Psoriasis Uncovered

Description:
Do you wonder if TB testing is needed when on a biologic for psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and why? Hear the answer to such questions and more from dermatologist Dr. G. Scott Drew as he addresses recent recommendations.          
Join host Archie Franklin as he discusses the latest recommendations from NPF and the International Psoriasis Council about routine testing for tuberculosis (TB) with treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis such as TNF-inhibitors, IL-17's, IL-23's and others with NPF Medical Board member and leading dermatologist Dr. G. Scott Drew from Mid-Ohio Dermatology.   
This episode identifies when a screening for tuberculosis (TB) is needed based on the type of treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis given recent recommendations from the National Psoriasis Foundation and the International Psoriasis Council.   
Timestamps:
  (0:00)        Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome dermatologist Dr. G. Scott Drew.                                                                                          (1:00)         What is tuberculosis (TB) and why testing is required with TNF-alpha inhibitors.                                                                                  (4:22)         Frequency of testing for TB and if false positive results occur.                                                                                                                      (6:15)         Do other immunosuppressants require TB testing?                                                                                                                                            (8:14)         Testing may create barriers to access or unnecessary testing.                                                                                                                          (11:03)       Release of new recommendations from the IPC and the NPF Medical Board offering  guidance of when to test for tuberculosis                          prior to and during treatment of psoriatic disease.                                                                                                                                          (15:37)       No longer need to wait to start therapy like the IL-17's or IL-23's to see the impact on quality of life.                                                      (18:26)       TB recommendations for other targeted medications like JAK inhibitors, PDE4, or the new oral IL-23 agent.                                  (19:15)        Implications of the recommendations for clinical trials.                                                                                                                                (20:13)        Become a member of NPF and visit the website to access resources and stay aware of the latest information impacting the care                       and treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
 Key Takeaways:
·       Due to the contagious nature of tuberculosis, a mycobacteria infection that affects the lungs and other parts of the body, and the increased risk associated with suppressing TNF-alpha, a TB screening is required prior to initiating and during some treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
 
·       With more advanced and targeted psoriatic disease treatments now available, the National Psoriasis Foundation and the International Psoriasis Council joint position statement recommends that TB screening is no longer needed with use of IL-17 or IL-23 treatments. 
 
·       TB screening may still be appropriate for specific populations and when symptoms are present based on a clinician's assessment.
Guest Bio:
Dr. G. Scott Drew is a medical and surgical dermatologist with Mid-Ohio Dermatology Associates where he specializes in inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, believing strongly in dermatology and patient care. He is board certified in both Dermatology and Family Practice. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Drew is a member of the clinical faculty at Ohio State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine and participates in multiple dermatologic research protocols at five locations in central Ohio. He has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, contributed to scientific symposia, and authored textbook chapters. Dr. Drew is a fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology, he is past president of the Marion Academy of Medicine, a member of the American Osteopathic Association, and is a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation's Medical Board contributing to the development of guidelines and consensus statements. He is passionate about education providing lectures both nationally and internationally on medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Resources:
Joint position statement from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board and the International Psoriasis Council on routine testing for latent tuberculosis infection prior to and during treatment of psoriasis patients with interleukin 17 or interleukin 23 inhibitors. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Vol . 94/3; P802-809. March 2026.

