Can biologics help a 36-year-old with plaque psoriasis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 36 years old and have been living with plaque psoriasis for over a decade. The red, scaly patches on my elbows, scalp, and back come and go, but lately they are flaring badly. I am using steroid creams and coal tar shampoo, but they only give temporary relief.

My dermatologist mentioned trying biologic injections like Ixekizumab or Secukinumab. Can you explain how these work in plain language and whether they are safe long-term? Also, is it true that psoriasis is more than a skin issue and can affect joints? Sometimes my fingers feel stiff.

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Thanks for opening up about this. Living with psoriasis for so long, especially when it flares and stops responding well to creams, can be incredibly frustrating. What you are describing are stubborn plaques and joint stiffness, which raises the possibility that it is not just a skin condition anymore. Psoriasis can indeed affect the joints, too, in what is called psoriatic arthritis. It often starts subtly, with finger stiffness or swelling, especially in the morning.

Biologic injections like Ixekizumab and Secukinumab are advanced treatments that work by calming specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis. In simple terms, they block proteins that drive the inflammation, causing the skin and joint symptoms. They are not like general immunosuppressants; they are more targeted, which makes them effective and usually better tolerated.

Regarding long-term safety, these drugs have been around for several years and are generally considered safe when monitored properly. Infections are the main risk, but regular follow-ups and basic blood tests help keep things under control.

Please raise a follow-up query if you have any questions or other health issues. I will definitely help you.

Thank you.