because the body cannot shed these extra skin cells, they begin to pile up on the skin’s surface causing psoriasis to appear. Medical Dermatology Specialists has the experience and expertise you need to get long-term solutions to your chronic skin diseases. Contact our Atlanta Psoriasis Treatment Experts today for the most advanced treatments available for psoriasis. We are the dermatologist that Atlanta residents turn to for superior, patient centered care when they have skin concerns.
Ask the expert: psoriasis
- What makes Dr. Weisman an expert on psoriasis?
- Having an immune disorder myself I am very interested in diseases driven by the immune system. I started focusing on immune driven diseases in residency and have collaborated with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Utah, and Emory University to further understand how this disease starts and what effects, both physically and emotionally, that psoriasis has on patients.
- With so many medications available to treat psoriasis, how do I choose what’s best for me or my loved one?
- It can definitely be overwhelming with ads on TV and a bunch of different brand names. At our practice, we are committed to a collaborative approach to medicine. That means we want our patients actively involved in their healthcare choices. Our job is to share our knowledge with you. Since we have been involved in the research and development of almost off new FDA approved psoriasis medications we have a much deeper knowledge of how these medications work and what their risks and benefits are. The conversation about choosing a medication with potential for great benefit but also side effects cannot be rushed. We will sit down with you with our “menu” listing all available treatments and discuss the effectiveness and safety of these treatments with you for as long as you wish. Bring questions! We welcome your research into medications, lifestyle changes and your unique perspective on your body.
- What exactly is a “biologic” medication?
- “Biologic” is a term used to describe a medication that mimics a natural protein in the body. All biologics are antibodies or receptor blockers that look like something your body might make itself. These are complex large molecules that are now used to treat a range of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Because they are proteins – like a hamburger or a piece of chicken- they are broken down in the gastrointestinal tract and must be administered either by injection or intravenously. Biologic medications have some distinct advantages over oral medications. In many cases they are very specific for the disease state and may have fewer side effects than an oral medication. Since they are broken down like proteins, very few biologics used to treat autoimmune diseases affect the kidney or liver and they generally have fewer drug interactions than oral medications. That is not to say that biologic medications are easy to use. We need to have a lengthy discussion with you to assess your overall health, your family history of disease and your future plans in order to make sure the patient chooses the right medication for his or her unique circumstances. Biologic medications are known to stay in the body longer than oral medications, so we must be careful with this choice.
- Isn’t psoriasis just a skin disease?
- Psoriasis is a disease that shows up in the skin, but it is caused by an overactive immune system. We now know that patients with psoriasis are at increased risk for other medical problems, most commonly psoriatic arthritis but also inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Patients with psoriasis are best cared for by a medical dermatologist who works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists, such as rheumatology, gastroenterology and cardiology. At Medical Dermatology Specialists, we work closely with physicians in all of these specialties to make sure we are addressing all of your healthcare needs.
- What if I can’t afford my medication?
- Almost all pharmaceutical companies run patient assistance programs, even for patients with no insurance. We are determined to make sure our patients get the medications that they need. In addition, we have an active and world-recognized research division that often allows patients’ access to the latest medications for free. Do not let money stand in the way of getting treatment. We are here to help.
- Should I participate in a clinical trial?
- Clinical trials are done to investigate the safety and effectiveness of new medications. They are closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that the patient’s health and privacy are guarded and that no one is forced to participate in a research project. Through a clinical trial a patient may have access to breakthrough therapies for psoriasis. Participation in a trial must be voluntary, but once participating, office visits and the investigational medication are provided at no cost. It is exciting to treat psoriasis in an age when more effective and safer medications are being developed. For more information on clinical trials for psoriasis, please email dustinova@atlmedderm.com or watch our website for evening informational meetings.