Description: 
How do GLP-1 receptor agonists or GIP agonists work and what is the impact for my psoriatic disease? Hear dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and cardio-immunologist Dr. Brittany Weber answer such questions and more.          
Join host Archie Franklin as he takes a deep dive into the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP agonists and the convergence of systemic inflammation related to psoriatic disease with renowned dermatologist and Vice Chair of the NPF Medical Board, Dr. Ronald Prussick from Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville and Frederick, MD, and, cardio-immunologist Dr. Brittany Weber, Director of the Cardio-Rheumatology/ Cardio-Dermatology Program at the University of Texas Southwestern. Learn more about the use of incretin hormones, the impact of weight management on psoriatic disease, metabolic and cardiovascular risk, as well as results from the TOGETHER-Pso and TOGETHER-PsA clinical trials.
 This episode addresses the actions of incretin hormones (GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIP agonist) and how such use may be beneficial in the management of inflammation related to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
 Thank you to Lilly for their support of this program activity.
 Timestamps:
(0:00)  Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and cardio-immunologist Dr. Brittany Weber. 
(1:35)  What are incretin hormones and how GLP-1 or GIP receptor agonists (RA) inhibit appetite to initiate weight loss.
(3:29)  Why GLP-1 RAs are of interest in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
(5:23)  The metabolic, cardiovascular, and psoriatic disease convergence.
(7:19)  Will reduction of inflammation impact cardiovascular risk?
(10:59) Treatment challenges associated with having psoriatic disease and being overweight or obese.
(13:45)  Key points around the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists when managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
(17:06)  Results of the TOGETHER-PsO and TOGETHER-PsA phase 3 clinical trials combining use of an IL-17 inhibitor and a GIP and GLP-1                receptor agonist therapy.
(19:07)  Having the conversation of adding a GLP-1 RA medication to a treatment regimen.
(22:40)  The paradigm shift of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the impact they can have on shared inflammatory pathways.
Key Takeaways:
·       Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists are two incretin hormones that assist in managing excess body weight -- which as a result can be helpful in managing inflammation in the body.
 
·       Psoriasis isn't just a skin and joint disease. It's a complex network of systemic inflammation with shared inflammatory pathways that worsens with increased weight impacting the severity of the disease, and accelerates the risk of metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease.
 
·       The best outcomes occur as a result of multidisciplinary collaboration to address the impact of excess weight and systemic inflammation. If you are struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise, speak with your medical team about your options including the use of GLP-1 or GIP agonists.  
Guest Bios:
Renowned dermatologist Ronald Prussick, M.D., Medical Director of the Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville and Fredrick, Maryland, specializes in the treatment of psoriasis along with other diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Dr. Prussick is also a Clinical Associate Professor in Dermatology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. Dr. Prussick has a research interest in the impact of diet on psoriatic disease and metabolic health, first becoming interested after being involved in Dr. Joel Gelfand and Dr. Nehal Mehta's work in vascular inflammation trials using FDG-PET/CT scans to view systemic and cardiovascular inflammation associated with psoriatic disease. Dr. Prussick has since participated in the development of the 2018 Dietary Recommendations for Adults with Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis and more recently the position statement "GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Psoriasis: A Primer from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board". Dr. Prussick is Vice Chair of the NPF Medical Board which provides clinical direction, treatment guidance, and education oversight to the organization and its Executive leaders.
 Brittany Weber, M.D., Ph.D. is a cardio-immunologist who is the Director of the Cardio-Rheumatology/ Cardio-Dermatology Program at the University of Texas Southwestern. She is also a member of the Division of Cardiology, a clinical investigator, and imaging specialist. Dr. Weber's research integrates advanced imaging, molecular biology, clinical trials, and population health to understand how systemic inflammation and immune deregulation drives cardiovascular dysfunction. Prior to joining UT Southwestern in 2025, Dr. Weber served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and was the Director of the Cardio-Rheumatology Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a nationally recognized clinic addressing inflammation-related heart disease through collaborative, patient centered care. Dr. Weber is also an author on the position statement "GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Psoriasis: A Primer from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board".
Resources:
"The Metabolic Collison and How You Can Take Control with Psoriatic Disease" podcast episode with dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and registered dietitian Danielle Cahalan  
"NPF Medical Board Issues GLP-1 Primer for Dermatologists" Press Release
"Finding My Path to Managing Psoriatic Disease and Excess Weight" podcast episode featuring dermatologist Dr. Erin Boh, patient advocate Brian Lehrschal, and moderator Jennifer Bomberger.

