Summer is the perfect time for a refreshing swim, but some swimmers may encounter an unwelcome surprise: swimmer’s itch or seabather’s eruption. While these unfortunate skin conditions can cause discomfort and are worrying to an untrained eye, they are generally not serious. Dr. Sobell sees a fair amount of them in clinic, this time of year. Continue reading to understand and recognize these common ailments, and learn how to treat and prevent them. Swimmer’s Itch Cause: Swimmer’s itch is caused by microscopic parasites called schistosomes. These parasites live mostly in freshwater lakes and ponds, and typically infect birds and mammals. However, … Continue reading »
The recent FDA approval of Bimzelx® marks a promising advancement, offering an exceptional possibility for completely clear skin in adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. How does Bimzelx® treatment works Bimzelx® targets interleukin-17 (IL-17), one of the key chemical hormones that are elevated in people who have psoriasis. We now know that psoriasis is driven by underlying and excessive inflammation, and IL-17 is one of the critical entities involved in this process. Outstanding results for psoriasis patients In clinical trials, an astounding 7 out of 10 subjects achieved 100% clearance of their psoriasis within 16 weeks. Clear or … Continue reading »
Those suffering from psoriasis have a new reason to rejoice! The FDA has recently approved a novel medication called Sotyktu® (deucravacitinib). Unlike biologics, which are administered by injection, Sotyktu® is a pill taken once a day. Astonishingly, there hasn’t been a new oral medication available for psoriasis in almost 10 years! Sotyktu® is the first therapy in a new category of medications called selective TYK-2 inhibitors. The excitement surrounding this pill is how precisely it targets the excessive inflammation associated with psoriasis. It is believed that this explains the high clinical benefit and favorable safety profile observed in patients while … Continue reading »
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, also known as Psoriasis Action Month. The recognition of this event is especially sweet this year as two novel non-steroidal topical medications for psoriasis, Zoryve® and Vtama®, have just received FDA approval, which had not happened in over twenty years! Dr. Jeffrey Sobell, a Boston-based renowned expert in the field of psoriasis, shares the basics on these two novel creams. What’s exciting about Zoryve® and Vtama® Both creams appear much more effective than the 2 long-standing steroid-free psoriasis creams, calcipotriene (Dovonex) and tazarotene (Tazorac). It is also exciting that thinning of the skin, a potential … Continue reading »
There are three highly anticipated new topical creams for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema moving through the FDA clearance process as we write this blog. Two new unique creams for psoriasis For psoriasis, there has not been a novel non-steroidal topical medication approved in over twenty years. Thus, it is exciting that two unique creams have completed late-stage testing and are being reviewed by the FDA for potential authorization to prescribe within the next year. Roflumilast cream 0.3% targets inflammation by inhibiting PDE-4*. In two large pivotal** studies, roughly 40% of patients were clear or almost clear of psoriasis … Continue reading »
Tips to keep you safe and detect early symptoms. While June and July are the months of highest risk for contracting Lyme disease, we must remain vigilant all summer long. In the United States, the disease is predominant in 12 states, one being Massachusetts. Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. The infection is transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick. Left untreated, Lyme disease can affect many organs including the skin, joints and nervous system, and can lead to significant health issues. When diagnosed early, the prognosis is excellent. Here are some facts … Continue reading »
Have you ever wondered if you might have rosacea? Common symptoms include easy facial flushing, often worsened by triggers such as exercise, temperature changes, sun exposure, stress and/or alcohol ingestion. Over time, the redness can worsen in intensity, frequency and extent. Numerous small red blood vessels on the cheeks or nose may become apparent. Red pimple-like bumps may also occur. The cause is unknown, and while there is no cure, there are strategies to help control the problem. Use a good skin care regime Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day. Use your fingertips and avoid … Continue reading »
Do you suffer from dry hands? Well, in New England, this is extremely common. The air in our environment is much less humid; cold outdoor temperatures as well as dry indoor air from our central heating systems both contribute to this. This causes water to evaporate from our skin quickly, making it vulnerable to dehydration. Common symptoms include scaling, redness, irritation and cracking. So, how can you best treat and prevent dry hands? 1- Use a gentle cleanser Soaps can strip oils from the skin. Look for either a mild, fragrance-free soap or a soap-substitute that moisturizes. 2- Do not … Continue reading »
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin condition that appears as tiny rough bumps on the skin. SkinCare Physicians’ dermatologist explains why it is harmless and shares tips that can be helpful should it bother you. Keratosis pilaris develops most often on the backs of arms and on the fronts of thighs. In young children, the bumps may also be present on the cheeks. The appearance may be reminiscent of goose bumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. Others mistake the bumps for small pimples. In reality, KP is just plugs of dry skin around the hair follicles. And … Continue reading »
Over the last 2 decades, SkinCare Physicians’ Dr. Jeff Sobell has experienced a progression in innovative therapies for psoriasis. Now, with the recent approval of Skyrizi (rizankizumab-rkaa), a biologic indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, this progress continues. Skyrizi belongs to an exciting new class of medications called IL-23 inhibitors. These medications, given by subcutaneous injection, have gained in popularity as they offer patients the chance for high efficacy with favorable tolerability. In clinical trials with Skyrizi, the average patient’s psoriasis improved by over 50% after 1 dose, and over 90% after 2 doses. At one year after … Continue reading »
