Jerry Bagel: Discussing Treatment Options with Patients

As newer treatment options hit the market for plaque psoriasis patients may have more questions about the best options for them. This is part of the importance of communicating with patients throughout the treatment process.

Jerry Bagel, MD, of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey, said in determining a treatment for psoriasis, one needs to consider the efficacy, but also things such as if the patient has developed psoriatic arthritis or tuberculosis, for example, for certain pills.

In a certain percentage of psoriasis patients, psoriatic arthritis will develop and dermatologists have to be able to discuss those potentials with the patient as well in determining treatment. Bagel said that dermatologists should ask a patient each visit if they are experiencing any stiffness in their fingers or toes when they wake up in the morning, or after they’d been driving a car for a long time, or other conditions that feel like plantar fasciitis, for example. Referral to a rheumatologist could be an option.