Biologics may reduce the risk of heart disease Dec 10th 2020, 13.31

• Author: Dr David Ashton
• Topic: Treatment

Encouraging new evidence suggests that biological treatment for psoriasis, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. 

Biologics have been used in the treatment of psoriasis since the early 2000s.  They block the actions of various inflammatory molecules – cytokines – which play a major role in the development of psoriasis and psoriatic…

Systemic drug therapy in the obese patient with psoriasis Nov 8th 2020, 13.37

• Author: Dr David Ashton
• Topic: Psoriasis

Should a patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) influence the choice of a systemic drug in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?  A recent report suggests that the answer is ‘Yes’¹.

There is a strong and consistent association between obesity and psoriasis; obese patients are more likely to develop psoriasis and its severity increases with …

COVID- 19: A Point of View Apr 3rd 2020, 10.48

• Author: Dr David Ashton
• Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Origins of the Virus

Most of the evidence now points towards a “wet” market in Wuhan, with bats being butchered for human consumption, the most likely source of COVID-19. These markets form an integral part of Chinese culture and social life.  And part of their tradition is to consume ‘warm meat’ – from animals that are killed on the spot (and…

Psoriasis and increased risk of migraine Feb 25th 2020, 13.47

• Author: Dr David Ashton
• Topic: Psoriasis

In recent years, several large studies have found an association between psoriasis and migraine.  This is perhaps not entirely surprising, given that both conditions share several underlying mechanisms, connected with inflammation.  But how strong is the relationship and what implications does this have for the management of psoriatic patients? 

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