Description:
"When joint pain is present, the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis needs to be made as soon as possible, ideally within six months to limit joint inflammation" Dr. Vinod Chandran mentions as he discusses efforts to identify a diagnostic test for those at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.         
Join host Jeff Brown as he speaks with leading rheumatologist and clinician scientist Dr. Vinod Chandran, Director of the Gladman Krembil Psoriatic Arthritis Program, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network and the Departments of Medicine, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto to learn more about the progress and promising results towards developing a psoriatic arthritis diagnostic test through multi-omic assays and identifying the distinct differences between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. 
This episode provides an update on the progress to date of the NPF PsA Diagnostic Test grant initiative which has shown promising results with a potential test entering prospective study in multiple sites soon. 
 Thank you to Johnson and Johnson for their support of this program activity.
Timestamps:
(0:00)          Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome rheumatologist Dr. Vinod Chandran. 
  (0:52)          It is challenging to diagnose psoriatic arthritis with many factors leading to a delay in diagnosis.
(4:56)          The start of Dr. Chandran's involvement with the PsA Diagnostic Test Grant project.  
(7:55)          The different types of omics and the definition of multi-omic.
(9:57)          How the multi-omic approach is used to find biomarkers relative to a specific disease pattern.
(11:08)        Development of a predictive or prevention-based test using gene expression.     
(13:46)        First year results identify 200 markers across different omic approaches that distinguish psoriatic arthritis from psoriasis. 
  (14:58)        The significance of MRNA vs mIcroRNA's use in development of a diagnostic test and how critical that is to dissemination of a                     potential test.
(17:08)        Identifying the skin-joint axis in relation to different types of arthritis.
(20:20)        Next steps to moving the diagnostic test research forward as a prospective study in multiple sites and the cost effectiveness of                  delivering the test.
  (23:13)        If you have psoriasis, musculoskeletal, back, and joint pain think of psoriatic arthritis and be diagnosed early to maintain a good                 quality of life.
Key Takeaways:
·       Given challenges associated with diagnosing psoriatic arthritis and the impact on quality of life, in 2019 NPF launched the PsA Diagnostic Test Grant project with the goal of developing an early stage test that would identify and diagnose those with psoriatic arthritis before debilitating  joint damage begins.  
·       Progress towards a PsA Diagnostic Test includes the study of multi-omic data sets where 200 distinct biomarkers have been identified leading to a greater understanding of the different pathways between psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and the skin joint axis. 
·       A potential diagnostic test is now moving towards the prospective study phase. Until the test is available and if joint pain is present and you have psoriasis, ask your health care provider if it could be psoriatic arthritis and treat appropriately. 
Guest Bio:
Vinod Chandran, MBBS, MD, DM, PhD is a rheumatologist, clinician scientist, and Director of the Gladman Krembil Psoriatic Arthritis Program, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network and the Departments of Medicine, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto where he is also a Professor of Medicine. His specialties include internal medicine, immunology, rheumatology, and genetic epidemiology. His research focus is on the development of biomarker-based strategies to improve early diagnosis and prognosis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, identification of new treatment targets especially for those who do not respond to current therapies, and strategies to reduce the impact of disease. Dr. Chandran is a Co-Vice President of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis or GRAPPA. He is an active collaborator in a multi-center research consortia such as the International Psoriasis and Arthritis Research Team and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada. Dr. Chandran is the recipient of research funding from the National Psoriasis Foundation for his work in identifying a "Multi-omic Diagnostic Test for PsA in Psoriasis Patients".
Resources:
"Understanding the NPF Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnostic Test Grant Outcomes" Advance Online. February 18, 2026. 
"Managing Chronic Pain with Psoriatic Arthritis" Psoriasis Uncovered podcast episode with physiatrist Dr. Erin Maslowski, LB Herbert who lives with psoriatic disease, and moderator Susan McClelland-Tobert, a retired pediatric cardiologist who also lives with psoriatic disease.
Glossary of terms:
mRNA: Messenger RNA carries protein information or instructions from the DNA in a cell's nucleus to the cell's interior where the sequence is read and translated into corresponding amino acids for growing protein chains.
Micro-RNA (miRNA):  Micro-RNA act as the regulator. They are short and bind to specific target mRNA's to degrade or inhibit production of protein.

