Most people think psoriasis is “just” dry skin. They’re wrong.
Nearly 9 million patients suffer from psoriasis and related disorders, which are one of a group of diseases called immune disorders. That means there’s an imbalance in a patient’s immune system –the system that’s supposed to keep people healthy mistakenly sends out wrong signals to other cells alerting them to attack the enemy, a phantom pathogen.
Approximately 40 percent of patients with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, an immune imbalance that spreads to the bones and causes severe joint pain.
Scientists and innovators are developing new treatments, known as immunomodulators. But, insurance companies and other groups are blocking patients’ access to these treatments.