Jerry Bagel, MD: Evolution of Psoriasis Treatment Means Better Results for Patients

As new treatments for plaque psoriasis are developed the field as a whole is taking a new look at the condition. However, there are still challenges to overcome in diagnosis and treatment.

When looking at the various treatment options, Jerry Bagel, MD, of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey, said doctors needs to consider the efficacy, but also things such as if the patient has developed psoriatic arthritis or tuberculosis, for example, for certain agents.

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 depending on symptom management and development.