Description:
"What is metabolic disease and why do I have it on top of psoriatic disease?" Hear dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and registered dietitian Danielle Cahalan explore this collision of diseases and how you can take control to help reduce the impact of inflammation.         
 Join host Corinne Rutkowski as she discusses why metabolic disease occurs with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and what can be done to improve overall health with dermatologist and Vice Chair of the NPF Medical Board, Dr. Ronald Prussick from Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville and Frederick, MD, and Danielle Cahalan, a registered dietitian and coach with All Access Dietitians. Listen as they also discuss the four pillars of health, the latest evidence around use of the Mediterranean Diet with psoriatic disease, key nutrients that impact overall health from omega 3's, polyphenols, and fiber, to making small sustainable changes.
 This episode offers information to help explain the connection between metabolic and psoriatic disease and what can be done to decrease health risks associated with both diseases through sustainable changes.
Timestamps:
(0:00)  Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and registered dietitiand and coach                  Danielle Cahalan.                                                                                             
(1:27)  Definition of metabolic disease and why the risk is higher among those with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
(3:11)  How this bi-directional relationship impacts the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
(6:54)  The four pillars of health that can be used to reduce the risk of metabolic disease.  
(11:17) Does an anti-inflammatory diet exist?
(13:46) What is the Mediterranean diet and the foods that are typically included.
(16:32) The impact of the Mediterranean diet on systemic inflammation, metabolic health, and severity of psoriatic disease.
(21:03) The three types of healthy fats – what they are, how they work, and where to find them.
(24:50) The high polyphenol Mediterranean diet from what that means to choosing nutrient dense, colorful foods.
(28:04) The koebnerization of the gut microbiome and the impact of the Mediterranean diet and high fiber.
(30:59) The DASH diet in combination with the Mediterranean diet lowers oxidative stress and inflammation.
(33:14) Sustainability of the Mediterranean diet and flexing behavioral health changes long term. 
(37:43) Start with small habit changes and then build from there to have an impact on your metabolic health. 
Key Takeaways:
·       Research shows a bi-directional relationship between psoriasis and excess body weight leading to increasing severity of disease, decrease in treatment effectiveness, and the development of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions which together raise the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
·       What you choose to eat can make an impact in managing inflammatory markers, metabolic health to increase insulin sensitivity, decrease high blood pressure, improve lipids and the gut microbiome, as well as support neuro protection and decrease cognitive decline.
·       Create small sustainable habits that make positive changes to your immune system and gradually work towards building a foundation that benefits your overall health.
Guest Bios:
Renowned dermatologist Ronald Prussick, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville and Fredrick, Maryland where he specializes in the treatment of psoriasis along with other diseases of the skin, hair, and nails with the latest technology and products. Dr. Prussick is also a Clinical Associate Professor in Dermatology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. Dr. Prussick has a research interest in the impact of diet on psoriatic disease and metabolic health. He first became interested after being involved in Dr. Joel Gelfand and Dr. Nehal Mehta's work in vascular inflammation trials using FDG-PET?CT scans to view systemic and cardiovascular inflammation associated with psoriatic disease. Dr. Prussick also participated in the development of the 2018 Dietary Recommendations for Adults with Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis from the Medical Board of the NPF, which offered a review of studies addressing the impact of dietary interventions in people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Prussick is Vice Chair of the NPF Medical Board which provides clinical direction, treatment guidance, and provides education oversight to the organization and its Executive leaders.
Danielle Cahalan, MS, RDN is a licensed and registered dietitian and coach with All Access Dietitians which offers virtual nutrition support services in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, IN, MA, MO, MT, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI, and WY. All Access Dietitians infuses the science of motivation, habit formation, and sustainable behavior change into every session that addresses weight management and metabolic health, to women's health and digestive support. Danielle's primary focus during sessions is to help her clients find that intersection between enjoyment and satisfaction with their food choices that also support their health through sustenance. It's about finding that balance between feeling empowered, energized, and confident in the ability to make decisions that impact health, wellness, and longevity.
Resources:
"Mediterranean Diet Pyramid: Guidelines for Healthy Eating" © 2009 Oldways Preservation and Exchange Trust www.oldwayspt.org and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences Memory and Aging Center.
DASH Eating Plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). February 25, 2026. NIH (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) 
Mediterranean Diet and Patients With Psoriasis: The MEDIPSO Randomized Clinical Trial. AMA Dermatology . Dec. 1, 2025 
The Mediterranean Diet as a Potential Solution to the Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in Psoriasis Patients Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis 2024 Jan 9.

