Fact Checking Kim Kardashian’s Psoriasis ‘Treatments’ (2024)

FAQs

Are we close to a cure for psoriasis? ›

Although there is no cure, there are more effective psoriasis treatments today than ever before. Treating psoriasis can help improve symptoms as well as lower the risk of developing psoriasis comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression.

Scientists have discovered a gene mutation is responsible for causing psoriasis -- a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes patients to develop red, scaly and itchy patches across their body.

At times, treatment can lead to clear skin and no psoriasis symptoms. The medical term for this is “remission.” A remission can last for months or years; however, most last from 1 to 12 months. Psoriasis is notoriously unpredictable, so it's impossible to know who will have a remission and how long it will last.

Psoriasis treatment may not work for several reasons, such as developing a drug tolerance, experiencing side effects, or needing stronger medications.

IL-23 p19 Inhibitors

Mirikizumab (Simlandi) is an investigational IL-23 p19 inhibitor that is being studied for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It targets a subunit of the IL-23 cytokine, which is thought to play a crucial role in the chronic inflammation characteristic of psoriasis.

There is currently no cure for psoriasis. However, the available treatment options can help reduce the impact of psoriasis. In many cases, these options can allow a person to achieve remission. There are several psoriasis treatments to choose from, including topicals, phototherapy, and systemic medications.

You'll probably think of skin issues first, but your eyes, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal (GI) tract (stomach and intestines), liver and kidneys may also be affected. Skin. Psoriasis appears first in 60% to 80% of patients, usually followed within 10 years — but sometimes longer — by arthritis.

Hydrocortisone creams and ointments. You can buy a mild corticosteroid like hydrocortisone without a prescription. For a few small patches of psoriasis, a mild hydrocortisone works well. If you have more than a few small patches, you'll likely need a prescription corticosteroid to see results.

No, psoriasis won't get better with age (unless you treat it), but it won't worsen either. Aging in and of itself doesn't necessarily affect psoriasis, but age-related skin changes could. For example, older skin has less collagen and elastin to keep it strong and pliable.

Many autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis can benefit from dietary changes. If you have psoriasis, you may find it beneficial to include plenty of anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy oils. You may also want to avoid pro-inflammatory foods, such as meat, dairy, and processed foods.

What am I lacking if I have psoriasis? ›

Research suggests people with psoriasis have lower than average blood selenium levels than people without psoriasis. For example, a 2017 study of 118 people comparing those with and without psoriasis found lower selenium levels on average in the psoriasis group.

Kardashian explained to fans that her psoriasis, which she was diagnosed with in 2011, originally affected just one "spot" on her lower leg, but now it's "going down my leg and up my leg and all up my thigh." She added that the heart-shaped spot on her shin was specially formed for Valentine's Day.

Psoriatic disease isn't curable, but it is becoming more treatable. While not everyone can achieve clear skin or pain-free joints, things are improving with each new drug that we have to treat them with.

The newest biologic agent for psoriasis, bimekizumab (Bimzelx), was approved by the FDA on October 18, 2023, for the management of moderate to severe psoriasis. Bimekizumab is unique in that it blocks both the IL-17A and IL-17F cytokines.

There's no cure for psoriasis. But treatment can help you feel better. You may need topical, oral, or body-wide (systemic) treatments. Even if you have severe psoriasis, there are good ways to manage your flare-ups.

A newer biologic, brodalumab (Siliq), targets an IL-17A receptor. Bimekizumab would be the first biologic to target IL-17F. Bimekizumab showed improvements in psoriasis in recent clinical trials. Given as a shot, it may be available to use as soon as 2023.