All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Did you know that nearly7.5 million peoplein the United States have psoriasis?
Psoriasis can occuranywhere on the body, according to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology.
Its not just skin deep, saysMichelle Henry, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
Its a full-body inflammatory condition.
As a result, psoriasis can also affect other areas of the body, like the joints.
Gonzalez says biologic medications can also treat other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohns disease.
According to Lancer, doctors might also use biologics to manage other diseases, like diabetes and breast cancer.
Lancer says one reason people prefer them is that they are taken less frequently than oral medications.
Compared to daily doses, biologics can be taken weekly or even monthly for an extended period of time.
And whileresearchsuggestsbiologics can be effective and are generally safe, they are best used in certain patients.
Biologics work best for people with more severe and widespread disease, Gonzalez says.
Every case and medication is different, she says.
Its important to find a true expert in this space to find whats safest and what will work best.
According to Henry, primary-care providers can treat psoriasis, but dermatologists may feel more comfortable prescribing biologics.
Your primary-care provider might make a diagnosis and send you to us anyway, she says.