Description:
Coping with psoriasis can be challenging when your routine changes. Hear NPF Youth Ambassadors Aditi, Alyssa, and Pierce offer what they do to overcome such challenges when out of their routine.           
Join host Kaleigh Welch as she discusses tips for coping with changes that occur when traveling to visit family or friends, going on vacation, camping, or a change in schedule with three amazing NPF Youth Ambassadors Aditi, Alyssa, and Pierce who live with psoriasis. Hear their story from challenges with their initial diagnosis, struggles with insecurities, whether they choose to inform others, and what they do to manage their disease and stress while living their life with confidence to pursue their chosen activities  no matter if their routine changes. 
This episode features how 3 NPF Youth Ambassadors overcome challenges when out of their routine and how they respond while managing their psoriasis.
 
(0:00) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & welcome to guests Youth Ambassadors Aditi, Alyssa, and Pierce.
(0:55) Overcoming challenges from diagnosis, finding the right treatment, to making choices impacted by living with psoriasis.       
(5:44) Tips for what to do and pack when traveling for activities that disrupt the usual routine.
(10:11) Keeping the skin moisturized can be a challenge but find a routine and product that works.
(12:38) Preparing for potential triggers that could initiate the Koebner phenomenon and psoriasis.
(13:33) Managing the impact of stress when out of the routine or traveling.
(16:20) Alyssa's approach to managing fatigue.
(16:53) The impact of diet and exercise when managing psoriasis.
(18:47) Telling others about psoriasis when staying at a friend's house or hotel.
(23:36) Our number one recommendation for when being out of your routine. 
(25:39) Be confident about who you are and trust you'll find the right treatment and routine for your psoriasis.
Key Takeaways:
·       Being out of your normal routine whether traveling on vacation or for work, camping, staying at a hotel or with family or friends can present challenges to managing your psoriasis.
 
·       Preparing in advance by anticipating medication or over-the-counter needs, telling others, and asking for help can reduce the impact of challenges due to a change in routine.
 
·       Be confident about who you are, find a treatment that works, and learn to live successfully with your psoriasis.
 
Guest Bios:
Aditi enjoys Carnatic singing, violin, figure skating, and participating in Model UN where students debate global issues, learn diplomacy, international relations, and public speaking. Aditi was diagnosed with psoriasis at 10 years old and has used topicals to manage her disease along with diet, exercise and stress management. Prior to becoming a Youth Ambassador she had never met anyone with psoriasis. She plans to pursue a career in dermatology.
 Alyssa is relatively new to the NPF Youth Ambassador program, joining in 2025 to connect with others who also live with psoriasis. Her diagnosis process was challenging and eventually she was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis after being improperly diagnosed and given treatments that didn't fully clear her psoriasis. This experience changed her life both physically and emotionally. Alyssa is a busy student-athlete serving as a member of her school's varsity cheer team and being a star pitcher for her school's softball team.
 Pierce connected with NPF right after being diagnosed with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in 2024 which covered over half of his body. Together with his mother they learned more about the disease and management with various treatment options from NPF, quickly learning what worked and what didn't. Per Pierce "it was horrible dealing with it for a while because I couldn't hide the plaques."  After facing challenges with step therapy and eventually traveling to the Mayo Clinic he found the treatment he needed to help clear his skin. Pierce is very active in golf playing at least 5 days a week. He currently plays for his high school team, the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour, and the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).  Pierce also became a Youth Ambassador to meet others with psoriatic disease.
Resources:
-Meet other teens who have psoriatic disease. Become a Youth Ambassador
-"Traveling Near and Far With Psoriatic Disease" podcast episode.
-"Moisturizing Sensitive Skin" Advance Online. June 11, 2025.