Biologic treatment for psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can significantly impact quality of life. Over the last decade, biologic therapies have transformed how moderate-to-severe psoriasis is treated. At Arshi Skin & Hair Clinics, dermatologists offer advanced biologic options tailored to individual patient needs.
Here’s a detailed question-and-answer guide to help you understand biologics clearly.
1. What is psoriasis and why does it occur?
- Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, causing:
- Thick red patches with silvery scales
- Itching or burning
- Nail changes
- Joint pain (psoriatic arthritis in some patients)
- It occurs due to immune dysregulation, especially involving inflammatory pathways like TNF-alpha, IL-17, and IL-23. These pathways cause rapid skin cell turnover and inflammation.
2. What are biologics in psoriasis treatment?
- Biologics are advanced targeted medicines made from living cells that block specific immune pathways responsible for psoriasis.
- Unlike oral tablets that suppress the entire immune system, biologics:
- Target specific inflammatory proteins
- Provide long-term control
- Have high success rates
- Improve skin clearance significantly
- They are usually given as injections at specific intervals.
3. Who needs biologics?
Biologics are recommended for patients with:
- Moderate to severe psoriasis
- Psoriasis not responding to creams or tablets
- Extensive body involvement
- Scalp, nail, or genital psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Frequent relapses
- Poor quality of life due to psoriasis
At Arshi clinics, dermatologists assess:
- PASI score (severity index)
- Body surface area
- Lifestyle impact
- Previous treatments before recommending biologics.
4. What biologics are available at Arshi Skin & Hair Clinics?
Common biologics offered include:
A. TNF-alpha inhibitors
- Adalimumab
- Etanercept
- Infliximab
Useful for:
- Severe psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
B. IL-17 inhibitors
- Secukinumab
- Ixekizumab
Benefits:
- Very fast skin clearance
- Excellent for scalp and nail psoriasis
- High PASI 90–100 response rates
- Long dosing intervals
- Sustained remission
- Very high efficacy
Your dermatologist selects the biologic based on:
- Severity
- Comorbidities
- Budget
- Frequency preference
- Arthritis involvement
5. How effective are biologics?
Biologics are the most effective psoriasis treatments available today.
Clinical outcomes:
- 70–90% patients achieve major clearance
- Many reach PASI 90 or PASI 100
- Rapid improvement in 4–12 weeks
- Long-term remission possible
Patients often report:
- Better confidence
- Reduced itching
- Improved sleep
- Social comfort
6. Are biologics safe?
Yes, when used under dermatologist supervision.
Before starting therapy, patients undergo screening:
- TB test
- Blood tests
- Liver function
- Viral markers
- Chest X-ray
Biologics are considered safer than long-term oral immunosuppressants when monitored properly.
Possible side effects:
- Mild infections
- Injection site reactions
- Rare -serious infections
At Arshi clinics, regular monitoring ensures safety.
7. How are biologics given?
Biologics are given as subcutaneous injections.
Frequency depends on the drug:
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Once every 3 months
Many patients can self-inject at home after training.
8. How long should biologic treatment continue?
Psoriasis is chronic, so biologics are used for long-term control.
However:
- Some patients achieve remission.
- Dosing intervals may be extended.
- Treatment can be paused under medical advice.
Arshi dermatologists personalize duration based on response.
9. Are biologics expensive?
- Biologics are costlier than creams or tablets, but:
- Highly effective
- Reduce hospital visits
- Improve productivity
- Reduce flare-ups
- Many patients find them cost-effective long term.
Arshi clinics guide patients on:
- Choosing the right biologic
- Cost optimization
- Treatment planning
10. Can biologics cure psoriasis permanently?
There is no permanent cure yet, but biologics can:
- Control disease completely
- Maintain clear skin for years
- Prevent flares
- Improve quality of life dramatically
- Many patients experience near-normal skin.
11. Are biologics suitable for psoriatic arthritis?
Yes. Many biologics treat both:
- Skin psoriasis
- Joint pain
Early biologic therapy can prevent joint damage.
12. What makes Arshi Skin & Hair Clinics unique for biologics?
Key advantages:
- Experienced dermatologists
- Evidence-based protocols
- Biologic therapy monitoring
- Personalized plans
- Hub-and-spoke model for continuity
- Tele-follow-ups
- Advanced diagnostics
Patients receive:
- Detailed counseling
- Screening tests
- Injection training
- Long-term monitoring
13. What is the process to start biologics?
Step-by-step:
- Dermatology consultation
- Severity assessment
- Blood investigations
- Infection screening
- Biologic selection
- First dose under supervision
- Follow-up schedule
14. What results can patients expect?
Typical timeline:
- 4 weeks: reduction in scaling
- 8–12 weeks: major clearance
- 3–6 months: near clear skin
- Long term: remission maintenance
15. When should you consult for biologics?
Consider consultation if:
- Psoriasis not improving
- Frequent relapses
- Emotional distress
- Joint pain
- Extensive lesions
- Early biologic therapy prevents complications.
Final Thoughts
Biologics have revolutionized psoriasis treatment. With modern targeted therapy, patients can now achieve clear skin, fewer relapses, and better quality of life.
At Arshi Skin & Hair Clinics, dermatologists provide personalized biologic therapy programs with scientific monitoring and long-term care.
To know if biologic treatment for psoriasis is right for you, consult the expert dermatologists at Arshi Skin & Hair Clinics and book an appointment today.
